Iconic Moate venue to reopen on Friday

The Auld Shebeen Moate is to reopen on Friday, March 13.

The iconic Midlands pub, now under new ownership, will open its doors at 12pm. The reopening will mark a new chapter in the life of a business which has been a mainstay in Moate for almost 300 years.

The pub was purchased by Dublin businessman Fran Massey in September 2023.

The Walkinstown native said he has spent the time since the purchase completely renovating the venue.

"We have completely revamped the building, the nite club is no longer and we now have a function room that can cater for small weddings, corporate events, family reunions and funerals for up to 200 people," Fran said.

Fran said he and his business partner have put "the best of the best" into the Auld Shebeen.

They were due to reopen the business in June 2025 but opted to continue with the venue's renovations so that "we can cater for such numbers in a central location".

The Auld Shebeen also has eight double rooms which have been "continually rented out since October" and the owner said the venue can be booked in its entirety for special occasions.

While bar food is currently not on the menu, "it is in the pipeline" as Fran aims to expand on the offering at the venue.

Fran's brother Ray will oversee the day-to-day running of the Auld Shebeen and is hoping that the venue's location in the "heart of Ireland" will attract custom from "all over the country".