Kelly’s Bar and Venue opened its doors in July of last year, but only now have the final touches been added. The mirrors have been hung, the pheasant has been stuffed, the beer taps well and truly tested so Kelly’s is now ready to launch. The official launch party takes place tomorrow Friday February 26 kicking off at 9pm. To celebrate, Kelly’s has lined up music on two floors from two bands and four DJs and lots of giveaways. Entry is free and early arrivals will get a complimentary drink.
The premises, which were formerly “The Living Room” in Galway’s Latin Quarter have been completely reinvented.
“The first thing we agreed to do was to put our own family name above the door, hence the name Kellys” says owner Joan Kelly
“The aim from the outset was to build a post ‘boom’ bar. A bar that would have all the nostalgic elements of a proper pub and yet appeal to the needs of the noughties. Who’d have thought during the Celtic Tiger that so soon after we would feel a compulsion to grow our own veg, crochet our own cushions and Hoover our own cars”, continues Joan.
Out of this new reality was born Kelly’s. A proper pub, boozer, local. One with cozy snugs, comfy seating, smoking room, downstairs toilets, (electric ) fire, big tables for rowdy lunches, elbow room on the bar counter, friendly staff and a warm welcome. A return to simpler times and simpler values. A pub that suggests more chat and less spin.
Upstairs has been transformed into a fantastic live venue with excellent acoustics and state of the art sound and light systems. Upstairs at Kelly’s is now home to Gigantic, Galway’s longest running independent club night. The venue has already played host to the Delorentos, Kila, Norman Jay, Kevin Bridges, Al Pitcher, Kinky Friedman, Adebisi Shank, The Nextmen, as well as hosting events such as Leviathan Debate, stand-up comedy gigs, album launches, and local singer-songwriter showcase nights.
This Friday from 9pm, there is a fantastic line up of free entertainment on both floors. Upstairs there is live music from The Rye and Disconnect 4, followed by Shake with Ray McShake and guest DJ Padraic Disconaut. Downstairs in the bar, Josh from i-radio and DJ ferg are supplying the tunes. Entry is free so get there early and bring your dancin’ shoes.
