The history of Mulligan's Pub

In the summer of 1987, Mulligan’s Pub opened its doors to the citizens of Nashville Tennessee. The culmination of two years of planning and a ten year dream of Tony Lyons; proprietor and part owner Lyons, along with good friends Dan Miller and Pat Sajack, made it possible to bring to the city a true neighborhood Irish Pub. Lyons, a broadcaster in Nashville, had long been aware of the wide spread presence of Irish and Scottish families in middle Tennessee, and wanted to open a “PUBLIC HOUSE” that would in every way possible, give middle Tennesseeans the genuine flavor and social atmosphere of a real Dublin Pub. Modeled after two of Lyons favorites, McDaid's and The Old Shelling, both in Dublin for many years. First generation Irish, Lyons wanted area residents to know and enjoy the hospitality, food, drink, and music of Ireland and Scotland. “Judging by the reaction of native-born Irish who have paid a visit to Mulligan’s over the years, I feel we have done that very thing,” according to Lyons.

Long interested in downtown Nashville, and the historical aspect of Second Ave, Lyons studied and spent a great deal of time researching the area. Finding, an eclectic mix of local artists, shops, loft apartments, junk stores, antique malls, and of course the river, it seemed the perfect place to be. It had the right feel, at the time, for a nice little Irish Pub. And there you are.

But the first location, at 174 Second Ave N, was not the first choice for Mulligan’s. In early 1989 the first choice for the location of the Pub became available, so Lyons and his current partner, Jake Mayer moved Mulligan’s from 174 to 117 Second Ave North and it has been there ever since.

In July of 1995, after many years working inside the industry and talking to any law maker who would listen, Mulligan’s, along with Senator Steve Cohen, (instrumental in the addition of imported draught beers to the state) saw the first pint of draught Guinness poured at Mulligan’s Pub. A plaque from the Guinness Brewery in St. James Gate, Dublin, hangs at Mulligan’s Pub commemorating the event.

Both Lyons and Mayer have been involved with the Irish folk music scene since the early seventies both as players and record producers. Since 1987 Mulligan’s has presented some of the very best Irish, Scottish and American musicians and bands, both traditional and Pub players. Mulligan’s stage has held the likes of Peter Brady, Moore and Broaders, Shey Healy, Moira O’Connell ,The McKrells, The Murphy Brothers, Isla, Dennis O’Rourke, Eddy Doyle, Sean Patrick McNamara and Sportin Paddy, Larry Kernagis, Def Leprechaun, and Bohola, to name but a few. Mulligan's will continue to give the people of the Nashville area quality Celtic music, a place to socialize, enjoy conversation, Irish dishes, and the best in domestic and imported spirits & brews.

"We thank the people of middle Tennessee and the surrounding area for their continued support of our establishment, and the ideals and values we stand for.”

Tony Lyons
Proprietor