"THE OLD COMMERCIAL"
2 Kildare Street, Ardglass,
County Down.
Proprietor: Ronan Fitzsimons NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: Sean Johnston
Tel: (08) 01396 841236

First built in the 1800's, this charming pub is set close to the harbour in a picturesque fishing village famous for it's herrings. The pub has lots of character with a low beamed ceiling, a Mourne granite fireplace and a fine collection of antique objects together with many interesting items collected from around the world by the present owner, Ronan Fitzsimons. Ronan, a qualified Master Mariner, spent many years as a navigating officer in the merchant navy but in 1971 he decided to swallow the anchor and come ashore to run the family premises.
The original pub has a fine mahogany bar counter and behind it stands three large old barrels which in the old days used to contain whiskey and rum. The original pewter measures used in the dispensing of the barrels contents are still retained behind the bar. The focal point of this establishment is the two hundred year old well in the middle of the lounge floor. The well, which it was known was somewhere in the establishment, was discovered by Ronan in 1993 and has since been highlighted by floodlighting and fitted with a one inch thick glass cover. American visitors are fascinated by the fact that they can pump pure spring water directly from the well to add to their Jack Daniels.
In 1883 Ronan's great grandfather, John Magee, purchased the premises for £300. He passed on in 1904 and left the pub to his daughter Agnes Mulheron. Agnes and her husband Joseph ran the premises as the Commercial Hotel until their death in 1945 when it passed to their daughters. The Hotel and catering was discontinued in the 1950s with the sale of wines and spirits continuing. When Ronan came ashore in 1971 he converted what had been the kitchen and sitting room into a lounge and together with his wife Monica, his daughters and a friendly and loyal bar staff he has managed the premises ever since.
In addition to his bar activities Ronan has been a lecturer in Navigation at the Kilkeel Navigation college, Harbour Master in Ardglass for fourteen years and has recently retired as Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority. It looks as though history may repeat itself with the premises once more passing down through the female side for the fifth generation. This is a genuine unspoiled, cheerful and friendly pub bustling with atmosphere and enjoyable company and a spot in which you are sure to receive a friendly welcome.

The same friendly welcome continues under the expert management of Sean Johnston, for many years bar steward of the Ardglass Golf Club.

The Old Commercial was awarded the  James Joyce Pub Award  in June 1999
(click on link above to see the certificate
or click on photo on the left to see the plaque.)

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