Birmingham’s Beloved Irish Pub Left to Deteriorate and Vandalized
The Kerryman pub in Digbeth has fallen into disrepair since its closure in 2022
Birmingham, Ireland, Pub, Kerryman, Digbeth
Digbeth: A once-loved Irish pub has been left to decay on Digbeth High Street. The Kerryman, a family-run spot, closed its doors in autumn 2022, and since then, it’s been a target for vandalism.
Graffiti covers the walls, and some of the letters above the boarded-up entrance are falling apart. It’s a real shame to see a place filled with memories in such a sad state. The pub opened back in 1996, named after landlord Liam O’Connor’s roots in Limerick and Kerry.
Rachel O’Connor, Liam’s daughter, was the last owner. They even turned the upstairs into a B&B, which was super handy for folks traveling through Birmingham Coach Station.
Fast forward to now, and the pub is a shadow of its former self, with no word on what’s next for the building. Most of the vandalism is just graffiti tags, but one message really stands out: “devoured by the mouth of hell.”
Before it closed, The Kerryman had a decent 3.6-star rating on Google Reviews. People loved it! Gerard Culbert said it was a “really nice Irish bar in a fabulous location.” He mentioned the friendly staff and budget accommodation, saying it was worth a visit.
Patricia Moore chimed in, calling it a “lovely Irish pub” where she always stopped for a pint and some friendly chat. Martin Hopkins added that it was a great spot with locals who enjoyed a sing-along. Toni Adcock also had a blast there, loving the music and the staff.