The oldest bar in the world? Sean’s Bar, which dates back to the Middle Ages!

The oldest bar in the world? Sean’s Bar, which dates back to the Middle Ages!

Also listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the historicity of the building that houses it, Sean’s Bar has been recognised as the oldest bar in the world. It is located in Athlon, a small town on the banks of the Shannon River, in the centre of Ireland.

So far, our passion for historical cafes has taken us far and wide, in Italy and abroad, to visit some of the world’s most important cities.

In today’s article, all eyes are on Sean’s Bar which, as the oldest bar in the world, deserves its own special focus. Let’s discover its history together and find out what it’s like today!

History of Sean’s Bar

Located next to the ruins of a 12^th century Norman Castle, Sean’s Bar was established even earlier, in 900 AD. Proof of this can be found in documents cited as a cast-iron guarantee by its owners, as well as by the institutions and the meticulous verifiers at the Guinness Book of Records. The long line of owners who have managed the bar since its opening are all registered.

Sean’s Bar began as an inn, opened to accommodate travellers by the river, who crossed the various fords once present in the area. It was established by Luain Mac Luighdeach in a deserted, impassable area, even before the founding of the town itself. In fact, legend has it that the town of Athlone developed from the settlement that grew up around Sean’s Bar as a crossing point.

Just two centuries later, in 1129, King Turlough O’Connor built the first wooden castle in the area to protect the settlement from enemy attacks.

Around the area, near Athlone, there were ancient monasteries of monks who had been producing whiskey since the 6th century. It’s easy to guess that the monks themselves, and traders, would have found it easy to bring these spirits to Sean’s Bar, making it a famous place for quality whiskey.

What the renovations revealed

During one of the renovations carried out over the centuries, coins dating back to the 10th century were found, including coins minted by the landowners who owned the place at that time and who are thought to have used them to barter with their customers.

And this was not an isolated case, since the renovations often revealed surprising data and details about the bar’s history. In a recent renovation in 1970, for example, it was discovered that one of the walls had been made of “wattle and wicker”, by fixing strips of wooden planks with clay and mud.

Another renovation revealed that horsehair had been mixed with the mud to make it more durable. Renovating such a place effectively proved to be a very delicate affair, a veritable journey through the story of mankind, its building trends, and its history.

Sean’s Bar today

Today, Sean’s Bar is of course one of the most important Irish pubs on the island and in the whole of the UK. Its historic floor, in full view, together with the ever-lingering smell of hops and barley, take the traveller back in time. The list of owners over the years and centuries is proudly on display for all to see.

Obviously, the bar offers quality whiskey and spirits, refined and renowned beers, but you can also order a nice hot coffee there. In the evenings it often hosts live music and , for tourists passing through, a visit is definitely a must.

The story of Sean’s Bar is a thrilling journey, and we hope you have enjoyed discovering it with us.