Popular Mayo late bar to close its doors after 23 years

“IT’S THE END OF AN ERA…DONT MISS IT….”

The Henehan name has been synonymous with Bridge Street in Westport for over one hundred years. 

The Westport institution announced today on social media that it will close its door for the final time on July 13. 

It started out as a general merchants store in the 1910s before its current iteration as a late bar. 

For many, Henehan’s was a place of celebration and fun or where they met their future partners or even had their first job.

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A twist of fate would have it that Michael Henehan reopened the bar in its current form on July 12, 2002, so it will mark exactly twenty three years as part of the social fabric on Bridge Street on the same night as it finishes “The Last Weekend.” 

How Henehan's announced it closure on Social Media today.

Speaking to The Mayo News, Michael Henehan recounted being the third generation of Michael J Henehans to open a business from the same building in Bridge Street: “I was 25 years old, and I opened up for the first time, full of dreams, aspirations, and in a heartbeat that 25 years has passed.

“I’ve spent the last, just in my own head, preparing for the next phase of my life.

“After 25 years in business, it's just a time to reset, reflect and then see what I'm going to do going forward. But at the moment, I haven't made my mind up. I'm just focusing, as I tell my kids, one day at a time.”

It is understood the premises will reopen under new ownership in the near future. 

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Messages wishing Michael and his family well came flying in under the Facebook post. Among them were:

Trish Armstrong posted: “Many a great night best on both sides of the bar, great memories. Best of luck with the next chapter Mike and Sue!”

Avril Foy shared a post saying: “Ah the memories of this place...House Every Weekend… the very best of luck Mick, some great memories were made… well the ones we can remember ”

While Maria Jennings wrote, “Aw sad news to see this morning. Many years of laughs and craic in there with ye. Best of luck Mike and Sue x.”

There will be an interview with Michael in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News.