Legendary Kilkenny businessman and publican Eamonn Langton dies

The legendary Kilkenny businessman and publican Eamonn Langton has died. He was, for many years, a prominent figure in Kilkenny’s community and cultural life, and a key driver of the city’s hospitality industry.

Born in 1948, his family has long been synonymous with the hospitality trade and commerce in Kilkenny. The son of Edward and Bridie Langton, he attended St Kieran’s College and later served his apprenticeship in Dublin pubs. He returned to Kilkenny where his career in the entertainment promotion business took off.

In the 1970s, he became involved in the family business - Langton’s of John Street. It was - and continues to be - one of the city’s most iconic destinations, and a place where many a happy couple can point to as they place they first met.

From 1975, Mr Langton then reshaped and expanded the business, and what began as a public house grew into a hotel, restaurant, theatre and music venue. Over the years, the premises underwent many renovations and expansions, catering to new offerings and reinventing itself to cater for changing trends and tastes. The Langton empire now includes the multi-award-winning Langton House Pub, Restaurant & Hotel, the charmingly traditional Bridies Bar, the culturally vibrant Set Theatre, and the elegant Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms.

Only this year, in June, Mr Langton was honoured with the Freedom of Kilkenny City. The prestigious title was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Kilkenny life in the areas of hospitality, cultural life, and community.

Previous recipients have included distinguished figures from the worlds of public service, sport and the arts. They include Countess Constance Markievicz, who received the Freedom of the City in 1917, and Éamon de Valera, President of the Irish Free State, who was so honoured in 1933.

Among those to pay tribute following that event was Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who praised Mr Langton and said: “It is a wonderful tribute and he has joined an elite group of people.”

Mr Langton was also instrumental in helping and advising other businesspeople in Kilkenny. Several significant business owners in part attribute their deciding to set up shop in Kilkenny to conversations they had in Langton’s of John Street with the proprietor.

Putting Mr Langton forward for Freedom of the City, then-Mayor of Kilkenny John Coonan said: “Eamonn is not just a publican; he is a champion of this city. What truly distinguishes Eamon is how his success has always been directed in the service of Kilkenny. He is deeply passionate about promoting our city across sport, business, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality,” he continued.

“Over the decades, Langtons has served as the backdrop for countless fateful conversations where Eamonn has acted as an unofficial ambassador for our city. Through his expert guidance, deep connections to local business organisations, and undeniable passion, he has convinced visionary local entrepreneurs and global companies alike that Kilkenny is the perfect place to lay down roots.”

Cllr Andrew McGuinness, seconding the proposal, said: “Eamonn Langton has made an exceptional contribution to Kilkenny through his lifetime, not just through his business success but through his support for the arts, community events and the life of the city. This honour is richly deserved and reflects the high regard in which he is held by people across Kilkenny.”

Welcoming the honour in June, Mr Langton said: “ To receive the Freedom of the City is a huge personal honour for myself. As a proud Kilkenny man, it ranks as one of the greatest achievements of my life.” The iconic businessman said he was ‘truly grateful’ and ‘deeply humbled’ by the accolade, thanking his family and the people of Kilkenny.

Eamonn is survived by beloved wife Trish, children, Eddie, Conor and Tracey. He will be missed by his sister Mary (Hennessy), daughters-in-law Niamh and Blanaid, son-in-law Neil, his adored grandchildren Ned, Pia, Isobel, Eve, Arlo, Otis, Aly and Glen, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, a wide circle of friends and all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his parents Ned and Bridie, brothers Thomas and Jim and brother-in-law Eamon. Funeral details have been announced here.