Mayo bar closes doors for final time

Another traditional Mayo pub is closing its doors for good. Popular Ballinrobe restaurant Carney’s has announced that they have closed their business.

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The bar and eatery was scheduled to open on Monday following three weeks’ annual leave after the festive period. However, in a statement on social media, they confirmed that the restaurant would not be re-opening its doors.

“After long talks we have decided we will not be reopening Carneys Bar,” they confirmed via a Facebook post late on Sunday. The post also paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the bar both as staff and punters.

“We have enjoyed ourselves. We have had very friendly and hard working staff. We also have had fabulous customers who have supported us from the start & for that we are truly grateful."

Before the establishments' previous 2022 closure, the Carneys had been keeping the flag flying for 27 years on the banks of the River Robe. 

Teresa Staunton took over the bar in March 2023 from the original owners and well-known Ballinrobe natives Kathleen and Luke Carney, who ran a thriving business on Abbey Street.

However, the financial toll of keeping business ticking over was too much to bear for the bar’s most recent proprietors, much to the sadness of many in the community.

“Despite the enjoyment of meeting people on a daily basis, certain elements have been hard. The constant increases and the cost of doing business keep the margins tight and for that reason we have decided not to invest further.”

The business has moved to reassure voucher holders that vouchers will be honoured, up to February 20th, by way of a lakes Gift Card.