One of The City's Oldest Pubs To Close After Almost 170 Years

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Irish pub Patrick's of Pratt Street will permanently close its doors after almost two centuries of service.

Founded in 1847 by Irish immigrant Patrick Healy, the Baltimore bar and eatery is considered by many to be the oldest Irish pub in the country. Today, Patrick's is run by Healy's great-great-great nephew Patrick Rowley and his wife Anne.

Up until three years ago, the pub was fully staffed, but they made a decision to cut down operation hours to 20 hours per week, which meant eliminating staff, making Patrick the only bartender and Anne the only chef.

After almost 17 years of running the historical pub, Patrick says he's tired of being on his feet and he's ready to devote his time to the travel business with Anne, where they provide custom tours of Ireland.

Over the years, Rowley said he developed such strong relationships with his regulars that he has given out 33 keys to the bar to allow loyal patrons enter the pub if it was closed and drink as long as they cleaned up before they left.

Needless to say, several of the pub's regulars are sad to see it go, calling it the end of an era.

"In one breath we're looking forward to it and in another breath we're not looking forward to it," Rowley said. "But I'm taking with me a million great memories of a thousand great customers. It's been a fun ride."

Rawley declined to provide an exact closing date, but he said Patrick's on Pratt will be open through the end of August. A public auction is scheduled for September 14.

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