Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar just hit a milestone.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the restaurant at 112 King Street will host its 20th anniversary party. The festivities start at noon with live music and continue for 12 hours, featuring raffles, contests and happy hour from 3-5 p.m. with $6 pints of Guinness — the price of a pint back in 2006.
John Brennan and his former business partner Billy O’Sullivan bought the building in 2004. Before then, the property was split between two businesses — Hats in the Belfry and Bullfeathers. The pair then spent nearly two years renovating the property, brought in wood fixtures and antiques from Ireland and named the restaurant with four bars after the 19th century Irish political leader.
“Everything was gutted out completely,” Brennan told ALXnow over the phone in Ireland. “It was a complete brand new build internally.”
John Brennan also bought 110 King Street next door, home to The Creamery, a 42-year-old ice cream shop. He says that there are no plans to expand O’Connell’s or change the ice cream concept. He also sold his pub in Waterford, Ireland, in 2023, the Uluru Outback Bar and Restaurant.
“I think what we have is fine,” he said. “When you have the one [bar], you can concentrate on making sure that that one is spot on.”
Brennan lives in Ireland and will return to Alexandria to host the 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town on Saturday, March 7. Brennan was previously grand marshal at the parade in 2020.
Brennan’s daughter, Kate Brennan, moved to Alexandria in 2023 to be the general manager of the business.
“It’s going to be a busy month for us,” Kate said. “It’s not just a celebration of 20 years, but it’s a celebration for the community to thank them for supporting us for so long. We just want to give a big thank you and kickstart the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the Six Nations Rugby Championship.”
The lineup for the 20th anniversary party is below.
