PHOTOS Landmark Limerick pub Bobby Byrne’s starts a new chapter

Bobby Byrne’s new owner Cian Conroy pictured above with his staff outside the iconic pub.

Bobby Byrne’s pub looks to the future under new ownership, starting a new chapter and a “dream” role for owner and manager, Cian Conroy

“I suppose it’ll always be Bobby’s,” said an excited Cian Conroy as he celebrated his new role as owner with family and friends at the much-loved Limerick pub, Bobby Byrnes.

The pub, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1963, continues to give a warm welcome to regulars and visitors as Cian took over the reins six months ago, marking a new chapter in the pub’s history.

Bobby’s was opened by Bobby and Helen Byrne in 1963, and was taken over in 2003 by their son Robert, his wife Fiona and their daughter Emily for 21 years until this year when Cian became the new owner.

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“I think Bobby’s is a landmark in Limerick,” Cian told I Love Limerick, adding, “There’s no one in Limerick that, if you were to say “Bobby’s”, they wouldn’t know who you’re talking about.”

While hoping to keep the core spirit of the pub, as a pub offering a warm welcome with great staff, great customers, and a great atmosphere, the new owner hopes to put his “one mark” on the pub, Cian said, “I obviously hope to put my own mark on it to mark the new ownership, which is myself, but doing things like food, drink, introducing music on a Sunday night, I hope to have a carvery coming in the near future.”

Speaking about his journey, Cian shared, “I bought Bobby Burns about six months ago. It was always a dream of mine to be a publican. I never thought I’d be able to manage something like this, but here we are, six months on so I thought maybe tonight would be a special night just to thank my family and friends and my great customers who’ve been so supportive.”

His excitement and gratitude were palpable during a recent gathering at the pub, where he took the opportunity to thank his family, friends, and customers for their unwavering support. “I’m incredibly grateful,” he said. “Anyone who knows me knows that a pub is the perfect setting for me—I’m usually on the other side of the bar, but I’m enjoying this new role.”

Following its opening in 1963, Bobby Byrne’s became well known for serving a great bowl of soup and freshly made sandwiches. Fast forward just over 60 years, new owner Cian Conroy is ensuring that “Bobby’s” still remains a local; a place where you can get good food and be met with friendly staff.

Cian says he is “incredibly grateful” for the support of his friends, family, and Bobby Byrne’s customers, he said, “I was shocked when I told all my family and friends, how supportive they’ve been. I thought they thought it was a mad idea, but I think anybody who knows me knows that a pub is a perfect setting for me. I’m usually on the other side of the bar, but I’m enjoying being on the side that’s pouring pints now and serving food.”

“I just hope it will continue to be a great pub with great staff. Great customers, great memories, and long may it continue,” he concluded.

Open seven days a week Bobby Byrne’s Pub and Cornerstore continues to be a popular spot for meetings between family and friends, celebrations, popping out from the office on your break or taking time out to watch a match.

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick