End of an era as Mayo bar to close its doors after ten years
One of Westport's best-loved bars is to close next month after a decade serving locals, visitors, and music lovers from across the world.
Cú Chulainn's Bar will pull its last pint on Sunday, July 26, with owners Emer, Adrian, and Miah describing the decision as one that was “completely out of our control.”
In an emotional announcement that prompted an outpouring of tributes online, the owners thanked the many people who had made the bar what it was over the past ten years — from regular locals to returning customers from around the globe, musicians who graced its stage, staff past and present, and those who organised sports events on the premises over the years.
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“This isn't the ending we hoped for,” the owners said, adding that there were “so many people to thank.”
Customers are invited to join the team for one final weekend of live music on Saturday and Sunday July 25 and 26, before the bar closes for good.
The announcement prompted an immediate wave of affection from patrons, many of whom described the bar as more than just a pub — but a home from home. “For us it was like visiting family, with the best owners and customers,” wrote Noreen Ruane-Dalton. “Wishing you the very best in the next chapter.”
Danny McCormick echoed the sentiment: “We were treated like family there. Great owners, great staff, and brilliant locals.”
Devoted following
The bar had developed a particularly devoted following among Celtic FC supporters, who gathered there for match days and stayed for the music sessions that followed. “I had so many great days in the pub watching the Celtic and great music after,” wrote Tomás Ó Laoi. “One of the best pubs I've been in since living in Mayo.”
Mark O'Donnell described it as “our wee spot of Paradise in the west of Ireland,” and promised to give it a proper send-off.
For visitors from further afield, Cú Chulainn's had become a fixture on return trips to Westport. “It's been our pleasure knowing you guys,” wrote Jim Brown, visiting from Scotland with his wife Anne. “Hopefully we will see you again on another Westport trip.”
The closure will leave a gap in Westport's social scene that many locals say will be hard to fill. Teresa Corcoran summed up the mood of many: “It was always a pleasure to go to Cú Chulainn's — the staff were always very friendly. See you soon.”