'End of an era' as Iconic Mayo bar closes after 156 years of trading
The fourth-generation family pub, established in 1870, has been a fixture of Achill life across three centuries, with locals, former staff and visitors sharing fond memories of the bar online.
Tributes have poured in for Josie and Jackie of McLoughlin's Bar in Achill Sound, which closed on Sunday 27 September after 156 years of trading.
The fourth-generation family pub, established in 1870, has been a fixture of Achill life across three centuries. Josie and Jackie are retiring.
Marking the closure, the community page What's On in Achill said it was “a sad farewell for Achill” but also a chance to thank the pair for "the welcome, the company and the happy memories that so many will carry with them." The page wished them a long, healthy and happy retirement.
Locals, former staff and visitors have shared memories of the bar online. Patrick Nee recalled that McLoughlin's was where he learned to wash glasses, and that Josie advised him to go easy on the dish soap. “To this day you will never see a soapy beer glass or dish washed by me,” he wrote.
Rachel Fadian, who also worked there, described the pub as “the back bone of the sound” and said Josie's tips on pulling a good pint of Guinness had stayed with her.
For Mary Ellen Kilbane, the pub was a second home to her parents. Her mother worked there for many years and met her father there, and his craftsmanship is still visible throughout the building. On behalf of the Kilbane family of Ballycroy, she called the day “sad and poignant” and said the family was always made feel welcome.
Ellen Ginty remembered “great craic” at the bar and fondly recalled Josie's mother as “an exceptional nice woman.” Patrick Scanlon, marking “one last pint,” wrote that while the doors may be closing, the memories and friendships made there “will never be forgotten.”
The bar also played a part in local sport. Achill Pool League thanked Josie for lending his pool table for local competitions and for entering a team in the Achill Pub Pool League every year. The club said the pub would be “sorely missed by the locals and visitors who entered its doors,” and added that Josie was “not a bad player on his day.”