Since the 1870s
A living bridge between Killarney’s fascinating past and its exciting future
The 1870s were eventful years: the telephone was invented, and J.M. Reidy’s was built on Main Street, Killarney. It began as three separate shops; a hardware store, a grocer’s, and a bakery. When John M. Reidy incorporated a bar into the grocery, it became a destination known as the Sweetshop Pub. With its decorative shopfront, this iconic institution became one of Killarney’s most photographed buildings, and the star of many a postcard home. More than a century and a half later, that same building still stands on Main Street, a protected structure with a story worth exploring in full.
From great food and house cocktails to live music every night, corporate functions, and milestone celebrations, there's always something happening at J.M. Reidy's.
A quiet snug table where conversation comes easily, alongside great food and signature house cocktails
A stage for local talent, live music flows from the café through the building to the courtyard main stage
Privatised spaces come alive with music and atmosphere, while sharing canapés move easily from table to table
Milestones are celebrated in privatised spaces, with cocktails, and canapé platters shared with family and friends
Local musicians take to the stage every night of the week, filling J.M. Reidy's with everything from traditional session tunes to contemporary covers. Pull up a seat and let the night find its own rhythm.
We operate on a walk-in basis only, and we do not take reservations for food service. We do our best to accommodate everyone, but during busy periods please expect a 30–40 minute wait to be seated for food. Our Café and bar areas typically have immediate seating where you can enjoy our Café menu or full drinks selection.
Our Café is open everyday from 8am, serving barista-style speciality coffee and brewed tea, freshly baked scones and homemade confectionery treats. Our food menu is available weekdays from 12–6pm and at weekends from 11 am. Our bar is open Monday-Saturday from 10.30am and Sunday from 12.30pm.
Yes, every night! We host live music sessions in our Café Bar and Courtyard, showcasing local talent across both traditional Irish music and contemporary acts. Follow our social media @j.m_reidys for the latest schedule.
Absolutely. We offer dedicated spaces for private hire, from intimate celebrations in our Cocktail Snug to large gatherings in the Courtyard. Browse our Functions and Spaces pages for details, or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Yes, join us for food! From 8am, our Café serves barista-style speciality coffee, brewed tea, freshly baked scones, and homemade confectionery treats. Our daytime food menu runs weekdays from noon and weekends from 11am, until the kitchen closes at 6pm. Thursday–Sunday evenings, we keep going with wood-fired pizza from 6pm to 9pm.
Killarney town has several car parks nearby. Our location on Main Street makes us easily accessible from all car parks and most hotels and accommodation in the town centre.