One-night-a week 'secret pub' Jim O' the Mills keeping old Ireland alive through rousing sessions

It’s a long way to Tipperary but worth the trek for a visit to Jim O’ the Mills, just make sure you arrive on a Thursday.

The cat is officially out of the bag over Ireland’s ‘secret pub’ which operates off one tap, only takes cash, and is sure to serve up a night to remember.

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The pub which is based in the village of Upperchurch, has long been a local legend but has become one of the nation’s must-try spots.

Pic: Courtesy of Jim O’ the Mill

Why? Well, for starters it only opens on Thursdays, the rest of the time it’s a family home and that’s exactly how the Ryan family like it.

The building dates back two hundred years and began life as a mill. Somewhere in the early 1900s it was turned into a pub and grocery shop.

Jim Ryan inherited it in 1982 at a time when the Government was encouraging publicans to sell their licences if not in use, but he decided that he wanted to keep his and began opening up Jim O’ the Mills every Thursday.

Pic: Courtesy of Jim O’ the Mill

A talented fiddle player, Jim began inviting local musicians to perform at the pub and ‘the one night opening’ quickly evolved into legendary sessions that have seen musicians travel from all over the world to take to the stage at Jim O’ the Mills.

Now it’s his five daughters also accomplished musicians, who are helping to carry on the tradition and keep the fires of old Ireland burning in this new era.

Visitors can expect a warm welcome, quite literally from the two roaring fires, with the pub laid out over three rooms.

If you want to wet your whistle, it’s a pint of the black stuff on tap, on offer, take it or leave it although the pub also sells an assortment of bottled beers and spirits.

Payment is by cash only, and if you’re in need of sustenance plates of brown bread and black pudding are passed around throughout the evening.

Sometimes competing sessions will spark off in each of the rooms, and you might find yourself called upon to sing or perform. Be warned!

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