New sports bar opens in Ballina as Mayo family expands hospitality business
Carr’s Sports Bar & Venue opens in Ballina, adding a new destination for live sport, music and socialising in the heart of the town
The newest addition to Ballina’s hospitality scene has officially opened its doors, with Carr’s Sports Bar & Venue welcoming its first customers at 47 Garden Street.
The new venue marks the latest investment by local publicans Michael and Clair Carr, who already operate the popular Bar Square, Time Square and Paddy Mac’s in the town.
The opening is expected to provide a welcome boost to Ballina’s nightlife and social scene, offering locals and visitors another place to enjoy live sport, music and Irish hospitality.
Opening during Ballina Heritage Week, Carr’s has been designed with a unique identity as a traditional Irish sports bar where customers can gather to watch live sporting events, enjoy live entertainment and relax in a comfortable atmosphere.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Clair Carr said the family wanted to create a venue that would become a natural part of the Ballina community.
“Opening Carr’s is something we’re incredibly proud of,” she said. “We’ve always believed that pubs are about much more than serving drinks—they’re places where people come together, catch up with friends, celebrate milestones and make memories.”
“We wanted to create a venue that feels like it’s always been part of the town,” she added. “Somewhere with real character, great music, live sport and a warm welcome waiting for everyone who walks through the door.”
Michael Carr said the opening reflects the family’s continued confidence in Ballina and its future.
“We’re very proud to continue investing in Ballina. The town has a fantastic sense of community and we’re lucky to see that every day across our venues,” he said. “We want to offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a traditional pint, live music, great food, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or simply a place to spend time with family and friends.”
The opening follows recent success for the Carr family’s hospitality businesses at the Irish Bar & Cocktail Awards, where Paddy Mac’s was named Connacht Traditional Bar of the Year and Bar Square received the title of Ireland’s Gin Bar of the Year.
The new venue indeed joins the family’s growing portfolio on Garden Street. Bar Square has expanded its programme of live music and community events, Time Square has become a popular venue for private functions and fundraising events, while Paddy Mac’s continues to offer the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub.
Together, the four venues offer different atmospheres in the centre of Ballina, providing spaces for food, live entertainment, sport, celebrations and community events throughout the week.
The Carr family said they are looking forward to welcoming both regular customers and new visitors as Carr’s Sports Bar & Venue begins its first chapter in Ballina.