Landmark Glasson business Grogan's goes on the market

A landmark hospitality business and residence in the heart of Glasson is up for sale.

Grogan's bar and restaurant, coupled with a four-bedroom home on its site, is now on the market for an asking price of €1 million.

The Grogan family has managed the hospitality business for more than half a century, as the late Paddy and Moira Grogan took it over from previous proprietor Annie Murphy in 1973.

In more recent times the bar and restaurant has been operated by Mr and Mrs Grogan's daughter, Miriam, and she described the decision to sell as difficult and emotional.

"It will absolutely break my heart, but it's time for me to move on," Miriam told the Westmeath Independent.

"There will be nobody coming behind me, and it is one of the most wonderful places in the world to work and live in. It needs fresh blood. It just needs younger, fresher management now."

She spoke of how - in addition to being "a thriving, vibrant business" - Grogan's has long been a cherished spot for members of the local community to gather and create lasting memories.

"It's where people go to fall in love. It's where you go after you have your kids Christened. It's where people come to meet, and when you walk in the door you'll always meet an old friend or someone you haven't met before.

"The only reason why I'm going is because I'm exhausted, and it's time to move on."

She said the possibility of the business going on the market had been rumoured for some time.

"It took me a long time to make the decision, and it was talked about long before I even thought about it. So I took the hint!" she joked.

"I just decided, between the reels and the jigs, that it's time for me to move on."

Miriam's hope is that the business will be able to transition smoothly to new ownership that will take it over and continue with the current team of staff, many of whom have been working there for years.

"It's a thriving business with the most amazing people working here.... All (of the staff) have huge interest, and they're ready to keep going," she said.

She also said she would like to see a young family coming to live in the residence adjoining the bar and restaurant.

"It's a big, beautiful family home. It's four and a half, almost five bedrooms, so it's too big for me. This is not about me, it's about the future of Grogan's and the future of Glasson," she said.

"It's time for there to be more sounds in that house, and more kids running around."

The business marked its 50th anniversary in 2023, and it has hosted numerous fundraising barbecues for the South Westmeath Hospice over the years, raising many thousands of euro in the process.

Some famous faces who have enjoyed Grogan's hospitality over the years include former President Mary McAleese, Luke Kelly of the Dubliners, former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey and golfers Christy O'Connor senior and junior.

The business earned a number of awards and accolades over the years including being named Bridgestone dining pub of the year, and winning regional honours at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

In addition to the food prepared and served on site, it also has a range of homemade food products carried locally in stockists such as SuperValu.

The sale of the property is being handled by estate agents Remax, which said: "The entire site offers flexibility and room to grow, making it ideal for those looking to take on an established business and shape it into something even more special.

"Whether you are looking to continue a legacy business, create a boutique guesthouse and restaurant, or simply invest in a piece of Glasson history, Grogan's Bar and Restaurant offers endless possibilities in a location of timeless appeal."

Miriam concluded that when she leaves she will be heartbroken, but there will be at least one silver lining.

"I will know the best pub in Ireland to go into!" she said.