The Merchant’s Store
A stay at The Merchant’s Store, on the ground floor, is like no other. The Store is Ireland’s only Victorian Bar/Pub that has been converted into a truly unique heritage holiday home. From the moment you step inside you are transported to the end of the 19th century. Through the original double doors, with the snug door to your left, you now enter the bar and grocery store. The hustle and bustle maybe gone, but what remains is the atmosphere and spirit of the past. The snug is a wonderful space, just inside the front window, with opaque sliding glass panels giving privacy from the street.
At the heart of The Store is the original Victorian Bar and Grocery Store. Carefully concealed within the original fittings is a modern kitchen. However, the showstopper is the Victorian hand carved counter, a wonderful piece of Kilrush history with beautiful scrolls and delicate shamrocks. Generations passed have stood and watched the world go by as they purchased goods and drink and discussed affairs of the state. It is completed by a dining area that includes a table savaged from a Convent!
Up a step to the living area, is space that was the back bar. Famously in 1963 the Dubliners played in this room. It is now a restful room with comfortable sofa and chairs to relax and unwind in front of our stove fireplace. Filled with furniture, pictures and a television hidden in a Chinese Wardrobe, this room is now far from the hectic days of August 1963.
Continue along the hallway you reach the first of two bedrooms; The Office bedroom, this bedroom and adjoining bathroom were created out of the original kitchen. It is a very comfortable bedroom with a four foot Edwardian bed and dressing table and is painted Dorchester Pink, named after the famous London hotel, The Dorchester Hotel. However, I believe you will have more craic at The Merchant’s Store!
The bathroom is next along the hallway and has all modern conveniences, including a roll top antique bath with beautiful clawed legs which was savaged from Kett O’Shea’s bar and house on Henry Street. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom, or the Parlour bedroom, which is truly a special room. The original day to day sitting room, is now restored to its 19th century glory. This room, filled with beautiful antique furniture and a parquet flooring savaged from a Glasgow College, is a wonderful room to end your day in.
To the rear of the Store is an town courtyard garden enclosed by some original stone walls, this space captures the morning and evening sun so ideal for breakfast or an evening meal. The courtyard has a fire pit, wonderful for warming the night as you relax after a day enjoying all of what Kilrush has to offer.
Highlights
Living Room – solid fuel stove powering the central heating system Kitchen – Washer/dryer, Dishwasher, Hob, Cooker, Microwave Parlour Bedroom 4’ 6’ bed Office Bedroom 4’ bed with optional second 3’ bed (a family heirloom once used by my Granddad while on Barrick Duty!) Bathroom Electric Power Shower and immersion hot water system