The Swans story

Swan’s Bar and Paud O’Donoghue’s Forge has been owned and run by the Swan family for over fifty years. It has been and continues to be, the focal point of the local community, a place where people and musicians from different generations and cultures meet to create a truly unique Irish pub experience.

Paud O'Donoghue's Forge

For over 50 years the Swan family has tried to keep the traditions and folklore of the rebel blacksmith Paud O’Donoghue alive, and have worked hard to celebrate his legacy so that future generations can appreciate the historic significance Curragha and county Meath played in the Rebellion of 1798.

The Swan family have lovingly restored Paud O’Donoghue’s Forge to the highest standard,  with the utmost respect for the ancestral home of the legendary blacksmith, who made pikes and other weapons for the 1798 Rebellion. These weapons made by blacksmiths were used by the rebels in the battles of the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath and Vinegar Hill, Co. Wexford.

During recent renovations, an ancient  blacksmiths trough or bosh was unearthed. According to local historians, the trough was fundamental to a functioning forge. The water from the trough was used to cure ailments, and it is claimed to have magical powers. This particular trough can be viewed outside Paud O`Donoghues Forge at the crossroads in Curragha.