Skehan's Bar Kickham House, Thurles, Co Tipperary

About

Welcome to Skehan's Bar aka Kickham House which is nestled conveniently on Liberty Square in the heart of Thurles Town, Co Tipperary.

This unique bar is steeped in history and enriched with a genuine hospitality, catering for music lovers, sports fanatics and great nights out. 

Known for traditional Irish music and impromptu music sessions Skehan's Bar has become a much loved and popular haunt for music players and followers who like to sample traditional Irish music in a cosy atmosphere whilst enjoying one of the best pulled pints on Liberty Square.

...and keeping with the beer revolution of today Skehans Bar also serve local craft beers from Liberty Brewing Company Ltd.

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Valerie Dibben

I am interested in the Skehan connection. I have a letter from a relative at Kirkham House to my great uncle, Dan Skehan in Australia

Skehans Bar

Come and join us for the All Ireland Final Tipperary v Kilkenny

Skehans Bar

Galway races always great entertainment

Skehans Bar

Come and join us in cheering Ireland on against France
Sat. 15th March

Skehans Bar

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

Cheltenham Festival 11th March - 14th March, Open each day for races - Sweep Stake competition - Finger Foods and sandwiches served daily

Skehans Bar

UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS

Dixie & Paul - Sunday 16th March

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Skehan's Bar - History

This landmark property which is steeped in in local tradition and folklore is also well known as Kickham House due to its connection with the famed Irish historian and author Charles J Kickham. It boasts a proud tradition and long association with many of Thurles clubs and societies based in and around the town.

The names of many Irish buildings and architectural features have historical connections and are associated with famous names from the past. However many historical connections can be tenuous to say the least. Not so with Kickham House, one of the Landmark public houses in Thurles and known far and wide as Skehan's.

The Connection -  Charles Joseph Kickham

Born 9th May 1828 - Died 22nd August 1882

Charles J. Kickham the great Irish Fenian and writer, born in Mullenahone, Co Tipperary. He was the author of many books, ballads and poems. His writings include "Knocknagow" and "Sally Kavanagh", while he also composed the ballad "The Irish Peasant Girl"

After his death in 1882, it was intended that his funeral cortege from Dublin to Mullinahone would rest overnight in the Cathedral in Thurles. However, because of his Fenian connections, permission was not granted to allow his coffin into the Cathedral. The dilemma was solved when his coffin was brought to the premises of Thomas Kirwin (now Skehan's) where it reposed overnight on Sunday 27th August. A huge crowd had assembled in Thurles when the cortege left Kirwins at 11.30 a.m  on the following day for funeral service in Mullinahone.

It was for the penning of "Sliabh na mBan" the Tipperary county Anthem, that Charles J Kickham holds a special place in Tipperary folklore, where his memory is cherished and revered.

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Kickham House - The Name

Following such an event of historical importance , it was inevitable that Kickham's name would attach itself to the building owned by the Kirwan family. It was described in a business almanac of the time as " a very fine warehouse and spirit's store"

In 1936, the Skehan family commenced trading on the premises. Over the next 60 years the Skehan family consolidated the business and built a fine reputation of quality and hospitality. 

More recently, the premises has been acquired by Pat and family, who have refurbished it to a very high standard. 

In a remarkable contribution to the special history of the building, the original mosaic floor which exists from the time of Charles J. Kickham's funeral has been preserved and extended to most of the ground floor, using tiles manufactured by the original suppliers all those decades ago.

Tradition

Throughout the changes which have taken place in the building over the years, the Kickham name and tradition of hospitality from that period of history lives proudly on in Skehan's Bar today.