“And Donovan's was born. Tess would be proud.”
In the Spring of 2008 Donovan's Irish Pub debuted. Affectionately known to our family as "Tess's place", the pub is quickly becoming a favorite spot for St. Augustine locals to frequent, as well as visitors from around the globe. At Donovan's we want our customers to relax, share friendships old and new, tell many stories, laugh, eat and drink... the Irish way... Grandma Tess's way.
You see... Tess was the embodiment of an Irish daughter, mother, and grandmother. Family time was extremely important to her. She never found more enjoyment than when she was cooking her homemade Irish dishes for her children and grandchildren (always supplementing the meal with a tasty drink of course).
She has been my inspiration since I was a little girl, to always put family and friends first and embrace life to the fullest. This pub has been created in her memory, so everyone can feel like they are one of Grandma Tess's little ones and be captivated by her "Irish Love."
About Tess
It all began when Tess's father, Danny Donovan, came across the pond from County Cork in 1888. In 1895 Danny married Bridget ("Nan") Carroll and four years later, Teresa ("Tess") was born.
Tess was brought up in a simple, loving, Irish household where stories and folklore would abound. Danny in particular loved to share stories with his children, and later his grandchildren. Danny and Nan each had their own "wee person" (leprechaun); Danny's "Nimble Fimble" and Nan's "Sir Eekum Peekum" were always present for them.
Tess carried on the traditions of Irish story telling and references to mystical Irish legends in raising her five sons and in special times with her grandchildren. To this day, there are still Donovan ancestors who look to their imaginary "wee person" for support with the knowledge that Grandma Tess is always with us.