St. Patrick's Day 101: From the Perfect Pint to the Irish Celebration

Barry O'Donovan, a native of Ireland and owner of the Kilkenny House pub in Cranford, talks about how the holiday was celebrated during his childhood on the Emerald Isle.

Think you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day like a true Irishman when you scarf down all that corned beer and cabbage and sip on green beer? Think again. The popular holiday to honor the spirit of the Welshman who led the snakes out of the Emerald Isle — during which everyone claims they've all got a bit of Irish in 'em - is steeped in tradition, but a lot of it differs dramatically from the way St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland. Barry O'Donovan, a native of the Emerald Isle and owner of The Kilkenny House Restaurant & Pub in downtown Cranford, recently spoke to Patch about his childhood in Ireland, how his family celebrated St. Patrick's Day, and how a perfect pint of Guinness should be poured.

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Christmas Songs and “Toys for Tots” Drive at Kilkenny House, Dec. 17

Cranford High Madrigal Choir will perform, along with collection of unwrapped toys for local kids.

Kilkenny House will host its third annual Caroling for Cranford fundraiser featuring the Cranford Madrigal Choir on Mon, Dec. 17, from 5p.m. to 10p.m.  Cranford High School students will serenade diners during three seatings at 5p.m., 6:30p.m. and 8p.m., in an effort to encourage the community to donate to Cranford Family Care’s “Toys for Tots” collection that will benefit local children.  The event will also help raise funds for the Cranford High School music program. Kilkenny House will donate 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the school's music program. “The Toys for Tots drive targets children who might not otherwise receive any gifts at Christmas,” said Barry O’Donovan, owner of The Kilkenny House.  “Music education is important…

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Business Will Toast Post-Irene Recovery Efforts, Donate Proceeds To Charity

On the anniversary of the storm that devastated parts of Cranford, Kilkenny House will give back to the community by making a donation to Cranford Family Care.

It has been an eventful year for Barry O'Donovan, owner of The Kilkenny House as his popular Irish pub rebounds from the devastation leveled by Hurricane Irene one year ago. Waters from the storm flooded the pub's entire basement, ruining kegs, refrigerators, freezers, computers and the entire electrical system.  On the main floor, waters warped the hardwood floors and woodwork.  What kept O'Donovan going was the support he had from his Cranford friends and neighbors - many of whom faced similar challenges from Irene's fury. “I always say we were able to recover thanks to our Irish heart and Cranford spirit,” said Barry O’Donovan, owner of The Kilkenny House, which will donate 10 percent of its proceeds on the anniversary of the storm to …

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Pub Owners Honored For Post-Irene Efforts

Barry O'Donovan is being honored by Congressman Leonard Lance and the SBA.

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Reader's Choice: Kilkenny House Tops 'Favorite Irish Pub' Vote

Patch users have spoken, and the Cranford hotspot claims the top spot among folks who think every day is St. Paddy's day.

In the wake of Hurricane Irene nearly seven months ago, Barry O'Donovan, owner of the The Kilkenny House Restaurant & Pub in Cranford wondered if the popular local watering hole would ever re-open its doors to the public. But there's a lot to be said for "the luck of the Irish." The bustling bar and eatery, located at 112 South Ave. East in downtown Cranford, was voted "best Irish pub in Union County" according to a recent Reader's Choice poll on Patch. "It just goes to show you that out of tragedy comes triumph," owner Barry O'Donovan said. When Hurricane Irene tore through the region in late August, the restaurant was submerged in more than 10 feet of water. From the basement to the main floor of the pub, everything was ruined. Floors …

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Singers Spread Cheer To Diners As Kilkenny Hosts Toy Drive

The Cranford High School Madrigal Singers performed at the Kilkenny House on Dec. 6 during a special holiday event.

Members of the Cranford High School Madrigal Choir spread cheer and got diners into the holiday spirit during a special event Dec. 6 at Kilkenny House. While patrons ate and drank, the high school choir performed a series of holiday songs in the main dining room. In addition to providing a festive musical backdrop throughout the evening, the event was part of the local restaurant's Toys for Tots collection. Barry O'Donovan, owner of Kilkenny House, said the event was a success. The tavern collected a large amount of toys, which were donated to Cranford Family Care. The toys will be donated to needy children in the area. O'Donovan said the event was espexially important for the town, considering the hardships many families suffered as a …

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The Five Minute Tidbit: Pride of the Irish

Barry O'Donovan of The Kilkenny House chats over Harkin Curry Pie.

We caught up with Barry O'Donovan, owner of The Kilkenny House in Cranford to talk about authentic Irish fare, Hurricane Irene and the town who saved his restaurant. Patch: Your having Harkin Curry Pie (chicken simmered with onions, peas, carrots in an authentic curry sauce topped with a puff pastry cap, $9) for lunch. It smells amazing. Is this your favorite comfort food? O'Donovan: Being from Ireland, Curry is huge and so is chicken pot pie. This is a combination of the two. Every pub over there has a curry dish on the menu. It is real comfort food for me. The curry that we use is from Ireland and milder and sweeter than its Indian cousin. There are french fries in it too which is the way we present it. Patch: Coming from Ireland, you …

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