If you saw the footage of Shane Lowry celebrating his victory at the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush at Irish bars into the wee hours in the morning, it should come as no surprise why he’d be on the short list of professional golfers we’d most want to kick back at the 19th hole and share drinking a pint or three.
Well, now you can do the next best thing: Lowry officially opened his own bar-restaurant, Old Warehouse Tullamore, not 10 minutes from where he grew up in County Offaly, Ireland, on Thursday.
It is Lowry’s first significant venture outside of golf, and he is partnering with Allan Clancy, who has a portfolio of bars, restaurants and hotels across Ireland.
Lowry, 35, said he has had opportunities over the years to invest in certain businesses but he never thought he’d get into the restaurant-bar business.
“I always said to myself you’re a golfer and that’s where you make your money,” Lowry said. “I didn’t want to get into a business that I don’t have control over.”
His company acquired the Old Bonded Warehouse in Tullamore from Tullamore Dew distillers William Grant & Sons. According to the Irish Times, the building on Bury Quay in Tullamore was built in 1879 and most recently was used as a Tullamore Dew whiskey heritage center and restaurant. But the tourist attraction was closed down in October 2020 due to the pandemic.
“When this building became available, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” Lowry said.
Lowry said the three-floor building has an old bar at the top floor that is in the process of being converted into space for events, and will include his memorabilia.
“I’ve got the clothes I won the Open in, some Ryder Cup stuff and down the road it could have some other stuff,” he said.
And the Claret Jug?
“I thought about putting the Claret Jug for a while but that’s not going to happen,” he said with a big smile.
Lowry flew home to Ireland for a soft opening for family and friends last Saturday night.
“It’s a nice addition to the town and I hope it goes well,” he said. “You can obviously get your pint of Guinness.”
He’s just as proud about the food that will be on the menu at the restaurant. When asked if there was a favorite dish he’d recommend, he couldn’t pick.
“No, because everything’s my favorite,” he said.
Very exciting day with my first big venture outside of golf with the opening of the Old Warehouse Tullamore, a bar and restaurant in my home county of Offaly. @Alllanclancy and his team have transformed this amazing building. Looking forward to seeing you all there. ☘️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/ReVYvooBhR
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) December 1, 2022
