Haunted Establishments
with “Spirits” Series
The Irish Lion - Bloomington, Indiana
The wind is rising, the leaves are changing, and it’s time
for our annual trek to some haunted restaurants and libation
locations around the country. To kick things off, here’s an Irish pub with a
bit more than the usual spirits you’d expect to find at the bar …
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| The Irish Lion |
This cool little restaurant and pub is located in Bloomington,
Indiana. The Irish Lion has been in operation since 1982 serving authentic
Irish pub grub like stews, steaks and mutton pies for over 30 years. The bar features over 100
whiskeys, over 130 Single Malt Scotches and a stunning array of Irish and
European imports on draft.
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| Woorley Tavern |
The building began as the Woorley Tavern and Hotel Bundy
European in 1882. The vintage bar was
crafted during the Civil War era. Upstairs was a brothel and the
hotel advertised that “companions” were available to spend the night with customers. The building has been restored with cast iron columns, stained glass and an original mahogany Brunswick back bar - the same one featured in the opening of the TV show "Cheers."  |
| Inside the Tavern |
The tavern and hotel began operation in 1882 and continued
until well into the 20th century, but in 1920 Prohibition began and the tavern closed. The Great Depression brought an end to
the hotel and during the 1930's some dark and tragic events happened on this site.
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| Empty and Forlorn |
From 1935 to 1957, the building was used for a multitude of
purposes. After Prohibition the building was once again used as a tavern and also as a billiard hall. Several people died here during this time but records
are sketchy as to who they were and the causes of death.
In 1979, the
McConnaugh family purchased the building and set about restoring it to its 19th
century glory before opening it as the Irish Lion Restaurant and Pub in 1982.
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| Bar Area |
Employees and customers have
witnessed strange occurrences in the building, both in the downstairs pub area
and upstairs in the banquet room. Former employees tell of liquor bottle
flying through the air at the bar, sometime aimed at a specific person. Other
times wine and beer glasses shatter on the shelves for no apparent
reason. Employees clean up the restaurant and bar after closing only to
open in the morning and find that the bar area had been ransacked and was in total
shambles. There had not been a break-in; nothing was missing, just destruction
of liquor bottles and glassware.
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| Banquet Room |
Customers have reported feeling a presence upstairs in the
banquet room, which was once a bordello. It appears that some of the girls have
decided to linger … Customers have inquired about the large party going on
upstairs when the banquet room has been cleaned and closed for the evening.
When someone checks, there is no one to be found and the second floor
is dark.
To appease the pub
spirits, bartenders usually leave a shot of whiskey at the end of the bar. Apparently this keeps the spirits happy as
there have been few incidents reported in recent years.
If you’d like to experience some
excellent Irish food, a host of Irish beers on draft, and the ambience of
spirits of the past, check out the Irish Lion, located at 212 West Kirkwood
Avenue in Bloomington, Indiana. The pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to “late
night.”
For more information visit The
Irish Lion.
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| Indiana University |
And while you’re in Bloomington, check out a few of the
other haunted venues for a spook-tacular visit to the Hoosier state:
That old college “spirit” is thriving at Indiana University
where several students and at least four faculty members are said to roam the
buildings and grounds.
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| Stepp Cemetery |
The Stepp Cemetery, in the
Morgan-Monroe State Forest, is also rumored to be haunted, some say it is one
of the most haunted places in south-central Indiana.
Maybe some spirited guides have contributed to
Bloomington's slogan: "Come. Stay. Replay."
~ Joy
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