Mayo pub damaged by fire set to reopen this summer

Photo of The High Chaparral shared by the Munnelly family on Facebook following the devastating fire last February.

A Mayo pub damaged by fire earlier this year is to reopen its doors before the end of the summer. The High Chaparral in Geesala will be back serving customers for the Geesala Festival week in August. The Munnelly family, who operate the popular premises, made the announcement on the pub's Facebook page last night, where they received a massive outpouring of support for the future.

There was shock and great sadness when the Gaeltacht pub was extensively damaged in an overnight fire last February. The High Chaparral has been at the heart of community life in Geesala for many years. And now it's returning to that position with its imminent reopening following swift works to rebuild and restore the property.

The Munnellys confirmed their return with this welcome message on their social media: 'Thanks so much to everyone for your kind messages and support over the past few months. We’ve been busy here in Geesala getting the pub ready, and we’re delighted to announce we’ll be reopening just in time for the Geesala Festival Week this August! We can’t wait to welcome you all back through the doors. Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing more details soon about our opening date and the great entertainment we have lined up to kick things off in style. It’s nearly time… and we couldn’t be more excited to see you all again.'