Patrons look forward to re-opening of popular bar and lounge in Mayo village

A NEW chapter in the commercial and social life of Knock village gets underway on Friday night, June 27, when Carty’s Bar and Lounge reopens after being closed for five years with the exception of two weeks between the first and second ‘lockdown’.

Michael Carty Jnr, son of Mary and the late Michael Carty (former county councillor), has taken over the reins and is delighted to see the venture back on track after a substantial overhaul and refurbishments in recent weeks.

It is almost incredible to believe that Knock has been down to one single pub over the last few years, Kilkenny’s at the top end of the village. There were five pubs in the village going back some years ago and Burke’s and The Thatch did not reopen after Covid. Coleman’s had closed a good many years before that. When Carty’s closed, Kilkenny’s was the sole pub in one of Ireland’s most famous villages.

Carty’s Pub has been part of life in Knock over many decades. Michael Jnr’s grandmother, Eileen, ran the pub for several years after the death of her husband Jim at the age of 42 back in 1962. Their family of four, John (who later became a Fianna Fail TD for Mayo), Anne, Michael and Joan, all took their turns at helping out in the bar.

In 1979, Michael took over the running of the pub and remained in charge until it closed during Covid. Sadly, Michael died in September 2022.

There was plenty of excitement when Michael presided at the opening of the new lounge attached to the bar on Friday, August 24, 1979. It was just five weeks before the visit of Pope John Paul and the place was buzzing ahead of the historic occasion.

An advertising feature in The Western People at the time lauded the new development. “The building, which is in a most central location, has been finished to a very high standard, with emphasis on comfort and service. Guests can enjoy their drinks in a quiet, relaxing setting, served efficiently by experienced bar staff.

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“The spacious lounge area is fully carpeted. A feature of the new building is the up-to-date spring cushioned seating in the lounge area market. Soft wall lighting adds to the soothing décor. The food counter is an innovation designed in mahogany top counter, and the lounge bar area is well laid out to speed up service. Hot snacks will be available from the counter.”

Many people are looking forward to sampling the hospitality and atmosphere in Carty’s Pub and lounge again this weekend. Michael Jnr, who also operates a major construction business in London, says he is happy to see the Carty family tradition being maintained in the village.: “A lot of people have been asking about the re-opening of the pub over the last few years. We are delighted that the plan has now come to fruition. We have had a major overhaul featuring all local workers and suppliers while still retaining the character of the place.

“We hope it will provide a good social outlet for many people and we plan to have a regular music night in place in the coming weeks. There has always been a tradition of 25 card playing in the Knock area and we will be looking at introducing a regular card night in the pub. Kieran Jennings from Wingfield, Knock, will manage the pub and we are delighted to have Kieran on board.”

Following the opening on Friday night, another busy evening and night is in store on Saturday when the Knock Golf Society will host the Michael Carty Memorial Golf tournament at Claremorris Golf Cub and later return to the pub for some drinks and celebrations. The tradition lives on.