O’Connell’s Bar & Kitchen in Cullohill will reopen on Friday, October 16, when RTÉ personality Marty Morrissey turns on the lights for a public celebration after the traditional Laois pub sat dark since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Irish Examiner reported.
Marty Morrissey to Reopen Historic Laois Pub
The landmark rural public house has stood in the Cullohill area for over a century. William and David O’Connell previously placed the property on the market following its 2019 closure. New owners Anne Marie and John Scanlan subsequently acquired the building and completed a comprehensive restoration project.
Anne Marie Scanlan served previously as deputy garda commissioner, while John Scanlan retired three years ago as the Laois/Offaly garda chief superintendent. Both local residents undertook the renovation as a deliberate effort to preserve the venue’s historical footprint.
Ballymaloe Culinary Roots in Cullohill
The establishment operated under the O’Connell family stewardship beginning in 1917, functioning variously as a rural grocery hub, petrol station, post office, and grain depot. Elizabeth O’Connell raised her family on the premises after being widowed at a young age, instilling a culinary foundation in her children that eventually birthed the Ballymaloe food legacy through Darina Allen and her brother Rory O’Connell.
Renovation efforts actively incorporated original architectural elements, retaining wood panelling sourced straight from the historic bar. The overhaul also added four ensuite boutique guest rooms to expand local tourism offerings.
Bord Fáilte Funding and Social Media Interest
Fáilte Ireland provided €290,000 toward the total project cost through its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme. Anne Marie Scanlan noted that this financial backing substantially increased their capacity to construct the guest accommodation.
The structural transformation drew wide online attention throughout the construction phase, accumulating millions of views across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Chef Danny Parker directs the kitchen operation alongside Roland, Kiara, and Michelle Spenser, emphasizing home-produced meals for both travelers and local patrons.
Cullohill Venue Frequently Asked Questions
When did O’Connell’s Bar & Kitchen close its doors?
The traditional pub ceased operations at the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2019, remaining shuttered until the recent acquisition and restoration by the Scanlan family.
Who purchased the historic property from the O’Connell family?
Retired senior gardaí Anne Marie and John Scanlan bought the building, transforming it into a combined bar, restaurant, and four-room boutique guest accommodation.
How was the renovation project financed?
Fáilte Ireland contributed €290,000 to the development via the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking scheme, which specifically supported the creation of the new tourist lodging.
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