Celtic Mist Pub History

Celtic Mist Pub is a home away from home for both locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere has a touch of nostalgia yet it is an alluring new rendezvous for today's modern crowd. The owners, John and Margaret O'Riordan pride themselves on welcoming everyone and providing an atmosphere where friends will gather to chat, laugh and enjoy the banter of the goings-on.

In 2006, while in Springfield at a conference, the owners saw and realized the potential awaiting the vacant storefronts at 117-119 South Seventh Street. They immediately began to see the vision of what now is an up and coming location for Springfield nightlife. The plan to combine the past with the future uses of the building brought many Springfield artisans together to create the restored historically significant building that is a downtown bar in an old fashioned setting.

The restoration of the building began with a historical research that revealed many interesting facts. The building that now houses
Celtic Mist Pub is the Nelson Building. It is named for John Nelson of Co. Sligo, who was a saloon keeper and politician. It was originally constructed in 1897 and soon after it was opened as a saloon. The building has survived multiple uses. Amusingly enough most of the early uses were as saloons run by Irish guys! It has come full circle back to its original use. Historically it also served as the gateway between very opposite and distinct neighborhoods, the notorious "Levee" district and the downtown commercial district. Of course now it is part of the downtown hub surrounded by two prominent hotels and the well known convention center, only steps from the Old Capitol Building and President Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.

The city famous for Abraham Lincoln, now home to the library and museum in old Abe's memory, brings many visitors each year. As a means of serving the community too, Celtic Mist offers refreshments and friendly conversations to our guests and residents. Our experienced and newly trained staff are focused on customer service where meeting and greeting the customers one at a time is our signature. In the spirit of our ancestors, come on in and enjoy a Pint or a "half one", where you are a stranger but once in this establishment.