LEO'S TAVERN 40th BIRTHDAY...On the weekend of September 19-21 Leo's Tavern was transformed into a house of fun. Over three nights, Clannad, Moya, Dervish, Mairead Mooney, Manus Lunny and the cream of traditional talent from Ranafast provided a musicial fayre which drew crowds not only from around the county of Donegal but literally around the world. The weekend was captured by lensman, Tom Weyburn
LEO'S TAVERNWorld famous Leo’s Tavern has drawn visitors from all over the world since it first opened its doors in 1968. For internationally renowned Celtic music pioneers, Clannad and Enya and sister BridÃn, Leo’s was their starting place and the fruits of their success can be seen lining the walls of the pub.
In 2008 the pub celebrates its 40th Birthday and a history which has taken it from humble bar to one of the finest musical and culinary establishments in the Northeast of Ireland.
Leo Brennan had spent much of his life playing in the Slieve Foy Dance Band but as musical and social tastes migrated towards pubs and taverns he opened Leo’s in order to continue his entertainment. Along with his wife, Baba (herself a talented musician and teacher) they embarked on a family journey which gave birth to some of the most exceptional music to emerge from Ireland.
For Clannad – Moya Brennan, brothers Ciarán and Pól along with uncles Padraig and Noel Duggan – Leo’s was their first stage and one to which they regularly return to this day. The fledgling folk group, as they were then, won a local music competition which turned out to be the first step on the road to international acclaim, awards and an opportunity to grace the most prestigious stages in the world. Clannad are widely regarded as having created a Celtic music style which has become the atmospheric backdrop for a modern Ireland.
For sister Enya, the journey has been even more spectacular. Her early days playing keyboard and as a backing vocalist with Clannad have led on to multi platinum stardom. Her lush vocal layers and melodic beauty are further reminders of the rich musical heritage that Leo unwittingly unleashed on the world when he first opened his doors for business.
Today, Leo’s resounds with nightly music, the craic shared by visitors and Donegal locals alike, and the sight and aromas of mouth-watering delights emerging from the kitchen. Tour busses stop off during the day to be entertained by Leo himself and the story continues as a new generation waits to take up the mantle.
Leo Tavern is situated in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht between Rann na Feirste (Rannafast) and Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore)