Valerie's of Aughrim - 10 years old

By Zara Hill

Located in the historic village of Aughrim – the site of the famous Battle of 1691, Valerie’s bar and restaurant is steeped with tradition and this year celebrates ten years in business. Originally from Creagh, Valerie Seale has run a very successful bar, restaurant and hostel since purchasing the pub from Freddie Hynes in 2005. 

The venue boasts a traditional and welcoming space with a front bar and a traditional open fire – a feature that sets the perfect scene for the many lively trad sessions that take place there. Breakfast and lunch is served daily in the large and newly refurbished lounge area. The venue also boasts a dance floor which caters for music and functions at weekends. In addition to the busy bar and restaurant, Valerie runs a small hostel which sleeps approximately 10 people. Valerie describes her business as ‘‘homely, with a lovely friendly atmosphere.’’ 

Offering good wholesome food daily at reasonable prices, Valerie has built up a great local trade over the years and has become known especially for her Bacon and Cabbage and Guinness Beef Stew – sticking to its great Irish tradition. Currently employing 12 staff, Valerie’s of Aughrim were the main sponsors of the Cappatagle Hurling Team last year and Valerie is delighted to be the main sponsor again this year. 

Looking forward to celebrating ten years in business as part of the Aughrim Village Festival on June 6, Valerie claims that she owes her success to her wonderful staff and family. The hard working owner remarked; ‘’happy staff is a good business and my staff are like my family.’’ She also owes a huge amount of her success to Tomas Gullane who gave her ‘’the best education ever’’ when she worked in the hotel for ten years. Valerie is also grateful to her brothers Oisin and Tomas, sister’s Aisling and Sinéad and parents Paddy and Mary for all their support. 


The pub is open from 10 every morning. Food is served 10 to 5 daily, with Sunday Lunch served from 10 to 4.30pm. Music and Entertainment every Saturday night, with Trad/Sing a long Sessions on Sunday nights – especially as Valerie herself is such a talented musician as well ! For more details, contact Valerie on 090 9673734/ 086 2830673. You can also email [email protected] or visit the website: www.valeries.ie

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