COMMUNITY EFFORTS are underway in Kilfenora to attempt to acquire Linnane’s Pub and renovate it as a community-owned, not-for-profit centre, a living space for traditional Irish music, cultural events, and connection.
Linanne’s Pub was for decades at the heart of Kilfenora serving as a place where stories were shared with music flowing freely as generations came together. Since the doors closed within the last three years, a vital space for community and culture has gone quiet.
A group of local musicians, neighbours, and volunteers believe that shouldn’t be the end of the story. They want to buy, renovate, and reopen Linnane’s as a community-owned, not-for-profit centre, a living space for traditional Irish music, cultural events, and connection. “The vision is to purchase and re-open Linnane’s pub in Kilfenora as a community-driven social enterprise that safeguards the musical tradition, promotes local culture and fosters sustainable community initiatives,” a group spokesperson explained.
“The pub will be the heart of traditional music activities, while the adjacent property and land will support broader community projects including a kindergarten, community garden, social housing and a farmers’ market. Our mission is to create a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub while preserving and celebrating Kilfenora’s priceless musical heritage. This isn’t just about saving a building. It’s about preserving heritage, uplifting local talent, and revitalising our village and culture in a way that’s inclusive, creative, and rooted in community”.
Aspirations of the plan is to develop a traditional, non-amplified live music venue for sessions, concerts, workshops and festivals, a rental space upstairs for music teaching and community use. Local restaurants could be aided with its use for occasional small-scale catering while the outdoor courtyard has scope for community events and market days.
€350,000 is required to purchase the premises with a deposit of €35,000. The total estimate including legal costs and building upgrades is €500,000.
Further details on the campaign are available on kilfenoracorner.com.
