Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry: stunning bar, restaurant and four-star boutique hotel with reputation for excellence

A visit to Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry is always a pleasure. Now widely recognised by people all over the country as a landmark stop-off dining destination, this renowned business continues to develop and prosper. It has now been in the ownership of the Keenan family for well over 150 years!

When David Keenan recently took over running the premises, he became the sixth generation of the family to do so.

Over recent decades, the ‘faces of Keenan’s’ have been Barry and Annette, David’s parents. They remain very actively involved.

Barry’s great-great-grandfather bought the property in the 1860s. The premises was in fact originally founded in 1838 by Hubert Reynolds.

Over its long history, Keenan’s became established as a much-loved pub, and later as the renowned, award-winning restaurant it is today. Throughout the decades, the Keenan family have developed and nurtured their unique establishment, now a stunning bar, restaurant and four-star boutique hotel, located in this beautiful village and overlooking the majestic River Shannon. This year, Keenan’s was named amongst the ‘Top 50 places to stay in Ireland in 2023’ in the Independent Weekend Magazine (amongst some renowned five-star hotels in the country).

Barry Keenan’s love of history is evident in the traditional pub interior, with its original furnishings including ‘whiskey mirrors’ which combine to create the great ambience and sense or character associated with the premises.

Keenan’s has long had a reputation for serving excellent food, which is why people flock there. Locals are joined by passing business people, the proverbial ‘weary traveller’, tourists who might be cruising on the Shannon or staying in nearby holiday homes – or just passing through.

Annette Keenan, Barry’s wife, is passionate about good food. Annette has assembled a talented and enthusiastic ‘kitchen team’ who take great pride in every dish they serve. Keenan’s menus offer a winning combination of classic favourites and contemporary dishes, all of which showcase why this Tarmonbarry treasure earned its esteemed reputation.

Now under the management of David Keenan, this outstanding family business continues to thrive. David brings a financial background to the enterprise, as well as the invaluable experience of having grown up (and worked) in the family business. A former Roscommon county footballer, David is a passionate sports fan who is enjoying the exciting challenge of leading Keenan’s’ contined growth and development.

The Keenan family are grateful for the ongoing support of their loyal customers and look forward to continuing to develop this unique premises, cherishing all that is good about its history while staying relevant to a contemporary clientele.

On their bikes!

Recently, ‘new’ visitors have begun to arrive at Keenan’s…on bicycles. They are invariably delighted to have completed the new Royal Canal Greenway, the linear cycle path along the nearby canal towpath. The welcome they receive is complete when they discover bike racks and secure lock-ups for their ‘trusty steed’ – and even a bicycle delivery/collection service!

National Famine Way

Keenan’s is a stage point on the National Famine Way, where walkers and cyclists on the 165km route can get their passports stamped. The historic trail follows the footsteps of 1,490 people who walked from nearby Strokestown Park House to famine ships in Dublin at the height of the Great Famine in 1847.