Keene's Kilkenny Pub Rings in 30 years

On any given day at Kilkenny Pub in downtown Keene, regulars are bound to be gathered, playing a game of pool, throwing darts or catching up with friends over a beer.

Many patrons have been going to Kilkenny’s, an Irish pub, for decades. Chris Sullivan, who worked at Kilkenny’s from 2000 to 2013, first as a doorman and then a bartender, still frequently goes as a customer. He said he doesn’t drink much, but goes to the pub so often that it’s become a comfortable spot to relax with familiar faces — and to get a few rounds of pool in.

“It’s my living room,” Sullivan said with a chuckle.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the longevity of Kilkenny Pub can be traced back to the relationships formed between employees and patrons over the years, said owner David Barrett. Other than a patio expansion roughly 20 years ago, the pub hasn’t changed much since it opened just off Main Street in 1996. Patrons and employees alike said they hope it stays the same for the next 30 years, remaining a reliable space for people to share a drink and a good conversation.

The camaraderie people feel at Kilkenny’s goes all the way back to its origins. Barrett said he had little money, but opened the pub with the help of some friends willing to chip in. He named the pub after Kilkenny, Ireland, the city where his mother’s ancestors lived before immigrating to North America in 1746.

 

Bar manager Andrew Meakin restocks beer on March 31 at Kilkenny Pub in Keene. “I see a lot of the same people here every day,” Meakin said. “They’re good folks.” (Bailey Stover/Sentinel Staff)

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There wasn’t another Irish pub in Keene before Barrett opened Kilkenny’s, he said. After opening the pub, he said, he traveled to Ireland almost yearly, bringing back memorabilia for decoration. He said the Irish feel grew over the years as he brought back more pieces from old Irish bars. Four years after opening the Keene location, Barrett opened another location in Milford, which is also still operating today.

Many of Kilkenny’s employees have worked there for more than 10 or 15 years, some longer than 20. Barrett said staffing consistencies have strengthened bonds with customers. What’s more, he said most employees started off as friends, and then customers, before they were hired.

“The employees and patrons really have a remarkable relationship with each other, unlike any other place that I’ve ever been to,” Barrett said in an email. “Maybe it’s because we’ve been around so long, but it’s very unique I would say.”

Matty Metcalf strikes the ball for the break shot while playing pool on March 31 at Kilkenny Pub in Keene. “It’s like a family here,” said Metcalf, who described himself as a regular at the establishment. (Bailey Stover/Sentinel Staff)

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Those relationships have created a non-judgmental atmosphere at the pub, bartender of 15 years Ashley Berry said. She said Kilkenny’s draws a mixed crowd, whether it’s college students, retired people or blue-collar workers. The employees want it to be a space anyone feels comfortable in, she said.

“As long as you wash your hands, you’re welcome here at Kilkenny’s,” Berry said. “There’s no judgment … walk in the door, spill your s— and we’ll take it.”

 

A memorial wall for Kilkenny Pub regulars, employees and friends of the bar who have died. “I’ve made a lot of friends here from behind the bar,” said bar manager Andrew Meakin. (Bailey Stover/Sentinel Staff)

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But in the midst of the pub’s 30-year anniversary, grief is palpable following the death of Norm Lagasse, who worked as a bartender for more than 20 years, in late March. Lagasse, who died from cancer at age 50, started going to Kilkenny’s shortly after it opened before he became a bartender in 2002, according to his obituary. The pub held a remembrance event earlier this month, Barrett said, which drew a large turnout — a testament to how many people loved him.

Berry credits Lagasse with bringing her into the pub over 15 years ago. She said Lagasse always made people feel welcome, making him loved by all. Several came to the pub just to see Lagasse, Berry said, with many intentionally coming in during his shifts so he could pour them a drink.

James Blake, left, and Richard Gorby, right, talk on March 31 at Kilkenny Pub in Keene. Gorby said the pub is like a second home and a second family to him, and he particularly likes coming for “the girl who cooks on Friday nights,” who is his girlfriend. (Bailey Stover/Sentinel Staff)

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“Norm was selfless, kind, quick-witted and possessed the biggest heart in all of Keene,” Berry said. “He could make you laugh even on your darkest days.”

Kilkenny’s has undergone very little change over its three-decade lifespan, but many employees and patrons say they like it that way. Berry said it’s become a home for many, like Sullivan, who said he hopes the pub never loses its character.

Louie Margiotti plays pin ball on March 31 at Kilkenny Pub in Keene. Margiotti said he has been coming to the pub for about the past six years. (Bailey Stover/Sentinel Staff)

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“It preserves all the memories of the people who spent time here,” Berry said. “There’s no need to mop up those footprints, because we want them to still be seen.”