It is so good to see a new bar opening up in Tralee, especially after two miserable years of restrictions and unprecedented pub closures, literal closures, as in going out of business, and no better man to cut the ribbon on this new hot spot than Johnny McElligott, owner of Sean Ógs. Not only has he breathed new life into an old building but he has brought an additional twelve jobs to the town in the process.
Opening a new business during a world-wide pandemic had its challenges but Jonny pressed ahead with his plans which he’s been working on for over two years, and the result is a beautiful pub that looks as though it’s been here for ever. How did he get Mc Caffrey’s to look like it’s always been here?
“it’s all down to our designer, Donal Daly,” Jonny tells me. “He did Sean Ógs for me all those years ago. He has great ideas and knows how to pull everything together. We went for a 1950’s look and we’ll be serving every kind of cocktail you could possibly want.”
Patrons of a certain vintage will be delighted by the assortment of nostalgic pieces displayed on the wall, and no expense was spared on the seamless, curved cocktail bar. Work is underway to get an adjacent room up and running so with everything complete, the pub will accommodate up to 150 people.
“We have three different areas now catering for three different client bases; McCaffery’s for cocktails leading into the outdoor area where the younger folk like to go and then into Sean Ógs for music and a great pint of Guinness.” Johnny says.
Hopefully, by the end of this week, the restrictions will be lifted and patrons can enjoy a full night of craic in McCaffery’s/ The Shed/Sean Ógs. If you haven’t been there yet folks, check it out. It’s well worth the visit.
