1940
The Beginning
The Erin Inn, located on the corner of Highway K and Donegal Road, was built by Philip and Anne Burg in 1939, and opened for business in February of 1940. The building operated as a gas station, general store and a small tavern with 10 stools. With just one women’s bathroom inside, the men used the outhouse behind the building. Only a small portion of the building was used for the business, much of the building was the home for the Burg Family.
1966
Cleary Era
In 1966, Joseph and Josephine Cleary of Milwaukee purchased the Erin Inn. Joseph was a native of the town of Erin, growing up on Highway K near the tavern.
1969
Kenealy's Erin Inn
In 1969, Leo (Lem) and Delores (Dode) Kenealy bought the tavern and renamed it “Kenealy’s Erin Inn”. At one point, Lem and Dode and 7 kids lived all within the building. During their years of operation, the Kenealys made several improvements to the bar by adding a 2nd patron entrance, additional square footage on the roadside, and a storage room to the north.
1980
1st St. Patrick's Day Parade
The Kenealys worked with Neal and Carol Hansen, owners of the Down Slope Pub, to organize the first Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1980. Kay Navin Ebert, from Shamrock Lane, was named “Miss Shamrock” and rode in regal splendor on a farm wagon wearing a green robe. The next year, a King and Queen were selected via vote and each donned a robe made from the green felt of a pool table. The same royal garb was worn by each Monarch until 2019 when they were remade by a local patron. The tradition of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade still lives on as one of the largest attended parades in southeastern WI.
1995
Krafty Makes His Mark
In 1995, Jeffrey Kraft of Stevens Point, who was a good friend of Lem and Dode’s son Dennis, purchased the tavern. The gas pumps were removed at the time of purchase. Kraft cemented his legacy during his ownership as an advocate of the Irish traditions in the town of Erin. The Erin Inn was the meeting place for young and old in the area and you knew with Kraft at the helm, patrons were in for a good time. Even Lightning the horse visited one day, taking a bite out of the bar top. Kraft made famous the tradition of swinging the Old Style beer lights above the bar and helped create the staple Duck Fart and Orange Death shots.
2017
Derek's Renovation
In June of 2017, current owner Derek Wilcox became just the 5th owner of the business. The Erin Inn – Irish Pub underwent a number of renovations in stages. First, the living quarters were removed, opening up additional square footage within the building for new bathrooms. A few years later, the bar was transformed from a 10-stool straight bar to a 26-stool horseshoe bar. Derek’s story continues to be written, but the rich tradition at the Irish pub is still strong.
