The Bar

Comerford’s Bar is a family-run establishment that was founded in 1848. In its inception, it was a single story thatched premises selling a variety of household groceries and, of course, alcohol. In 1933, a new two storey building was constructed on a site adjacent to the bar and this is the building in which it can be found today.  The interior was completely renovated in 2002 and is, and always has been, a place where people come to have a drink, sing a song, tell a story or just indulge in the time honoured art of conversation. There is an old Irish saying “Dá fhaid é an lá, tagann an oíche” which translates to “however long the day, the evening will come”; make sure if you’re in Doonbeg to spend an evening with us in Comerford’s.

The Family

In 1839, George Comerford, who originally hailed from the neighbouring parish of Spanish Point, married Lucy Burns whose family owned the public house in Doonbeg. They had 11 children, one of whom, George, remained in the family home and married Minnie O’Gorman.

George developed an export market for mackerel to France in the 1920’s and employed local men and women to clean and prepare the fish for export. This business wound up in the 1940’s and the family decided to concentrate on farming and the bar trade. George and Minnie had three children George, Isaac and May. Isaac remained in the home and married Teresa Madigan and they had 11 children. Eight of the 11 children survived and two of them now run the establishment, Ita and Tommy. You will, however, at busy periods see the other siblings and their children lend a hand behind the bar, but no matter who you meet there, you can always be sure of a warm welcome.