Often described as the oldest public house in Limerick city, J.J. Bowles is believed to have been trading since 1794, while the fabric of the building itself is thought to date back to the late seventeenth century. Over more than two centuries, the pub has become part of the city’s social history, serving generations of locals within walls that long predate modern Limerick.

In recent years, the premises has also gained attention for reported paranormal activity. These accounts were featured on the television programme Spooked: Ireland, in which the long-time bartender, Mike, described a number of unexplained experiences he claimed to have witnessed while working there.

According to Mike, the first incident involved a full-bodied apparition which he saw walking past him inside the pub before vanishing. He stated that the figure appeared solid and was dressed in what he described as a trench coat and peaked cap.

He later recounted a second experience that occurred late one night after closing. As he locked the pub and joined his wife outside, she reportedly asked whether they were “taking the old man home,” believing another person was still inside. Mike maintained that no one else had been present at the time. He went on to say that the figure his wife believed she had seen appeared to be wearing what resembled military-style clothing, including knee boots and a soft cap.

Mike has also described unexplained disturbances behind the bar, claiming that drinking glasses have shattered while resting on the counter without being touched, and on some occasions have even broken while in his hand.