Killeens Bar Shannonbridge is a famous and totally remarkable pub on the banks of the river Shannon, just a five minute stroll from the pier in Shannonbridge, County Offaly.
Its old traditional style of bar and shop combination, going strong for the past 80 (and some ) years, is one of the very few left in Ireland. So not only can you stop by for a pint, but you can also pick up a bag of potatoes and a fishing lure or two at the same time.
A visit has become a very educational and enjoyable experience for all customers from far and wide, and many a local too, with plenty of history and culture to be had.
The 4x2 foot flagstone in the bar floor immediately in front of the stage is an old slab of the famous Clorhane limestone, composed of fossilised sea lilies, which lived some 340 million years ago. In more recent times Killeens has become well known for its hanging puzzles and anagrams - particularly the “T” puzzle.
All sorts of nick-nacks and old memorabilia are suspended from the shop and bar ceilings, and tacked to the walls, including over 2,000 business cards and bank notes along with old phone cards, driving licences, backward clocks, and a wonderful array of Peterson pipes.
Food is also served at Killeens, and as part of its simple winter lunch menu the “black pudding toastie” is always in demand along with their homemade soups. You can finish things off with tea or their famous Illy Italian coffee.
There is a great range of wines and beers in the off licence section.
Music is a huge feature of Killeen’s and everyone is welcome to bring their own instruments, or play some of the instrument already in the bar at anytime. Great live music is also on offer, from Friday, December 5 with Jock and Davy right up to New Year’s Eve, when you can join in the fancy dress night to the sounds of The Blaggards. A candlelit trad night on Christmas Eve will be one of the highlights of the season.
Don’t miss Killeens’ 12 days of Christmas scratchcard offer, starting on December 24 at 6.30pm and continuing every evening from 6.30pm till close until January 6.
To contact Killeens Bar, Shannonbridge call (090 ) 9674112 or find them on Facebook.
