Millar’s Bar in an earlier era and in the present day. The South Roscommon business first opened on July 25, 1825.

Millar's Bar & Restaurant to celebrate its 200th anniversary in South Roscommon

Ronan Fagan

Published: Wed 23 Jul 2025, 5:07 PM

Millar's Bar & Restaurant will celebrate a remarkable 200 years of serving the local community in Ballydangan and South Roscommon this weekend.

With a number of events planned from Friday to Sunday, proprietor Gerry Kelly, was in reflective mode as he spoke of his time in the family business which started when he was a 19-year-old in 1978.

"I served in the bar from the age of 19 in 1978, and became proprietor in January 1993, carrying on a family tradition," Gerry said.

The pub has passed through the generations of the Kelly family since it first opened for business on July 25, 1825.

"We will start the celebrations on Friday evening, July 25, 2025, 200 years after the pub first opened. The pub has remained within the family for two centuries and hopefully it will continue to pass through the generations," Gerry added.

The opening of Loru's Italian restaurant adjacent to Millar's Bar & Restaurant has benefitted both businesses, Gerry said, and he complimented the work of head chef Stefan Loru, who opened the eatery in 2020.

"Both businesses complement each other, the bar adds to the restaurant trade and vice-versa. We are busy most weekends with family occasions and parties so long may it continue," Gerry commented.

Reflecting on his time in the bar trade, Gerry expressed his gratitude to all those from the community and further afield who supported and continue to support the business.

"No two days are the same. When one character walks out the door another one walks in to replace them. I'd like to thank all those who have supported Millar's Bar & Restaurant through the years, particularly those who are no longer with us. I also want to thank the bar staff past and present who have worked in the business," Gerry said.

Offaly country singer Alex Roe will start the anniversary party on Friday night with a live set, and the celebrations continue on Saturday with a family fun day featuring a BBQ, bouncy castle and live music from Colm Carroll and Nightowls.

The celebrations will conclude on Sunday evening when local band 'Ordinary Men' perform after the All-Ireland football final between Donegal and Kerry in Croke Park.

"All are welcome to the celebrations and if anyone would like to join in with a song, or tell a story, please come along over the weekend and we will add to the memories," Gerry said.