Leo’s Tavern, or Tábhairne Leo, is the pub where Clannad and Enya learned to play. It’s the Brennan family home in Meenaleck near Crolly, a village in the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht where Irish is still the everyday language, and it has been a music pub since Leo and Máire Brennan bought it in 1968. Photographs and records from the family’s musical history are displayed inside. If you’re anywhere near this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way and County Donegal, it’s worth building an evening around.
A history written in song
The site has drawn people together for about 150 years. Local legend has it that a Meenaleck handyman known as Jack mór fixed a landlord’s broken cartwheel around 1850 and, instead of payment, asked for two pub licences and a monthly fair day; one of those licences eventually became this building. The associated Aonach Jack fair ran for roughly a century before fading in the 1950s.
By the 1960s the place sat largely empty. Leo Ó Braonáin (Leo Brennan), a musician who had toured with the Slieve Foy Dance Band, opened Tábhairne Leo with his wife Máire, known as Baba, in 1968, and became the resident player at sing-songs. Their children grew up behind the bar and on the small stage: Máire (Moya), Ciarán and Pól formed the core of Clannad, and their younger sister Eithne – Enya – sang with the family before going solo. Leo and Baba were given the Freedom of Donegal in 2005. Their youngest son, Bartley Brennan, has run the tavern since 2002.
The music
The room is set up for acoustic playing rather than amplification, which keeps the focus on the instruments. Live music dates change, so ask the pub what is on before you plan a trip around a particular night.
Food and drink
The kitchen leans on Donegal’s coast and farms. Whether the kitchen is serving on the day you visit is worth confirming by phone, along with any need to book for groups.
Nearby and practical
The old Aonach Jack fair has been revived locally by the development committee, Cóiste Forbartha Mín na Leice, so ask about any fair-time events if you are in the area in summer. Donegal Airport is about 7 km away, and Carrickfinn Beach, Gweedore and the slopes of Mount Errigal are all within a short drive.
- Address: Meenaleck, Crolly, Co. Donegal F92 RK75
- Phone: 074 954 8143
- Before you go: Discover Donegal lists the venue’s contact details. Call ahead for current opening, food service, live music dates and access information.
- Parking: use designated parking and leave the road and neighbouring entrances clear.
- Access: the bar is small and traditional, with a narrow layout and low seating; contact the pub in advance if you have access needs.
Come for a session rather than just a pint: call ahead to check what is on and settle in before the music starts.