OUR HISTORY

Built as an INN in 1827

The “golden age” of stonemasonry was manifest here in Borris during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

The premises now known as Joyce’s was built as an inn in 1827. This beautiful three-storey house with centuries of history has stood the test of time through the generations.

THE JOYCE FAMILY

JOHN AND NORA JOYCE – 1923

John and Nora Joyce became owners of the premises in 1923, and established a thriving hotel, bar, grocery and undertaking business. In those days it was known as Joyce’s Hotel, and it was hugely popular amongst commercial travellers.

The hotel served meals, especially on Fair Days, which were very frequent in those times. Fair Days were occasions where local farmers brought their sheep and cattle to the town and sold them on the street.

“Refreshments” for the men were then served in the bar until the small hours of the morning (bars were places for men only back then).

The grocery trade was a busy as the bar, with fresh local products such as butter and eggs in high demand. During the Second World War, food was rationed and people were given ration books for buying basic foods like bread, sugar and tea. Tobacco was also in short supply, and Woodbines – the working man’s cigarettes – were in high demand. After the war, life came back to normal and it was business as usual for Joyce’s pub. The porter, which was bottled, corked and labelled on the premises, was as popular as ever.

The undertaking business was also prospering. A horse-drawn carriage was used and was kept in the coach house in the yard. Horses’ hoofs were polished black for funerals, and the coachman dressed elegantly for the occasion.

In those times, Joyce’s were also involved in livestock trading. In the 1960s, Cunninghams of Waterford paid weekly visits to Joyce’s to buy pigs from the local farmers. Another common sight to be seen was the sheep dipping in the adjoining dipping yard. This annual event was marked on the calendars of farmers.

THE NEXT GENERATION

TED & HELEN JOYCE

Ted took over running of the business following the sudden death of his father in 1953 with help from his brother Jay and sister Nan.

Ted married Helen McDonald in 1962 and the house reverted back to a family home with their 7 children. Ted had a huge interest in all sport especially GAA, having himself won a Leinster football medal in 1944.

The pub is now run by this son John.

JOYCE’S BAR & GROCERY BORRIS

THE TAP ROOM

Meanwhile, there was also a lot happening in the bar. If the “Tap Room” could talk, it would tell many a tale, as it was a place of regular meetings of the local political parties. Raised voices could be heard billowing from here. It has also been said that the great Charles Stewart Parnell addressed the crowd from the upstairs window during his political campaigns in the late 19th century.

As the years passed by there was always something engaging about Joyce’s. Regardless of all the changes from 1923 to these days, the character remains the same – great pint, a good chat and no less craic !

GALLERY

A VIEW FROM THE PAST