History of Biddy's

A rural, family-run pub since 1870.

History of Biddy's O'Barnes

~ 1870
Denis (b. 1826) & Bridget aka Biddy (Tower or Travers) Callaghan established an Inn at the foothills of the Blue Stack Mountains.
1901
1901 Census described Biddy's as "A public house with 5 rooms, slated rood, with 3 persons in family"
1903
Biddy's O'Barnes became one of the first licensed premises in the country, and possibly the first in Donegal.
1909
Pub was passed to son, John (b. 1857) & wife Rose (McMenamin) Callaghan
~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.

1913
Bridget (Travers) Callaghan passed away
1913
John officially dedicates the pub to his mother by naming it "Biddy's of Barnes"
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.
1931
John Callaghan passes away, wife Rose continues to run the pub.
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."

1960's
Rose adds Shell petrol pumps to the front of the pub
1977
Rose Callaghan passes away and Biddy's is run by brother Joe Callaghan and wife Kitty.
1977
Rose Callaghan passes away and Biddy's is run by nephew, Terrance Callaghan.
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.
1980
Petrol Pumps Close
1990
Biddy's is purchased by Terrence's friends, John & Carmel Slevin.

1990
Carmel Slevin passes away and the pub continues to be run by John Slevin and family.
2001
The Clar-Barnesmore road realignment was complete, now the N15 runs behind Biddy's instead of outside the front door!
2014
John Slevin passes away and pub passes to son Aaron Slevin.
2017
Biddy's O'Barnes wins "Best Pint of Guinness in Donegal" via the Donegal Democrat.