Story

PARNELL’S. ESt 1997

CLEVELAND’S BEST IRISH PUB

If you know your history you know Ireland wasn’t the bustling metropolis it is  today back in the 1980s. In fact it was a country in turmoil. 

Declan Synnott grew up in Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland. With the strongest Mother who urged him to ‘spread his wings’ he won the lottery (so to speak) and came to the US in 1994 with $500 in his pocket. Literally, $500.

He landed in Boston, MA, shucked oysters and lived at the YMCA. Finally he landed a job as a bartender at the Copley Plaza Marriott hotel. It wasn’t long before a former Ex-Pat from Ireland introduced himself and asked Declan to come be the ‘face and brogue’ of a new Irish Pub in Cleveland, OH. Declan took a chance and drove to Cleveland to open and work at Flannery’s Irish Pub on East 4th. Fast forward 2 years later and he purchased, The Charles Stewart Parnell Pub, in Cleveland Heights from his friend and Cleveland-mentor, Denis Flannery. 

A little Irish Pub of his own, he quickly built a family of regulars and lifelong friends. Parnell’s became a gathering place for many that felt like home with it’s dim lighting, low ceilings and knack for good conversation and perfect pints. 

In 2013, Synnott saw the potential of expanding Parnell’s and opened a second location, downtown in Playhouse Square. While the neighborhood vibe wasn’t quite the same, Synnott successfully brought the ambiance and comfort of his original pub to the Theatre District. 

2016 again brought change as Synnott again saw potential in a new location. He uprooted his 20 year history on Lee Road and literally moved the bar a mile down the road. He continues to bring the ‘craic’ to both Pubs and can even sometimes be found where he’s most comfortable, chatting with customers and pouring pints behind the bar.