Fanny O’ Dea’s is a pub where you might like to make a stop as some people suggest its unlucky to pass. Stories have been told of peoples mishaps after they failed to make a stop at this famous hostelry.
There is however a story which need a mention, a story which has been handed down from generation to generation. The story tells of a murder which occurred in the town of Kilrush late in the 19th century. A suspect was apprehended, tried and convicted of the murder hastily with circumstantial evidence.
He was sentenced to execution in the town of Ennis. On the day of his execution he was taken by armed guard to Ennis, as the entourage approached Lissycasey the most senior guard feeling sorry for the accused enquired if he would like to go for one last drink at Fanny O’ Dea’s. The unfortunate man declined the offer and so they proceeded to Ennis.
Meanwhile back in Kilrush new evidence came to light and the real culprit was apprehended. Frantic efforts were made to stop the hanging in Ennis, a rider was dispatched from Kilrush but unfortunately arrived minutes too late as the execution had already taken place. It was surely a tragedy which would never have happened had the unfortunate man made the stop at Fanny O Dea’s!
In a less serious but more modern example the infamous duo of Oliver Reed and Richard Harris suffered an unfortunate puncture and missed their flights at Shannon Airport on a journey from Kilkee when after much debate they chose to pass out Fanny O’ Dea’s and her Egg Flips for Irish Coffees at Shannon Airport instead.
Whatever the reason for stopping at Fanny O’ Dea’s people are rarely disappointed, it has offered sustenance, hospitality and refuge to all since the 1600’s.