Live music series to help mark Lee's Bar 130th anniversary

John Lee's Bar & Venue Tullamore is celebrating a milestone anniversary this month as it marks 130 years in business at its Church Street location.

The occasion will be celebrated with a number of live performances throughout October as owners Joe, Dolores, John and Susan Lee bring the best in live music to the venue.

The John Lee's Bar & Venue story started on October 12, 1896, when James Healion was the first licensee of the premises

Through the years, the Tullamore venue evolved with a lounge and beer garden added to the original premises, reflecting the popularity and steady growth of the business in the town.

The pub was in the name of Tom Lee from the 1920s. Joe Lee then took over the trade in 1964 and today, his son John ensures the Lee name remains a constant on the Tullamore's Church Street.

The popular venue is the sole remaining bar on Church Street. John Lee's has adapted to changing consumer habits and continues to offer a wide range of live music performances, along with coverage of all major sporting events.

John Lee's live music venue continues to host an extensive line up of rock, traditional, alternative, electronic and indie acts between the bar, lounge and covered/heated beer garden.

Such pride in providing live music to the Tullamore and wider Offaly community is reflected in the array of performances which set to grace the John Lee's Bar & Venue stage in the coming weeks.

ASH singer-songwriter Tim Wheeler performs at John Lee's Bar & Venue on Saturday night (October 10) with support from local artist Adrian Fox and internet sensation Jack Keeshan from Roscrea.

Another band known for their longevity on the Irish music scene, The Frank & Walters, return to the Church Street venue for an acoustic performance on Friday, October 16. Support for the Cork-based band will be provided by Evan Curling from Killeigh and COPA from Athlone. Limited tickets for both live performances are available from www.leesbar.ie.

Complementing these two live performances from iconic Irish artists, the venue will host a karaoke night on Friday, October 9, while Damian Scally and Robbie Spain and Joe Coyne will perform in the lounge on Friday, October 10 and Friday, October 17, respectively.

Gary O'Brien will perform his homage to Johnny Cash with a tribute show on Saturday, October 24 and Nigel Rabbitte will play his 'Ageing Rocker' set on Sunday, October 25.

The milestone celebrations will culminate on Saturday, October 31 (Halloween night), when John Lee's Bar & Venue will host a charity event in aid of Autism Ireland. Music will be a prominent feature of this charity event with 12 hours of vinyl sounds from DJs playing a mix of music styles from the 1980s to reggae and beyond.

Prizes will be on offer on the night as the venue's annual fancy dress party also taking place. Saturday, October 31, will also see music in the lounge with a live performance from Paudge Bennette.

Reflecting on the venue's 130th birthday, Joe, Dolores, John and Susan Lee, have expressed their gratitude to all the staff past and present and the generations of customers who have helped keep the pub full of memories and chat, helping people to mark special occasions with a good night out amongst family and friends.

John has served as the bar's owner since 2012 and praised the "loyal custom" which he said "allows us to continue in business".

Celebrating 130 years in business is a "milestone" John said, and the business has welcomed "generations of families" through the bar's front door since it first opened in 1896.

It is this loyalty which John is particularly grateful for, as the bar embarks on Rocktober 2026, which he said is a "fitting celebration" for the longstanding business.

John Lee's Bar & Venue provides a platform for local music artists to perform, many of whom have supported renowned national artists at the venue.

John is looking forward to the numerous live acts performing in honour of the significant birthday anniversary this month.

"We have the two main ticketed events this month with performances from Tim Wheeler and The Frank & Walters. Both artists attract fans not only from Tullamore, but across the country which is a positive for the venue," John said.

Such is the continued popularity of live music at John Lee's Bar & Venue that John said he regularly has music acts looking to perform there. It is an aspect of the business of which he is proud.

"Live music is a great for our business. We look after the acts when they perform here and I have to thank my staff who are always on hand to help when there are live performances at the venue," John added.

The venue's beer garden provides an outdoor setting for live performances from April to October, but John said there is "always music" in the venue all year around.

John hopes that the business continues to be a prominent presence in the Tullamore community for many more years and build on its loyal customer base for which he reiterated his appreciation as John Lee's Bar & Venue closes out the month of October in reflective and celebration mode.