Lynagh’s Irish Pub, a renowned bar located near the University of Kentucky, will make a comeback in Lexington after being closed for over two years. The establishment is set to reopen at 384 Woodland Ave..
The new venture is expected to launch in January 2025, featuring a fresh concept that moves away from its original Irish theme. The owners, Austin Brashear and Josh Brock of Austin City Saloon, aim to create a space that celebrates various aspects of Kentucky, including the university, local music, artists, and the community.
Brashear noted that specifics regarding the new bar’s name and overall atmosphere are still under wraps. However, he elaborated that the venue will include amenities such as a stage for live performances, areas suited for dancing, televisions for sports viewing, table seating, and designated VIP spaces.
Regarding the food offerings, Brashear indicated that while they have culinary experience from their previous establishments, they have not finalized the menu yet. “There are some really interesting options we are looking at though,” he stated.
Lynagh’s, famous for its massive O’Round burgers and cold beer, closed quietly in the summer of 2022 amid a changing ownership landscape at the University Plaza shopping center. Originally established in 1979, the pub has served the Lexington community for over four decades.
The bar’s rich history includes a prior existence across the street, as well as a separate Lynagh’s Music Club venue that also operated at the shopping center. Following significant renovations, that venue has recently reopened as 2-Fisted Willie’s, which showcases a country theme.
While the new bar’s specifics are still being worked out, Brashear emphasized the vision of bringing vitality back to the space. “Breathing some life into the space might be the best we can do to pay tribute to how Lynagh’s served the community in that space for so long,” he remarked.
