A potted history of Reddy's as Carlow’s oldest pub calls time for the final time

REDDY’S of Carlow, regarded as the county’s oldest pub, will close its doors for the final time on Sunday 30 November, having traded continually at Tullow Street since 1768.

The shock closure announcement was made in a Facebook statement issued by the Reddy family last Tuesday afternoon, 29 October. Confirmation of the imminent closure was provided by Thomas Kavanagh, general manager of Reddy’s Bar and Restaurant, who verified that the business would cease trading permanently at the end of business on 30 November.

Reddy’s public house is a landmark in the county town and the Reddy family stated in their closure message that ‘it has not been an easy decision, but one that we have come to with great regret’.

Three generations of the Reddy family have carried on the Tullow Street licensed trade, which is one of the most popular and best-loved pubs in the region – Reddy’s being Carlow’s version of Cleary’s clock on O’Connell Street, Dublin.

Reddy’s of Carlow, in tracing its roots back over 250 years, makes it one of the oldest continuous hospitality establishments in the Dolmen County. It began as a coaching inn serving travellers between Dublin and Waterford, later evolving into a bar, restaurant and guesthouse.

Over time, the enterprise expanded to include stables, a malting house and even an undertaking business during the 1930s.

The media announcement stated: ‘Through rebellion, famine, independence and modern change, it endured, a silent witness to the story of the town itself.’ It goes on to state that Carmel Reddy’s stewardship became the bridge between centuries, keeping alive the tradition of good service, good food and good company that defined Reddy’s for so long.

In an emotional farewell, the statement continues: ‘Now, as the final day draws near, Carlow says goodbye, not only to a business but to a piece of its own heart. The gratitude runs both ways, from the Reddy family and staff to every person who ever sat for a meal, raised a glass or shared a story under its roof.

‘Reddy’s may close its doors, but its heart will remain here, in the memories, the friendships and the love shared between its people and this town.

‘From Carmel, Thomas and every member of staff past and present, thank you for being part of Reddy’s. You made it what it was and what it will always be remembered for.” 

The announcement came as a shock for the many generations of Carlovians who have patronised the pub, with many people marking major milestones in their families’ lives with celebrations there.

News of the upcoming decision to cease trading prompted a flood of comments on social media, with patrons reminiscing about good times spent there and wishing Carmel Reddy and her family all the best for the future.

Reddy’s management, in their public statement, spoke with great sadness and deep gratitude, saying the decision was made ‘with great regret and much reflection’.

They have asked that their final weeks be spent thanking every customer who has passed through their doors over the decades – friends, families and visitors who made Reddy’s what it became.

The statement said it had been a privilege to serve Carlow and expressed the family’s pride ‘beyond words, of the memories, laughter and friendships shared within these walls’.

Referencing the contribution of Carmel Reddy, the management statement noted that her dedication, patience and quiet strength ‘carried the business through good years and hard ones alike. Carmel led by example, steady when times were uncertain, kind when pressure rose and always determined that everyone who entered Reddy’s felt welcome’.

Many of the staff, some with over 30 years’ service, spoke of their admiration and affection for Carmel, describing her as a leader who worked beside them, never above them, and who believed in loyalty, fairness and respect.

‘To them, Carmel is more than an employer, she is family. Her influence and care shaped not just the running of Reddy’s but the lives of those who worked there.’ 

As the 26-day countdown to Reddy’s closure continues, the management look forward to serving its customers over that timeframe ‘and hearing all of your stories and about your memorable occasions that we share in Reddy’s’.

It should be noted that all voucher purchases must be redeemed by the closure date of 30 November.

It will be a nostalgic occasion on that day when the key is turned in Reddy’s of 67 Tullow Street, Carlow for the last time, bringing to an end a journey in business which had its genesis all of 257 years ago.