Dublin Street in Carlow pub to get new lease of life
The former EJ Morrissey's pub that will be renovated by Gracies Bars and opened later this year. Photo: Laoise Murray
THE former EJ Morrissey premises on Carlow’s Dublin Street is to be renovated and turned into a vibrant bar for students and young professionals by the end of the year.
Its new owners, Gracie’s Bars which are part of the Donegal family-owned McCafferty’s bar chain, will hire between 30-40 people to operate the traditional-style Irish pub. They plan to have live music on most nights and daily sports broadcasts.
Michael Boyle, founder of the Gracie’s Bar Group, which has bars in Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, said they saw an opportunity when the decent-sized bar in Carlow came on the market about a year ago. He feels Carlow is similar to Sligo town, with a university and a good-sized population.
“There are plenty of good pubs in the town, but there’s nothing like what we do,” said Michael.
The group is still drawing up plans for the renovations and are undecided about whether to include dining. They hope to start work on the premises during the summer and open towards the end of the year.
