History

Sean’s Through the Centuries

From medieval times to the construction of Athlone Castle and in the centuries to follow, Sean’s Bar has witnessed it all. Steeped in history and legend.

Timeline

900 AD

Luain Mac Luighdeach opens his inn on a crossing point of the River Shannon and what’s now known as Sean’s Bar, is born.

900 – 1100 AD

Chieftains and kings stop off at Sean’s Bar as they journey through the heart of Ireland.

1129 AD

The first wooden castle is built at Atha Luain to protect the settlement that had grown up around the pub.

1654 AD

William Moorehead, owns the building and names it “The Three Blackamor Heads.” He creates his own coins for his customers, copies of which are on display in the pub.

1736 AD

One of the pub's most famous landlords is a man called Mark Begg. In 1736 he set up the first Stage Coach service from the west of the river Shannon to Dublin, departing from the front of the pub.

1970s

Discovery of ancient artefacts at Sean’s Bar, including wattle walls and coins.

2004

It’s official! Guinness Book of Records recognises Sean’s Bar as Ireland’s oldest pub.

2018

Sean’s Bar introduces its own whiskey, a smooth blend crafted around heritage and history.

Sean’s Bar - The Heart of Athlone

Around 900AD Luain Mac Luighdeach opened an inn close to Áth Mor (The Great Ford). Luain acted as a guide to travellers who had to venture across the rapid torrent of the Shannon. A settlement grew up around the crossing point and in time the place came to be known by his name “Áth Luain” – the Ford of Luain which later became Athlone. Luain’s inn survives today as Sean’s Bar, the heart of Athlone.

Step into History

When you step into Sean’s Bar, you’re entering a unique slice of Irish culture, surrounded by over 1,000 years of history. Artefacts from Sean’s, like sections of the 9th century walls made of wattle and wicker are on display in the pub. The use of wattle works in buildings was common in the 9th century. Old coins, used in the 1600s are also on display.