About us & Some History
Take a look at the place and the people…….
A few words about us
Let us introduce ourselves
We, Johnny and Annette, have been the owners of this well known family-run Wexford Town establishment for the past 30 years. We have made some great changes while upgrading the business, particularly over the past decade. Now it’s the perfect venue for celebrating all sorts of occasions and functions!
Largest Beer Garden in Wexford
The biggest surprise here at Gaynors is the wonderful Beer Garden. The Orchard Beer Garden has been our focus for the past few years and is now the largest beer garden in Wexford town, if not the county. A beautiful, relaxing and interesting space which is perfect for just chilling with friends and family, or for holding a party or staff get-together, anytime….. afternoon, evening or night. New customers are always amazed at the extent of the garden and how surprising it is to find this “hidden gem” in the centre of town.
The Garden & Patio Area
How it all came to be…
Its name “The Orchard” was chosen because originally it was a Victorian “secret garden”, filled with apple and pear trees. In the early 1970’s, when the business was expanded, the Orchard was incorporated in order to make way for a new Lounge, Bar and Grocery Store. Nowadays, it is still an impressive garden with beautiful original stone walls and original fruit trees which are heavily laden with eating and cooking apples in season. Feel free to drop in for some apples in season…….we would be delighted to give them away, as they are always so plentiful.
The Patio area is dotted with a variety of coloured bistro sets and comply cushions, potted plants and curiosities. When the evenings get cool there is a basket of cozy throws to wrap up in, and glowing fire pits & chiminea heaters to keep you warm.
History of the House Above
A histotical building
Our house above the pub at Wygram has a great history attached to it. The building was built by a Mr. Maddocks in the 1800’s and was originally a three story thatched home… the only three-story thatch in Wexford.
It later became the property of the Walsh Family who opened a small grocery shop and bar there. It was a popular pub and one of the very few to have a “snug” on the premises at that time.
It was the home of the Volunteers GAA club trophies for many years. When the club won the 1925/26 town league, Mr. Walsh paid for Brakes & Co. to take the team and officials on a day out to Kilmore for dinner and drinks. On victory nights, the Tar Barrels were lit outside the pub to celebrate.
The Walsh Family
A talented bunch…
The Walsh children, born and reared in Wygram, were very talented and became well know. The late Dr. Tom Walsh, put Wexford on the map when he and his friends started the Wexford Opera Festival in the 1950’s. In the beginning, it was a showcase for young opera singers starting out in their careers. Today, as you all know, it is one of the most prestigious festivals on the opera circuit.
Tom’s sister, Nellie, was a trained opera singer and a regular contributor on Radio Eireann music programmes. She was well known throughout the U.K. also. Nellie appeared in several Wexford operas and was also a member of the Rowe Street Choir and the Wexford Historical Society. She wrote a book called “Tuppences were for Sundays” which features a photo of Nellie and her brothers, celebrating their Confirmation, posing at the wall of the Orchard.
Their other brother, John (Sandy), became an actor and starred in over 90 Film and TV roles. Sandy is best remembered for his part in the well known, long running BBC series called The Forsythe Saga. As an actor he simple changed his name from John Walsh to John Welsh.
Recent Ownership
Greg O’Brien took over the pub after the Walsh family and when he left to move to Dublin, John’s parents, Ger and Doreen, became the new owners and residents of Gaynor’s Bar.
We have been living above the business for almost 30 years now and continue the long standing family tradition of pub owners in the Gaynor name.
Pop In
Have a perfect pint!
Pop in to Gaynor’s to see for yourself …you won’t be disappointed!
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