Spillane’s was built in 1875 by Tom ‘Bawn’ Spillane. He returned from 9 years in Australia, and the story goes that he threatened to shoot anyone who objected to him opening a pub on the local commonage. Obviously, no-one objected and Spillane’s has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Minnie Moriarty worked in the pub for Tom, She married his brother Micheal who was in the RIC. Her son John T inherited the pub and his eldest Micheal eventually took over after returning from Canada with his wife Marilyn in 1975

Micheal and Marilyn started serving toasted sandwiches &  homemade burgers in 1975, graduating to a range of homemade salads in 1980, to now a comprehensive menu of quality home produced food at a reasonable price. The chargrilled sirloin and fillet steaks are legendary, as are the fresh from the Maharees pier crab claws.

Sadly Mike passed away in 2020 after a 16 month illness. He is always greatly missed. His daughter Rose is now keeping the show on the road. The staff have evolved over the years from extended family only, to family and  neighbours, to now, family, a head chef, neighbours and  a selection of international visitors anxious to spend a season in the unique corner that is the Maharees.

Apart from the busy summer tourist season, Spillanes is considered the home away from home for many people from all over the world, especially the windsurfing and surfing community.

Many of our regulars are families that have been coming on their holidays to the Castlegregory area for literally generations! It is both a thrill and a reward for us to see people who were minded in carrycots in our kitchen as babies returning now with their children and children’s children!

Our aim is to give good food, good service at reasonable prices, and we appreciate any feedback you may care to give.

Whomever you are, we at Spillanes extend an invitation to visit at any time, and be assured of a warm welcome. Please don’t hesitate to ask for Marilyn.