The Ghosts of McCarthy’s Pub, Tipperary: Spirits of a Different Kind



In the charming town of Fethard, County Tipperary, McCarthy’s Pub stands as a beloved institution, a place where the Guinness flows, stories are shared, and the past is never too far away. But beyond its cozy atmosphere and rich heritage, McCarthy’s is famous for something a little more chilling: its ghosts.

This historic pub, which has served as a bar, grocery shop, and even a funeral undertaker over the decades, is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who once passed through its doors and perhaps never truly left.

A Pub with an Unusual Past

McCarthy’s dates back to the 19th century and has long played a central role in the life (and death) of the local community. In a uniquely Irish twist, it once operated as both a pub and an undertaker’s business, meaning a person could come to McCarthy’s to celebrate a birth, mourn a death, or simply enjoy a pint, sometimes all in the same day.

With such an intimate connection to life’s great milestones, it’s little wonder that McCarthy’s has collected its fair share of ghost stories over the years.

Ghostly Happenings at McCarthy’s

The Mysterious Man at the Bar

One of the most famous tales involves sightings of a mysterious man seated at the bar late at night. Staff locking up have reported seeing a solitary figure nursing a pint, only for him to vanish the moment they turn their heads. Descriptions are consistent: an elderly gentleman, wearing an old-fashioned tweed jacket and a cap, with a faint, sad smile. Some say he’s a former local who simply never wanted to leave his favorite spot.

Strange Noises and Moving Objects

Staff and patrons alike have experienced unexplained noises: footsteps echoing in empty rooms, glasses clinking when no one is nearby, and soft whispers just at the edge of hearing. On several occasions, glasses and bottles have been seen sliding across the bar or falling off shelves without explanation. While some chalk it up to old building quirks, others firmly believe it's the work of unseen hands.

The Funeral Bells

Perhaps the most eerie phenomenon is the occasional sound of funeral bells ringing despite no bells being present at the pub. Locals believe these phantom tolls are linked to McCarthy’s past role as an undertaker's. Some hear the bells just before important life events or unexpected deaths, adding an extra layer of unease.

Cold Spots and Sudden Chills

Visitors sometimes feel sudden cold spots inside the otherwise warm and welcoming pub. These pockets of icy air are often accompanied by the feeling of being watched or followed, even when no one else is nearby. Psychics who have visited McCarthy’s claim the building is a thin place, where the boundary between the living and the dead has worn thin over centuries of joy, grief, and remembrance.

A Pub That Honors Its Spirits

Despite its spooky reputation, McCarthy’s is anything but gloomy. The pub is lively, full of laughter, music, and good company. Regulars and newcomers alike embrace the haunted history with a sense of pride, viewing the resident spirits as part of the pub’s unique charm. In fact, many believe the ghosts are protective, watching over the pub that meant so much to them in life.

Final Thoughts

In a land rich with ghost stories and ancient lore, McCarthy’s Pub in Fethard holds a special place. It’s a place where life and death meet over a pint, where the clink of a glass might be joined by the soft footsteps of someone long gone. If you ever find yourself in Tipperary, stop by McCarthy’s,  raise a glass, listen carefully, and you just might share your drink with a ghost.