O'Shea's Merchant

Ned O’Shea (1937 to 2018) was a legend in Kerry and he made his mark in Dublin as well. O’Shea’s Merchant, known well as the Kerryman’s pub, was first bought by Ned in 1985. Ned quickly made use of the land in front of the building, holding set dancing sessions at the cross roads until the traffic jams they caused, and the bad weather, prompted him to build what is now the Merchant Bar. Ned was a gifted musician and played in a show band for many years. He could turn his hand to almost any instrument. He travelled the world bringing traditional Irish music everywhere he went. He once played in the White House for then US President, Bill Clinton. At home, he played with many of the legends in Irish music and played host to many of these stars over the years at O’Shea’s. Ned passed away in 2018 but his legacy lives on. John and Maura O’Shea now run the family business, continuing the tradition of rousing music, Kerry food and the warmest of Irish welcomes to all who enter the door at O’Shea’s