Moby Dick’s bar in Youghal closes, ending a Cork pub’s extraordinary Hollywood story

From Hollywood stars to toasted sandwiches, Moby Dick’s closure marks the loss of a cultural anchor in Youghal

Kevin and Bríd Linehan have decided to berth the ship following over 30 years of manning the taps at Moby Dick's in Youghal. Picture: Christy Parker

The tides of time have permanently receded for a Co Cork bar with historic links to the world’s most famous large fish and to the catch of Hollywood luminaries that its story successfully netted.

The last drink was poured in Moby Dick’s bar in Youghal on New Year’s Day, with the filling of pints matched only by the copious flow of music and memories.

Proprietor Kevin Linehan and his wife Bríd, who are in their 60s, decided to berth the ship following over 30 years of manning the taps in a family enterprise that began with Kevin’s grandad, David, in 1880.

“It was not an easy decision,” Kevin reveals, explaining that the couple have prioritised spending quality time with their grandchildren while “still young enough to enjoy an active retirement”.

The pub acquired international fame in the summer of 1954 when John Huston, on the recommendation of journalist Claud Cockburn, transformed the harbour into 1840’s New Bedford, before filming the opening scenes of his adaptation of Herman Melville’s sea revenge novel, Moby Dick.

Linehan’s bar became Huston’s HQ, where stars such as Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, and Ireland’s Noel Purcell quenched their thirst or climbed the stairs to reach Huston’s office.

Kevin’s dad Paddy once described the commercial boost as “like sitting on top of an oil well”.

When the cameras departed, Paddy added the title ‘Moby Dick’s’ over the door and retained the ‘Spouter Inn’ moniker above the counter.

Staunchly Fianna Fáil, Paddy served as a local councillor for over 40 years.

Kevin Linehan pictured outside the well known Youghal pub, whih has been in the family since 1880. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Deeply religious, his prayer vigil for prosperity during Youghal’s ‘Purgatory period’ in the 1980s saw the town welcome the first of three new light industries within a year — however, sadly, all left again since.

Meanwhile, his wife Maureen’s proficiency as a business woman and publican earned her kudos and front page prominence in Woman’s Way magazine in 1967.

In 1999, Paddy passed the political baton to his daughter — and currently Independent Cork County Mayor — councillor Mary Linehan-Foley.

“Moby Dick’s was my home throughout a wonderful childhood and my place of work for a decade behind the bar from 15 years old,” Mary recalls.

I’ve many happy memories, but am sad now to see it closing.

On the pub’s final day, the past featured prominently in people’s farewells, with musician AJ and DJ Ger assisting a sad yet celebratory ambience — like an American wake, where someone sadly leaves forever but everyone is happy for them.

An active member of local community group Youghal4All, the group’s representatives Helen Heaphy Grange and Jimmy Flanagan made a grateful presentation to an Ahab-attired Kevin and his wife.

Helen recalled, as a 1970s child, travelling from Cork with her mum Nellie and being brought to Moby’s for toasted sandwiches.

“It still holds magical memories”, she smiled.

Rose Brennan, from Carrigaline, alongside her friend Catherine D from Shanagarry, travelled specifically to say thanks to the departing proprietors for “26 years of being lovely, welcoming people”.

Similarly, the president of Youghal Chamber of Tourism Development, Kay Curtin, fondly recalled, as a very young girl, meeting her trade unionist dad Jim, as he supped “a pint and a drop in Moby’s” after night meetings.

Proprietor of Lombard’s pub, near Youghal, Geraldine O’Reagan invoked an international dimension.

Some of the revellers enjoying their last pints in Moby Dicks Pub in Youghal on its last day of trading on January 1. Picture: Howard Crowdy

“All our Americans used to go to Moby Dick’s,” she revealed, in reference to what seems to have been shiploads of cousins from Philadelphia. They are currently “upset”.

Adjacent to the expansive town centre Market Square, Moby’s was particularly perfect for outdoor tables during summer events.

Its closure reduces the number of Youghal pubs to 17, including three sports clubs, from over 30 in the early 1990s.

Kevin is optimistic nonetheless.

While “not in any hurry to sell”, he hopes that someone will eventually purchase and re-open the property, with its many photos and mementoes included.

In 2020, Youghal4All erected a statue of a harpoon-armed Ahab facing the pub from across the road.

Summing up the current situation, one resigned local decided: “So Ahab won. He got rid of Moby Dick.”

Youghal will be hoping that’s not the end of the voyage.