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About Biddys

About Biddys

Steeped (not stuck) in History

Céad míle fáilte

A rural, family-run pub since 1870.

Biddy’s O’Barnes

Welcome

This famous traditional Irish pub is nestled at the foothills of the Blue Stack Mountains, on the Banks of the Lowerymore River, nine miles from Ballybofey and six miles from Donegal Town. Biddy’s was originally an Inn, dating back to the 18th century, a time when the Coach was the main form of transport, here was a stopping point, where horses were rested, and travellers relaxed before the next stage of their long and tiring journey through the Gap. Biddy’s O’Barnes, to this day remains a stopping point for today’s traveller. People from all over the world now pass through these doors. Pub grub served daily. However you spend your time with us, we hope you enjoy your visit.

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History of Biddy's O'Barnes

  1. ~ 1870

    Denis (b. 1826) & Bridget aka Biddy (Tower or Travers) Callaghan established an Inn at the foothills of the Blue Stack Mountains.

  2. 1901

    1901 Census described Biddy's as "A public house with 5 rooms, slated rood, with 3 persons in family"

  3. 1903

    Biddy's O'Barnes became one of the first licensed premises in the country, and possibly the first in Donegal.

  4. 1909

    Pub was passed to son, John (b. 1857) & wife Rose (McMenamin) Callaghan

  5. ~1910

    Briefly called "John Callaghan's" as it was a legal requirement to display the proprietor’s name over the front door of the premises after legislation passed in 1872.

  1. 1913

    Bridget (Travers) Callaghan passed away

  2. 1913

    John officially dedicates the pub to his mother by naming it "Biddy's of Barnes"

  3. 1914

    Denis Callaghan passed away Family legend has it that the day Dinny's wife died he ordered his own grave dug at the same time.

  4. 1931

    John Callaghan passes away, wife Rose continues to run the pub.

  5. 1938

    Rose (McMenamin) Callaghan dies and pub passes to daughter, Rose Callaghan. "Near closing, Rosie would call “time” and then make everyone say the rosary. Following the prayers, she would start serving drinks again."

  1. 1960's

    Rose adds Shell petrol pumps to the front of the pub

  2. 1977

    Rose Callaghan passes away and Biddy's is run by brother Joe Callaghan and wife Kitty.

  3. 1977

    Rose Callaghan passes away and Biddy's is run by nephew, Terrance Callaghan.

  4. 1979/1980

    Extension by Terrance Callaghan added on the current lounge and relocated the bar service to it's current location. It also added the current kitchen, bathroom & storage facilities as well as a lounge in the upstairs.

  5. 1980

    Petrol Pumps Close

  6. 1990

    Biddy's is purchased by Terrence's friends, John & Carmel Slevin.

  1. 1990

    Carmel Slevin passes away and the pub continues to be run by John Slevin and family.

  2. 2001

    The Clar-Barnesmore road realignment was complete, now the N15 runs behind Biddy's instead of outside the front door!

  3. 2014

    John Slevin passes away and pub passes to son Aaron Slevin.

  4. 2017

    Biddy's O'Barnes wins "Best Pint of Guinness in Donegal" via the Donegal Democrat.

Awards & Press

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About Us

Biddy's O'Barnes is a famous roadside Pub in Barnesmore Gap, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Since it's days as an Inn, dating back to the 18th century, a time when the Coach was the main form of transport, Biddy's was a stopping point, where horses were rested, and travellers relaxed before the next stage of their long and tiring journey through the Gap. Today we continue that tradition.

Find Us

Barnesmore Gap
Co. Donegal
F94 HP22
+353 (0)74 972 2647

Opening Hours

Due to Covid-19We are currently closed.

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