WHY NAME A PUB AFTER A POLITICIAN

ABOUT US

King O’Malley’s Irish Pub was named after a colourful politician and former insurance salesman, with a fascinating and infamous legacy. And the irony: this same man advocated for an alcohol ban across Canberra. Think he would have seen the funny side?

A bearded fellow

Said to be mischievous and to invite controversary, King O’Malley was a flamboyant politician who played a vital role in the formation of the Australian Capital Territory. He was the one to sign off on Walter Burley Griffin as the winner of Canberra’s planning and design competition.

As Minister for Home Affairs, King O’Malley was involved in many aspects of Canberra’s somewhat slow formation as the national capital. One of his radical and unpopular decisions was to push for prohibition in Canberra. This ban lasted for 17 years between late-1910 and 1928 – forcing locals to purchase their liquor across the border in Queanbeyan.

Thankfully we’re no longer a dry state!

His story adorns our walls

Want to read more tall tales and rumours about our namesake? Check out our tribute to King O’Malley’s vibrant personality and life all over our walls, where the legend lives on.

Something for everyone

A Canberra institution since [year], King O’Malley’s Irish Pub is the ideal place to grab a meal with mates, listen to live music, dance the night away, or take in the passing sites and activities of Canberra’s city. We love a friendly chat if you’re up for it.
Grab a pint of Guiness or a local ale and settle in.

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