About J.D. Falvey’s Pub
Welcome to J.D. Falvey, a traditional pub located in the heart of Killorglin Co. Kerry, the home of Puck Fair. J.D. Falvey initially was founded in 1894 on Langford Street in Killorglin and moved to the location it is in now in 1902. Founded by John Daniel Falvey, J.D. ran the pub until he passed away in 1935. The reins were then passed to his son John Joe Falvey, and then to J.D. Falvey’s Grandson, Declan took over the pub from his mother in 1977. Declan and his wife Breeda ran the bar for 46 years, keeping up the traditions of this beautiful traditional bar. Where the conversation flows, you can pop in for a pint and the town news… and maybe a bit of gossip. After 46 years in business, and with millions of pint’s served it was time for Breeda and Declan to retire, they approached us and asked if we would be interested in buying the bar, and in April 2023 we took the reins!
The Owners
Originally hailing from North Vancouver in Canada, I moved to Killorglin in 2010 for ‘a year’. My great grandmother was from Killorglin so I said I would start in her hometown and go from there. After the year was up in Killorglin, I moved back to Vancouver but was back to Killorglin each August for Puck Fair. Along the way Dave and I struck up a relationship and the rest is history. I have been here full time since 2014, and Falvey’s has been my local since the early days. Dave is born and bred here in Killorglin, we both often frequented the outside of the counter, loving the open conversation that flowed around the bar, the craic, the sing songs, and the warm welcome Falvey’s always brings. When Declan and Breeda approached us about taking over it was a real honour… we aim to keep things like the same old Falvey’s while adding a few little touches of our own.
History
J.D. Falvey was born in Lissavane, Listry Co Kerry in 1855 to Daniel Falvey and Mary Horgan. The second eldest of a family of 11 children. In 1893 John D. Falvey applied for a license to sell Beer, Wine and Spirits at his dwelling house on Langord Street in Killorglin. It was initially refused but in 1894 the license was granted and J.D. Falveys was born. After 7 years of trading on Langford Street J.D. Falvey bought the land on Lower Bridge Street and built the pub in the location we know it today. Hanging in the pub in the corner above the fireplace you will find 3 receipts that J.D. ‘s grandson Declan found when cleaning out the safe, it lists building supplies purchased in 1901, and are believed to be the receipts for the building materials bought to build the pub. They total to €00000. To this day you can see alot of elements of the original build, As you go down the stairs you can see the original back window in the original back wall which is over a meter in thickness. What is the modern day store room was the old kitchen, the fireplace and crane that was used for cooking can still be seen in our store room today. The pub had 2 snugs to the left and right of the front door which are no longer there however the rest of the building structures have remained the same. After J.D. ‘s death in 1935 his son John Joe took over the business until J.D.s Grandson. Declan took the reins in 1977. Decland ran the pub with his wife Breeda until April 2023.
The Pub
In 1872 it became a legal requirement to display the proprietor’s name over the front door of the premises. Since 1902 the name J.D. Falvey’s has been over the door on our narrow pub in Lower Bridge Street and there it will stay. Falvey’s is a pub full of tradition, the pub to this day remains very similar to the way it was in J.D. Falvey’s time. Falveys is a cosy pub, with a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike. There are no airs or graces in Falveys, no fancy bar counter, no gimmicks, just a cosy spot, to come in, converse, enjoy a tipple or a cup of coffee and get the news of the day. The walls are adorned with pictures and newspaper articles, sports jerseys, mirrors and even musical instruments, memories of years gone by and a few friends we have lost along the way. The pub has been the venue for many a sing-song over the years, we don’t organise them… they just kind of happen! The TV’s go on for popular sports games, we are big Munster and GAA supporters and love cheering on Ireland at any opportunity in any sport! So if you find yourself passing through Killorglin, pop in and see us!
