Main pic: The Beehive Bar, Ardara. Pic: McCahill & McNelis Auctioneers.
The south Donegal community is lamenting the loss of a famous 167-year-old pub which closed its doors in recent weeks.
The Beehive Bar on Ardara’s Main Street, established in 1858, has been a hub for top quality traditional music in the town ever since Pat McGill returned home from America in 1993 to take it over. The historic establishment included Dylan Thomas and Brendan Behan among its more famous customers. The pub has been shut since Pat called time a few weeks ago, however, it is hoped someone else will continue where he left off. The local McCahill & McNelis Auctioneers has advertised the popular joint for rent or lease.
“Located in the heart of Ardara, the Beehive Bar has been responsible for the greatest acts ever to visit Ardara,” they said.
Established in 1858, the Beehive used to sell knitted jumpers and ladies wear alongside beer and spirits.
Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who lived in a cottage in Glencolmcille almost one hundred years ago, and Brendan Behan used to frequent the Beehive. The well known actresses Julie Christie, star of Doctor Zhivago, and Joanna Lumley, who won two BAFTA TV Awards for her role in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, are among the more famous more recent visitors.
Sadness as famous south Donegal music bar falls silent was last modified: November 12th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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