If the thought of stepping into history while pulling pints in a cosy Irish pub sounds like a dream, McLoughlin’s Bar on Achill Island might just be calling your name.
Perched on the rugged coast of West Ireland with views that stretch out across the crashing Atlantic and up towards Slievemore mountain, this iconic pub, owned by Joseph ‘Josie’ McLoughlin, is searching for its next custodian. And it could be you.
With Heineken® lending a helping hand, a global campaign is underway to find a McLoughlin successor who will pick up the reins of this 155-year-old family-run institution.
A Legacy Steeped in History
McLoughlin’s Bar isn’t just a pub. It’s a living, breathing piece of Irish history. Established in 1870, it has remained in the McLoughlin family for four generations. Josie himself was born in the upstairs rooms and took over the business from his parents 43 years ago. Beneath its well-worn bar, countless stories have been shared, friendships forged, and pints poured.
But, as Josie looks forward to retirement, one problem looms large. His kin are scattered across the globe, and there’s no one within the family to carry on the name. Without a successor, the McLoughlin legacy risks fading into history. “I’d resigned myself to seeing my name being lost to history,” Josie admits. “That would just break my heart. If I could guarantee the McLoughlin name above the door of the pub for another 155 years, I’d die a happy man.”
Heineken® Joins the Fight to Save McLoughlin’s
Determined to keep the heartbeat of McLoughlin’s Bar alive, Heineken® has launched a worldwide search to find Josie’s successor. The beer brand is throwing its monumental reach behind the effort, with towering billboards cropping up in cities like New York, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and even Phan Thi?t in Vietnam. Wherever large numbers of Irish descendants live, Heineken® is spreading the word about this extraordinary opportunity.
But they aren’t stopping at awareness. The chosen “new McLoughlin” will receive more than just the keys to the pub. Heineken® will provide a tailored succession package, including mentorship, business support, and financial guidance, making it easier for someone to step into the role of publican and preserve McLoughlin’s Bar as an integral part of the Achill Island community.
Irish Pubs at the Heart of Culture
Irish pubs like McLoughlin’s are far more than places to grab a drink. They’re hubs of connection, laughter, and music. They hold memories of celebrations, serve as the perfect setting for life’s biggest (and smallest) moments, and are critical to the cultural fabric of Ireland.
It’s no secret, however, that pubs face tough challenges. Across Ireland, many publicans, like Josie, are nearing retirement with no clear plan for succession. For many, it’s more than a business decision; it’s about preserving heritage, identity, and tradition. Heineken® is stepping up to help tackle this issue with their wider For the Love of Pubs initiative, which celebrates and supports these cultural institutions.
A Chance to Reconnect With Your Irish Roots
For the 88 million people worldwide of Irish descent, this chance goes far beyond owning a pub. It’s an invitation to come home. To reconnect with your roots. To be part of something far bigger than yourself. Imagine walking into McLoughlin’s Bar with your name proudly above the door, a place where generations of your ancestors lived and worked. Picture welcoming locals and visitors alike, amidst the warmth of a roaring fire in winter or under the golden glow of the summer sun in the beer garden.
And then there’s the view. Sitting at the heart of Achill Sound, just beyond McLoughlin’s doorstep, are some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. It’s where the sky meets the sea in a symphony of colour every evening and where the wild beauty of West Ireland surrounds you, making it impossible not to feel like you belong.
Could You Be the Next McLoughlin?
Josie McLoughlin isn’t just looking for someone to run a business. This search is about finding the right person to carry on a legacy—to keep the pub’s doors open and the stories flowing for another century and a half.
“It’s not just about pouring pints,” adds Mark Noble, Marketing Manager at Heineken® Ireland. “This is about owning a living piece of history. For anyone with even a whisper of Irish heritage, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rediscover where you come from and create something extraordinary. It’s not just an investment; it’s a homecoming.”
Think you’ve got what it takes? McLoughlin’s Bar is waiting for its next chapter, and it’s all about finding the perfect person to help write it. If your Irish heritage runs deep, your longing for connection to your roots stronger than ever, this could be the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’ve been searching for.
McLoughlin’s Bar is ready. The only question is, are you?
Visit www.pubsuccession.com to learn more and apply.