LATEST: Moloney's Bar and Music Venue officially opens its doors in Newbridge, County Kildare

The former grounds of The Granary (also known as The Granary Store) pub and restaurant in Newbridge has been reborn: as Moloney's Bar and Music Venue.

Now owned by former Defence Forces member Mick Moloney and serving Defence Forces member Seán Baldwin, the refurbished venue on Charlotte Street just opened its doors (the windows of which are notably decorated with the crest of both Tipperary and Kildare, in honour of the heritage of both owners, respectively) earlier today.

The opening of the new bar marks the end of a near-decade long hiatus for the building.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader at the launch, Mick said that he always admired the site, and it was a 'no-brainer' to set up the bar.

He added: "If you're looking for a fresh, nice, warm and friendly atmosphere with good music, Moloney's Bar is the place to be."

Seán, who has also enjoyed success as a Paralympic shooter, said that they have already received the ultimate compliment — someone said to him: "I would love to bring my mam in here!"

"It just has that cosy, different vibe; this is just something a little different," Séan said.

Both Mick and Séan also praised those who participated in the renovation works highly, with Seán adding that the bar even treated them to a social day as a celebration to mark the opening of the new venue.

BACKGROUND

The building was initially constructed as a bank in the 1800s.

It was later converted into the 'Stirrups' bar, and ex-Kildare manager Mick O'Dwyer was a former director.

Back in 2020, the building went up for sale with a guide price of €350,000 and it was purchased in January of this year by Mick and Seán.

It is one of a few protected buildings in Newbridge.