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
In honour of Mo Mowlam, we are creating a collage called In Her Footsteps . This collage of pictures of ordinary, everyday women in our community will pay tribute to the unsung heroes, past and present, who have shaped our values and made the world we live in a better place, such as our nurses, Irish mammies, nannies, and any woman who we find inspirational. The collage will be on display at the Coventry Irish Society and will be unveiled at the Equal-i-tea on 19 August 2025 . If you would like to contribute to the collage, then please could you send us a photograph together with the name of your nominated person and a short sentence or two on who they are and why they inspire you. This will be quite a big project and therefore we will not be able to return photographs. We would also ask that written consent is obtained from any living person to be featured in the collage. Contributions can be handed to a member of staff in the office or emailed to: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk up and until 23 July 2025.
Mo Mowlam was a real changemaker; her courage and humanity played a vital role in bringing about The Good Friday Agreement / Belfast Agreement. Mo was an extraordinary, inspirational woman, and we’re very proud of her Coventry roots. We invite you to join us at our cross-community Equal-i-tea on Tuesday 19 August 2025 to celebrate Mo’s life and values on the 20th anniversary of her passing. Join us for a cross-community afternoon tea & an opportunity to learn more about Mo and her values as a peace builder. We will also unveil our community collage; In Her Footsteps – A tribute to the everyday women in our community who have shaped our values and made the world a better place. Time: 12.00 – 3.00 pm Venue: The Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ Admission: £10 per person (which covers entry and an afternoon tea with sandwiches and cake). Advanced booking is essential for this ticket-only event. Tickets can be obtained by seeing a member of staff in the office, or by emailing: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or by telephoning us on 024 7625 6629.
We are hiring for an Early Stage Memory Loss Support Worker This post contract is initially for 1 year - role extension TBC additional funding. Salary: £10,000 P.A (£25,000 pro rata), 15 hours per week. Role pattern is 10am-4pm, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (excluding lunch). About us: Established in 1993, Coventry Irish Society (CIS) is a Charity providing a wide range of community health and support services to the Irish Community in Coventry. The Coventry Irish Society requires an Early Stage Memory Loss Support Worker to facilitate a 1 half day per week Memory Loss Support Group and a half-day per week Walking Group for the local Irish Community. The role includes working with Carers and increasing mental health awareness to support the local Irish Community. The charity predominantly supports Irish Elders, but also supports Second and Third generation Irish, Irish Survivors and Irish Travellers. To apply for this role, please email your CV with cover letter detailing your experience and skills in line with role requirements and any additional information you think may be relevant. Download and view full job role description below.
