Mullingar to get Ireland’s first underground pub

Mullingar is set to make history with the opening of Ireland’s first-ever underground pub, 'The Hole in the Ground', located beneath the town centre. Plans were finalised after a surprise archaeological dig near the Market Square revealed a network of underground tunnels, which experts believe date back to the early 1800s.

Rather than shutting down the project, local entrepreneurs have jumped on the idea, turning the discovery into a unique hospitality venture. The pub, expected to open later this summer, will feature candlelit caverns, a turf-fire snug, and a gravity-fed Guinness system that promises “the smoothest and the coolest pint in Ireland”.

Kieran Clarke, proprietor of Clarke's Bar, Mullingar is believed to be behind the project.

"I love the concept and Mullingar has such a great musical history. Sometimes we don't appreciate what we have," he remarked.

Kieran has already added the Platform 5 venue to his impressive Patrick St premises.

"I can't go back any further, so I may as well go down," he quipped.

The new pub has already been granted a provisional licence, with one condition - all mobile phone signals will be blocked to maintain the historic feel.

Similar to a pub of its kind in Liverpool which honours The Beatles, the pub will serve as the new centre for Mullingar's wonderful music history.

Rumours that patrons will have to wear hard hats have been dismissed, though management has confirmed there will certain conditions but competitive prices.

Locals are already buzzing with excitement, with some suggesting that 'The Hole in the Ground' could become a major tourist attraction, putting Mullingar on the map as the underground drinking capital of Ireland.

More details are expected to be announced once final permission is secured later today.