Mick Doyle's Pub & Abbey Lane music venue: "It’s impossible to recreate the hundreds of years of history this place is steeped in"

As the River Duiske hums out the back, into Graiguenamanagh before its eventual confluence with the Barrow, it becomes clear that Pat Doyle and his wife Kyra have carved out a piece of heaven on Earth for themselves, as well as for anyone lucky enough to drop by.

Pubs with the authentic character and atmosphere of Mick Doyle’s are becoming increasingly scarce across Ireland – so much so that Pat says he once had “a crowd down from Dublin measuring the place with a laser level”, trying to replicate it.

But it’s impossible to recreate the hundreds of years of history this place is steeped in. The building occupies the former grounds of the Abbey Hotel, which once catered to visitors drawn to the 800-year-old Duiske Abbey across the road. Bought over by Michael and Catherine Doyle in the mid 20th century, it now thrives as a lively public house.

Pat, who grew up and still lives in the property above the pub, has been in charge since 2004, though he’s been running around collecting glasses for as long as he can remember.

“I haven’t really changed anything,” he says. “We’ve had to upgrade a few things, but the actual feel of the pub itself hasn’t changed. The pub trade has just changed a lot.”

It still has its regulars, sitting in their designated seats, appreciatively sipping on a pint with one hand and reading the paper with the other. There’s also only one television, which stays switched off except for big sporting occasions.

“I don’t like tellies in the place, but you have to have them. It’s a necessary evil,” Pat says. “I just turn them on for hurling matches or rugby matches. It takes away from the conversation.”

Mick Doyle's. Photo: Abigail Ring.

And there’s a conversation to be had everywhere you look inside. Mick Doyle’s knick-knacks tell the story of a traditional boozer, grocery and well-stocked hardware store. The recently renovated bathroom walls are plastered in old dockets and receipts that Pat’s father had from down the years – hinting at how the pub’s trade has evolved.

“When I was younger we did a lot of grocery and hardware,” Pat says. “We were general merchants. We bought wool, dealt in corn, farm machinery, things like that.”

Competition from the big supermarkets means Mick Doyle’s puts less of an emphasis on selling goods, though they still have the essentials, should anyone be stuck for a pint of milk, bag of flour or some fishing tackle after everywhere else has shut.

Meshing with these traditional elements are plenty of modern sensibilities and nods to pop culture. A musician in a number of bands down the years, Pat is a music nut. The pub’s walls are adorned with everything from photos of Bob Dylan and U2 memorabilia, to a signed cover of Kneecap’s Fine Art album.

It’s fitting then, that Mick Doyle’s has become Graiguenmanagh’s home for live music. In addition to the trad sessions held in the main bar, an old tannery building out the back has been repurposed as a gig space. Now called Abbey Lane, this intimate setting has quickly garnered a reputation for its distinct atmosphere. It has so far welcomed an impressive roster of musical talent, including Paddy & Saoirse Casey, Gemma Hayes, Mundy, and Jack L, with upcoming gigs from The 4 of Us and Brian Kennedy. There’s a focus on promoting local Irish artists, with plans in the near-future to host open-mic nights and even comedy sets.

Abbey Lane.

Adding to the venue’s unique charm is its distinctive decor, made up of items that Pat found when clearing out the space. You’ll find a museum’s worth of old bottles, fire extinguishers, radios, and even a taxidermy swan affectionately named Juan the Swan by Gemma Hayes. There’s no place to watch a gig like this anywhere else in the country.

“It’s really intimate and the sound is great,” notes Kyra. “We’re looking to move into open-mic nights to support local artists as well. Anyone that’s come to play loves it and the crowd loves it – every gig we’ve done so far has sold out.”

Back in the main bar you’ll find memorial cards for deceased members of the community on the wall. Notably among these is a newspaper clipping and tribute to Pat’s brother, Fran – a rising star hurler for Kilkenny – who passed away when he was only 18.

It’s a sweet homage that underscores the tradition, family and community that Mick Doyle’s is all about.

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