Skellys Bar

16/02/2026

Food and Drink producers from across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath came together to attend the Midlands Flavours ‘Every Brand has a Recipe’ event

16/02/2026

26/02/2025

Longford Ploughing Association will host our launch night on Tuesday 4th March at 8:00 p.m. in Skellys Bar Ballymahon.
We would like to welcome all ploughing 2025 sponsors, exhibitiors and friends to Skelly’s to meet the team behind the biggest outdoor spring time ploughing festival in Ireland.😀

15/12/2024

An Antique Glazed Belfast Laundry Sink:

I ambled into Skellys Bar to-day on Main Street, Ballymahon. As I pushed the double main doors from main street, the boundary line from the bitter bone cold of the December reality, and the greeting of that trademark roaring hot fire, as its turfed fuelled flames danced unapologetically, beckoning to its patrons, to pull up a pew and rest the weary cold bones, on the heat drenched armchairs flanked either side. My decision was made before I even knew it. The greeting from the bar ensued, the wave, the nod, the embracing gesture of friendliness, sealed the deal.

As I cast away the coat and scarf, I ordered the bowl of soup, as it was served to me steaming, with the sailing croutons as they bobbed on the dash of cream, with the sourdough soakage on either side. It was a mini heaven as I sat to soak the ambiance, and reach for the spoon, to radiate from within.

Pat Byrne the owner, came over and greeted me with the broad smile we all know so well, like a neighbour would welcome you into their home at Christmas time. We chatted, we laughed, and Pat said come here until I show you something….the conversation was diverted to an amazing exhibit, as Pat proudly shared its story from old. I researched since what Pat was showing me……

A very rare laundry sink dating from circa. 1890. They were used in old farmhouses or old big houses back in the day. As the name implies they were in fact used for doing laundry. This one is made up of 3 components: 1 large deep fire clay Belfast style sink, on 2 pedestal legs. This one is over 130 years old, and in impeccable condition, no cracks whatsoever. Internally on the sink you will see a 4 cornered area to its left, on which probably stood a wooden drain board, long worn away, at this stage of its interesting life.

On the front lip of the sink there is a mahogany arm rest, which is bolted into the sink, all original. What's interesting is that the mahogany board is well worn, as the arms toiled on it as they rested on it, kneeding the laundry, as they twisted and squeezed the large sheets and clothes in days of yore.

Pat Byrne fondly remembers as a child seeing a local lady called Kate Duffy, use it regularly as she helped out in the house, using this antique sink daily. Of course it wasn’t antique then, but a modern piece of equipment, the best there was in fact.

This antique laundry sink now takes pride of place behind the front bar, as Pat moved it from a rear room, to place it on show, and am sure it shall continue its use in daily bar duties, and for all to see and admire.

Well done Pat Byrne for saving this wonderful piece of history of Ballymahon, and sharing the story to go with it…

You too call in for that soup, and rest your weary bones, from the journey and toil of life, and soak the stories of the wonderful Skellys Bar and restaurant on Main Street, Ballymahon.

You wont be disappointed by the abundant human and turf warmth within, and the stories that await….exactly what life has ordered...agus lig do scíth.

RÓC_CnocAnÓir....131224.

20/04/2024

Great to welcome the Longford Warriors Women's Rugby team in Skellys this evening after their incredible 14-5 victory over Birr in the Midlands Bowl competition.

13/04/2024

https://gofund.me/406b2d02

Hi everyone I don’t know where to start so I will tell you a brief story my name i… Robert Duignan needs your support for Travel and mums garden of dreams

05/04/2024

Environmentalists say the semi-state’s pumping practices in Co Longford are harming the habitats of birds of conservation concern.

30/03/2024

Is Rip-Off Ireland Back with a bang?🍺

We sent Newstalk reporter Sheila Naughton across the country to look at the price of pints.

24/01/2024

Open every day for food 😊