Lonergans — A Brief History

William Lonergan started business as a smith and farrier in the early 1800’s just inside the town wall. More than likely an ale house or shebeen was included as the premises was licensed when the licencing laws were introduced in 1833. When William Lonergan died in the 1870’s his son P.J. took over and operated a grocery and hardware business along with the bar. In 1952 the grocery and hardware sections were discontinued.

Exterior of Lonergan's Forge Tavern in the 1970s

Around 1963, Paddy Lonergan introduced the lounge bar to the business and in keeping with the changing times it was extended and became known as the Forge Tavern in 1966 to cope with the ballad boom. Many famous names like the Dubliners and some of the Clancy brothers are associated with Fethard’s Forge Tavern. It was also the place where some of the locals got their first break in the entertainment business.

Paddy started ‘pub grub’ in Fethard in the mid eighties. He can still remember the Thursday in 1990 when Luci Pavarotti, who was in Coolmore, called for lunch. Some years later he changed the name back from the Forge Tavern to the original name, P.J. Lonergan.

On 14th June 1998, the Sunday World’s ‘Pub Spy’ featured Lonergan’s as a comfortable establishment having to admit that there was something quaint about the toilet arrangement. He was surprised to find pristine clean modern facilities. READ REPORT

To compliment the fine selection of ales, wines and spirits along with the wholesome lunches available in the bar from Monday to Friday, evening dinner was first provided in 1998 when they opened the Forge Brasserie run by Mark and Diana Richardson who worked in nearby Coolmore for approximately two years. They started on October 31st with Mark looking after the front of house and Diana responsible for the kitchen. The a-la-carte menu was simple combining the best of local produce, properly cooked, attractive and well presented. The Brasserie at Lonergans was attached to the Bar and catered for small groups.

On Thursday night, 4th April 2002, this restaurant was taken over by Bert and Janneke van Dommelen who opened under the name of ‘Bert’s Bistro’ and offered a-la-carte menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm to 10pm and Sunday lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

On 3rd September 2005, Lonergan's Bar was taken over by the present owners, John and Rosanne Carroll, who extended the premises and opened up the Oriental Gardens offering bar food, a-la-carte menu and a take-away service.