The Hearsall Inn: A Quaint Haven of Irish Hospitality
February 5, 2024
Nestled on Craven Street, The Hearsall Inn stands as a vibrant tribute to Irish culture in the
heart of Coventry. This bustling family-run pub, pulsating with an unmistakable Irish charm,
offers an authentic experience that captures the spirit of the Emerald Isle.
Step into The Hearsall Inn, and you are immediately enveloped in a mosaic of Irish identity.
GAA jerseys, scarfs, and flags adorn the ceiling, creating a visual homage to Ireland. The
walls of the bar are sprawled with maps of the motherland, Surrounding patrons with a
strong sense of place. On a recent visit, shamelessly donning my Kerry jersey (up the
kingdom), I found myself at the centre of friendly inquiries about which town I hail from.
The pub's unique ability to spark conversations and connect people through their shared
Irishness is a testament to the warm and inviting atmosphere that sets The Hearsall Inn
apart.
The main event unfolds every Tuesday around 8 pm, as live traditional Irish music takes
centre stage, courtesy of the Coventry Comhaltas. With concertinas, bodhrans, violins, and
flutes littered around the pub, the air is filled with the harmonious notes of concertinas,
bodhrans, violins, and flutes, weaving a musical pattern of traditional Gaelic tunes.
Thefamily feel is palpable, with people of all ages coming together to create a lively celebration
of the homely reels that define Irish music. The rhythmic clapping, spirited jilting, and foot-
tapping create an energy that resonates through both the musicians and the pub-goers.
The Hearsall Inn, a family-run establishment since its purchase by the current owners in
1998, stands as a homage to their commitment to preserving Irish culture. Passed down
through the family, the pub is now in the hands of their sons, ensuring a continuity that
spans over two decades. The enduring partnership with the Coventry Comhaltas, spanning
16 years, reflects their dedication to keeping the Irish musical tradition alive in the
community.
Having spent a significant part of my childhood in my family’s pub in Kerry, I found the
atmosphere at The Hearsall Inn to be reminiscent of home. What may have seemed like
loitering in wait for home, now translates into a deep appreciation for the welcoming
environment fostered at The Hearsall Inn. And it really is welcome to all, my pure-blooded
English companion couldn't help but revel in the fantastic experience.
The Hearsall Inn stands not just as a pub but as a cultural home where Irish hospitality,
music, and community intertwine. Whether it's a Tuesday evening or any other day,
indulging in a pint of Guinness while immersing yourself in the best Irish music in the West
Midlands becomes an experience to cherish. For those seeking a taste of Ireland in
Coventry, The Hearsall Inn beckons as a quintessential destination.
By Kate O'Mahony
Ag Tosnú 18ú Mean Fómhair @ 6:00 i.n. - 07:30 i.n. agus ag leanúint ar aghaidh gach Déardaoin go dtí am Nollag. Course commences on Thursday 18 September 2025. 12 x classes every Thursday evening. Classes will be classroom based, in-person (except for the occasional class on Zoom when circumstances make it difficult for the class to meet in-person, such as adverse weather) Please note that due to other events, there will not be a classroom based in-person class on Thursday 16 th and 23 rd October 2025. The teacher will discuss alternative arrangements during the course with students (which may include taking a break, changing to another evening, or proceeding on Zoom) and will take on board student preferences. Post Beginners Oiriúnacht (Suitability) Anybody who has completed a comprehensive Beginners’ Course (of around six months) or anybody with a previous knowledge (e.g. having learned Irish at school) and who is returning after a break. Fáinne Airgid The group will prepare for this, with the option to do the exam late Spring / early Summer 2026. For those students who do not wish to do the exam, they will still benefit greatly from the preparation work. We will integrate the prep work into the normal classes for everybody, with a greater emphasis on the Fáinne Airgid during the Spring course commencing in 2026. The teacher will discuss and explain this in more detail to the class in September 2025. Leabhair (Books) Must Have - Irish for Beginners (Usborne) agus Briathra na Gaeilge - Regular and Irregular Verbs (Folens) Nice to Have - Buntús Cainte Part 1. Registering for this course: Please see a member of staff in the office, or contact by email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629 to complete registration. Registration closes 11 September 2025. Total Course Fee £80 per student for members of the Coventry Irish Society / £85 per student for non-members. The course fee is for a course consisting of 12x classes and is payable in advance to the Coventry Irish Society by 11 December 2025. Entry on to the course is only permitted once payment has been made in full. If there are any difficulties with paying the full fee in advance, then please discuss with a member of staff before registration closes on 11 September. The course fee is non-refundable.
We are delighted to announce our new Ciorcal Comhrá (conversation circle) for advanced Irish speakers. Join us on the first Wednesday of the month from 11am-12noon for a relaxed and informal conversation circle - an opportunity for conversation and craic with fellow Gaeilgeoirs. Saor in aisce | Free and drop-in. No booking required! Upcoming sessions: First Wednesday of the month 11.00 am – 12.00 noon Dé Céadaoin 3 Meán Fómhair Wednesday 3 September 2025 Dé Céadaoin 8 Deireadh Fómhair Wednesday 8 October 2025 Dé Céadaoin 5 Samhain Wednesday 5 November 2025 Dé Céadaoin 3 Nollaig Wednesday 3 December 2025 Áit - The Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ Any questions, please contact: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk
Our annual ball is back for 2025! We’re thrilled to announce that our Annual Ball 2025 will be held on Saturday 27 September at Christ The King Parish Centre Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, music, & dancing Tickets priced at £30. To book your place, please call in to our office at Eaton House, or telephone us on 024 7625 6629
