Steeped in history and local lore, The Dying Cow Bar is believed to be over 300 years old—an enduring landmark nestled along the Wicklow Way.

Though the exact date of its origin is unknown, the bar has been in continuous operation for generations, lovingly passed down through the Tallon and Dolan families.

The current proprietors are Eamon and Mary Dolan and family, keeping alive a truly unique Irish tradition.

The story behind the bar’s unusual name dates back to the 1920s, when a group of people were caught drinking here on a Sunday night. At the time, alcohol laws in Ireland and the UK allowed only “bona fide travellers” to be served outside standard hours. Travellers had to be a certain distance from home and genuinely on a journey to legally drink.

To get around this law, some clever locals would claim to be “travelling with purpose,” such as visiting a sick relative—or in this case, a dying cow. When the group was caught by authorities, one of them explained they had set out to see a sick cow to justify their presence.

The name stuck, and The Dying Cow Bar was born—a cheeky nod to Ireland’s rebellious spirit and love of a good story.

More than just a pub, The Dying Cow is a place where community, heritage, and character meet.

A hidden gem along the Wicklow Way, it’s where weary walkers find rest, friends gather by the fire, and the echoes of laughter and live music linger long into the night.