If there’s one pub which truly demonstrates the resilience of the country pub it’s Digby’s Bar & Restaurant in Killylea, Co Armagh.
This is a pub which has survived World Wars and recessions. It’s a pub which is proud of its heritage and traditional offering and, in spite of difficult trading times, this is a bar and restaurant which continues to grow from strength to strength.
This rural, family run traditional pub is steeped in history – a history which it continues to revive as it continues to be past down through the generations.
It first opened its doors in 1910, and, the old bar, which it is known as today, traded as a public house and grocers serving the local community for miles around. It was run by Thomas and Elizabeth Digby for 43 years until their youngest son Mark and his wife Kitty took it over.
In 1973, the couple expanded the business to include a small family restaurant.
This business was the heart and soul of the Killylea community and the surrounding areas and so in keeping with the family tradition, Mark and Kitty’s daughter Sheelagh, along with her husband Michael, took over the reigns in 1988.
Working beside Sheelagh and Michael is their daughter Claire who together lead a team of chefs and front of house staff.
The menus are carefully crafted to ensure quality food is plated and served in this white table, contemporary styled restaurant. And with bar menus available too, this eatery is perfect for intimate dinners, group celebrations, corporate dining, family gatherings or if you simply fancy a few pints then the bar is all yours. The bar stocks a good selection of craft beers, Irish craft ciders and gins along with a varied selection of wines and spirits.
As great supporters of supporting local businesses you will often meet Claire at food and drink markets, fayres and events.
The craic’s great and with the family’s recent investment in an interior refurbishment – this is one pub not to pass.
In 2011, 2012 and 2015 it was crowned Best Gastro Pub in Co Armagh in the Irish Restaurant Association Awards and in 2017 it won Best Customer Service in Co Armagh in the Irish Restaurant Association Awards.
Digby’s Bar & Restaurant is open:
Digby’s Bar & Restaurant is a Live It Experience It member.
What we do: