Grace Neill's


Grace Neill's, in the town of Donaghadee, Northern Ireland is the oldest licensed pub in Ireland, according to Guinness World Records.

History

The pub was opened in 1611 as the King's Arms. According to family tradition, Grace Neill was given the pub as a wedding gift from her father. Neill was a well-known figure in Donaghadee and owned the bar until her death in 1918. The pub was renamed in her honour.
Russian Czar Peter the Great, poet John Keats and novelist Daniel Defoe are all said to have visited the pub.

Present day

Situated on High Street, the small bar has stone flooring and beams that were constructed from ship timber, both of which are original to the building, and antiques and memorabilia displayed around its interior.
Grace Neill's has the oldest known pub deeds in Ireland, and is listed in Guinness World Records as the oldest licensed pub in Ireland. In 2010, the pub was featured in the Michelin Eating Out In Pubs guide.