New games café in Tullamore 'an alternative to pub culture'

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A new board game café aiming to bring fantasy, fun, and a fresh social space to the Midlands is opening its doors in Tullamore this weekend.

Galway native Savanna Jacqueline moved to Tullamore in 2019, and decided to open The Bard's Rest after identifying a gap in options for the alternative community.

Combining classic board games, modern tabletop favourites, and an immersive tavern-inspired atmosphere, Savanna hopes The Bard's Rest will offer locals a welcoming alternative to traditional nightlife and a new hub for families, hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.

The business, located at Laurelle Plaza off of Market Square, will officially launch today, Friday, May 29, but has already drawn the curiosity and imagination of locals.

“I've always had a big interest in nerd culture, and I felt like there was a want there, ” Savanna said. "There has been a huge reaction online already. I was super surprised, and really grateful.

“People have been coming to me with suggestions, like Warhammer nights, and have been very enthusiastic about helping bring the space to life.”

She said she hopes to offer an alternative to pub culture in the Midlands.

“There's nothing really in this realm in the Midlands. I think there is a need for more social spaces and third spaces that aren't based around alcohol,” she said.

“In Tullamore, you wouldn't even get a coffee after 5.30pm, so it's about creating something alternative for people to do after work or at weekends.”

Savanna said she also recognises the need for family-friendly spaces, and spaces for those who aren't interested in sports.

“It's something I really missed when I left Galway,” she said. “People in the Midlands shouldn't have to travel over an hour to find something that interests them to do.

“For families too, I remember always going for a day out with my family after church on a Sunday. This provides families with an affordable activity to do at the weekends, and I hope to make Sunday a very family-friendly day.”

Savanna has already collected more than 100 games, from classics like chess and draughts, to family favourites such as Uno and Connect Four, as well as quirky card games from the Exploding Kittens franchise. A further 30 games have been donated by local gaming enthusiasts.

To mark the official opening of The Bard's Rest, Savanna has a couple of special surprises in store. She travelled to Comicon in the UK, where she secured collectible cards signed by one of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leather buttons and keyring created by Midlands leather crafter Fabian Ragnor will also be available on the opening night.

With the help of Tullamore Men's Shed, Savanna created a tavern feel with a handmade wooden sign. She also enlisted local tradesmen to build custom-made tables.

“When you think of fantasy games, a lot of them begin by entering a tavern. I wanted the space to feel really cosy,” she said. “I want people to have that magical, mystical feeling of immersing themselves in the world of the game.”