Local artist adds Athlone mural to Charlie's Bar ahead of re-opening

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Local artist Anna Boles has shared her recent work on painting a mural of Athlone inside the newly renovated Charlie's Bar.

The bar is set for it's highly anticipated re-opening this coming Monday, January 13, after an over three year long closure.

Anna wrote: "Just finished this mural on the wall of Charlie’s Bar which will be opening it's doors again in the next few days

"Wishing the kindest people Steven & Karen the very best of luck after all their hard work rebuilding."

The popular local pub, which in previous years was known as Charlie Brown's, has been undergoing rebuilding and renovation efforts, after a blaze in September 2021 saw the original bar engulfed by flames.

Stephen Fitzgerald, owner of Charlie's Bar, said there's been an incredible response from locals following the announcement of the reopening.

"It's been overwhelming with the response we've received from the community," he said. "The support from locals, and from the college has been fantastic.

"We're excited. It's been a very slow process, but we're looking forward to reopening. There's an anxious side to things as well, because we have been out of action for a few years."