About Bourke’s

Bourke’s Bar has all the charm, character & charisma one would expect from a traditional Irish pub but with a difference. Since opening Bourke’s has become a home away from home to an eclectic & comfortable mix of the city’s finest folk.

Catering for live music, sports events, art exhibitions & of course the best pint in town, the atmosphere in Bourke’s is a fine blend of talent, charm & wit.
“BOURKE’S WEEKLY MIX OF ATTRACTIONS INCLUDES TRAD, BLUES, FUNK, COUNTRY, HIP-HOP, ROCK & PLENTY MORE.”  

Lorcan Bourke ( Proprietor, Garryowen rugby star & Drummer extraordinaire ) is the grandson of three-time Mayor of Limerick, Jack Bourke. Situated in the same block that once hosted his grandfathers pub “Jack Bourke’s” (now Aubars bar & nightclub) Bourke’s Bar takes pride of place in the heart of Limerick city.

“THE ATMOSPHERE IN BOURKE’S IS A FINE BLEND OF TALENT, CHARM & WIT” The political & historical roots go back even further to Jack’s father, who was a well-known Dublin impresario and owned the Gaiety & Olympia theatres, and was deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin. Lorcan Bourke senior was a nephew of Peadar ‘Cearnagh, who wrote the lyrics to Irish national anthem “Amhrán na bhFiann“ and a signed note from him proudly adorns on the walls of the pub.

Bourke’s weekly mix of attractions includes trad, blues, funk, country, hip-hop, rock & plenty more.

“Wandering down wet, wild & windy Catherine Street back in recession-drowned January (2010) LEG noticed a fresh coat of paint on the front of (and a burning fire coming out of) the old Molly’s. It also had the name “Bourke’s” painted Guinness like above the door. And then it was open, just like that. With no little guts, and equal measure of planning & wild abandon.” – Limerick Event Guide July 2010