Mayo archives: The Green Olive bar and lounge recalled
By Tom Gillespie
BACK in the 1960s Spencer Street, Castlebar, had five public houses - today there is but one.
One of the five was the Green Olive (pictured), which is now the Rua Delicatessen Cafe.
On July 22, 1965, The Connaught Telegraph carried an advertising feature on the opening of the Green Olive, the text for which was written by Ivan Browne.
He wrote: “Located almost overlooking Castlebar’s picturesque Mall, the opening of Castlebar’s new luxury bar and lounge, The Green Olive, at Spencer Street, has aroused widespread interest and adds considerably to the rapidly developing business centre in the county town.
"At the rate of improvements being carried out there Spencer Street has surpassed the other business centres in Mayo’s county town, so it was only to be expected that the new opening was keenly looked forward to.
"Appropriately called The Green Olive after the well-known fishing fly, a better name could not be chosen for a town with a fishing crazy population; a town, in fact, which is fast becoming the leading angling centre in the west.
"The new lounge bar, which has been erected by Mr. Bernard O’Reilly, Station Road, Castlebar, who is closely associated with the business life of the town for a number of years, marks another phase of advancement in Castlebar.
"Where the imposing Green Olive now (1965) stands was once the site of a very old local tavern (The Mall Bar) which was a landmark in the town, and now it has been transferred into a premises which is equal to the best in the country.
"It has been specially designed to afford every comfort to customers. It is excellently laid out, has a grand cosy atmosphere and possesses many outstanding features which immediately make even the most discerning patron feel at home.
"The concealed lighting and decor are all that could be desired, and the colour scheme blends with the setting to give a really grand effect.
"At the entrance there is a spacious lounge with every modern amenity; comfortable seating, good ventilation and everything that goes to make real comfort.
"At the rear there is a lovely bar where patrons can enjoy their drinks in a convivial atmosphere. And here, of course, as in the lounge, one is immediately struck by the decor and exquisite lighting.
"In the pleasant surroundings of the bar and lounge, patrons will receive every attention from Miss M. Athy and Messers. John Hanley and Eamonn Flynn, who are on hand to attend to their very need.
"And, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard O’Reilly are here to ensure the most warm welcome and to personally supervise matters.
"The contractor for the premises, who did such an excellent job of work, was Mr. J. O’Reilly and Son, Station Road, Castlebar, brother of the proprietor.
"The interior decorating was in the capable hands of Mr. Tony Brett who, in his own inimitable style, did a first-class job.
"The electrical work was carried out by Mr. Ernest Everard, Castlebar, while the central heating and plumbing was installed by Jordan Brothers, Castlebar. Both of these contracts were carried out with expert efficiency by those two reliable contractors.
“Mr. O’Reilly is to be congratulated on his fine new opening and we wish him every success in the future."
After the business closed many years later the premises was taken over by Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and when they vacated the building it lay vacant until it was taken over by Aran and Coleen McMahon in 2008 and is now the highly successful Rua Delicatessen Cafe.
According to the Streets of Castlebar website, Spencer Street leads from the Green to Spencer Park in which many houses there were owned by the Lord of Spencer.
Another Bingham connection, Lavinia, daughter of Charles Bingham, married The Right Honourable George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758 – 1834), also known as Lord Viscount Althorp.
The Spencers were one of the most powerful families in Britain. Althorp became Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons.
They married in 1871 and their first child was born at Spencer House in 1872. Princess Diana Spencer was a direct descendant of the family.