Gartlans thatch roof to be replaced by christmas

Damian McCarney

For many in Kingscourt, Christmas came early with the fabulous news in October that the town’s landmark building, Gartlan’s Bar, would enjoy a new lease of life under local ownership.

Now the thatch roof is in the midst of being replaced and will be completed before Christmas. The new owners Padraig and Sheila Smith are aiming to have the bar back where it belongs in the hearts of the community by next Christmas.
The Smiths were delighted by the response they have received to their purchase of the bar.
“It’s been fantastic,” enthused Sheila. “There’s been a great response, all the local people stopping us and congratulating us - we nearly can’t get any work done,” she joked.
The late George Gartlan was reportedly acquired the lease on this 17th century thatched cottage in 1911 to begin the Gartlan’s story. Over the century-plus that followed, the listed building became renowned far beyond the county boundaries for its simple yet charming appearance, transporting its patrons back to days long since passed. It featured in Turtle Bunbury’s best selling book ‘The Irish Pub’, and also featured prominently in a documentary film by the same name.
No visit was complete without a visit to the authentic bar, which offered a rebuke to the contrived Oirishness sought by many contemporary bars nationwide. However, since its closure in 2013 Gartlan’s swiftly fell into ruin, with the famous thatched roof offered the first tangible signal of deterioration. Gartlan’s is a protected structure under the current Cavan County Development Plan 2014-2020, and last year, then Fine Gael councillor, and Kingscourt publican, David Blake urged the council to take action to preserve the building before its decline became terminal. Now the roof offers the first signs of Gartlan’s resurgence as the Smiths have employed the expertise of a traditional thatcher, Philip Doran.
The bar was actually quite deceptive as only the front of the bar was thatched, the rear was corrugated iron. The Smith’s have already had new Kingspan sheeting installed at the rear.
“The outside is shaping up,” said Sheila. “The tin roof and fireproofing has been completed on the outside so it is ready for the thatch to go on.”
Sheila adds: “We will be applying for planning permission to carry out works to the back, but it is not in yet.”
The interior of the premises is a bigger job. There is also living accommodation upstairs, but it requires a much work to make it habitable.
The Smiths plan to continue to run their B&B, Hollow Stream on the Dublin Road on the outskirts of Kingscourt, But they are “very excited” by the prospect of pouring pints in Gartlan’s - a bar they had frequented as customers, and where they savoured playing trad sessions. It’s a year away yet though.
“I would hope that it would be open in time for Christmas next year. If it is ready any sooner than that it would be a real bonus.”