After years of pub closures and changing social habits, Limerick is finally raising a glass to something new: the arrival of Fordes Courtyard, a stylish new public house that opened its doors last weekend on Little Ellen Street. It marks the first new pub to open in the city in many years and it’s bringing a unique twist to tradition.
Partners JohnJoe Mulcahy and Roger Carey, long established publican of the local hospitality scene, say the concept is about honouring Limerick’s rich pub heritage while offering something distinctly modern. “We’ve been part of Limerick’s pub culture for over 30 years,”.
“With Fordes Courtyard, we wanted to do something fresh, we’re the first to combine the warmth and welcome of an Irish pub with Italian-inspired cuisine, an innovative cocktail menu, great beer, and a curated wine list. It’s a sophisticated space where exceptional food and drink meet.”
At the heart of the kitchen is a traditional Valoriani pizza oven, delivering an authentic taste of Italy with every dish. The standout is the dough, made in-house and cold-proofed for 48 hours to create a crust that’s light, airy, and full of flavour. This is more than pizza; it’s craftsmanship on a plate.
The interior reflects the same thoughtful blend of influences, with exposed stone and brick, rich dark wood, and soft ambient lighting that captures the intimacy of a rustic trattoria and the edge of a contemporary urban bar.
With its bold concept and warm welcome, Fordes Courtyard gives Limerick something it hasn’t had in a long time…a new pub worth talking about.
For now, it seems, the city finally has something fresh to toast.
