Website ThinkBusiness.ie has identified the oldest businesses in each county in Ireland.
In Roscommon, the oldest business is:
Morahan’s Bar. Date founded: 1641
Located in Ballinagare, the bar has been in the same family since 1641. Currently, Morahan’s is run by the eighth generation of the Morahan family. An interesting side note is that each generation of the family has had a Bernard Morahan, with the name being passed on from generation to generation.
Leitrim – The Bush Hotel. Date founded: 1793
Located in Carrick-on-Shannon, The Bush Hotel opened its doors in 1793. Now in its fourth century, the Bush Hotel has maintained the Irish tradition of the Teach Aiochta, the ‘house of hospitality’. The Bush Hotel is currently run by the Dolan family.
Mayo – Mellet’s Emporium. Date founded: 1797
Currently run by the seventh generation of the Mellet family, this Swinford pub has been operation since 1797. It originally consisted of a grocery store at the front of the premises with a bar at the rear with Mellet’s also operating a funeral director service for many years but today only the pub remains.
Sligo – The Sligo Champion. Date founded: 1836
The Sligo Champion is one of the oldest regional newspapers in the country. It began publication before Daniel O’Connell achieved Catholic Emancipation and survived the Famine, the War of Independence and many a recession to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2011. It has been part of Independent News & Media since 2008.
