For those who don't know our history. EJ’s was established over 100 years ago as a public house run by members of the King family and has dominated the corner of Clifden's Main Street and Market Street ever since.

A magnet for writers, artists, filmmakers and naturalists, Clifden enjoys an international reputation for excellent food, drink and good cheer and EJ’s is no exception!

Our history:

John King's public house was always a 'lively' spot. As long ago as July 16th 1832 police reports tell of a Sergeant Thomas Firman being called to clear the pub when a disturbance broke out. The fighting, in true theatrical style, started inside John King's pub, before spilling onto the streets, to be dealt with by the Sergeant, local magistrate and founder of Clifden town, John D'Arcy.

Like all publicans of the time, John King ran a general merchants store out of the same premises, with himself and his family living above the shop. Eventually, John's grandson Edward Joseph took over the 'running of the public house, and the name has remained as E.J. Kings to this day.

Edward Joseph King, better known as E.J., was a well-known figure in Connemara. As Chairman of the District Council he was active in local politics and supported the Irish Party.

An entrepreneur, E.J. was always on the lookout for a gap in the market. He found such a gap with the advent of the motor car, by becoming the first local businessman to install petrol pumps on the town's streets.

E.J. married Mary Beatrice (Bay) Casey, who ran a drapery shop next door to the pub. Once again E.J.'s business talent shone, when together with Bay and her brother Joseph, the local Dispensing Doctor, the three formed the Clifden Electric Light Power Works, the company responsible in 1925 for bringing electricity to Clifden.

Clifden in the past

E.J. Kings pub has looked out in its time historic on many moments. It was here on September 17th 1843 that crowds gathered to greet Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator, as he spoke at one of his 'Monster Meetings' in favour of repealing the Act of Union. It was here too that the people of Clifden and Connemara gathered on September 6th 1879 in protestation of Tenant Rights, which culminated in the establishment of the Land League.

It was also here at this infamous corner, that during the War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army shot dead on 16th March 1921, Constables Charles Reynolds and Thomas Sweeney, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

This act, which was in retaliation to the execution by British Forces of local man Thomas Whelan, tragically resulted in disaster for Clifden. During the following day, St. Patrick's Day, members of the British Forces, the Black and Tans, shot dead an innocent civilian, John McDonnell, and burned 14 houses to the ground.

On the morning after the disturbances a number political slogans covered Clifden's walls, including Clifden will remember, and so will the RIC, which was splashed across Eddie King's Corner.

Clifden in the past