Cleere delight for popular Kilkenny bar and theatre's new owners

The well-known Cleere’s Bar and Theatre in Kilkenny City is under new ownership with confirmation this week that Paul McCabe and Johnny Holden have purchased the premises.

Mr McCabe and Mr Holden, who have been running the popular Parliament Street hostelry for many years, took the opportunity to thank previous owners John and Phyl Cleere for their knowledge and support over the last 13 years.

“We always worked well together and had a great relationship ensuring the smooth running of Cleere’s,” they said.

“Also we’d like to wish John and Phyl a well deserved and happy retirement from the licensed trade and continued success to John in his role as festival director of the Kilkenny roots festival.

“John and Phyl shone a spotlight on the arts scene in Kilkenny when they decided to build Cleere’s theatre and invite artists, local, national and international from the theatre, spoken word and music scene to perform at Cleere’s. This in turn helped to stimulate the local arts scene, encourage and spur on artists to learn, grow and gain experience in their disciplines on stage.

"This vision and commitment has cemented Cleere’s as an important artist-led venue with its massive contribution to Kilkenny’s arts and pop culture over the past 30-plus years. Many of these acts have returned time and time again not just to perform, but to sample the great pints of plain, warm welcome and hospitality for which Cleere’s has become known for.”

The pair said they are also very grateful to staff past and present for their hard work to ensure the success of Cleere’s and continue high standard — and thanked customers for all their support, kindness and personality.

“For the future, there are no plans to change anything — just keep the show going,” they said.