Step into Donegal Square located in the heart of Downtown Historic Bethlehem Pennsylvania and you will find the love and passion of a 35-year-old Irish and Celtic business operating as strong as ever. Owner Neville Gardner, originally from Co. Antrim, Ireland and his friendly and knowledgeable staff are there always welcoming all who come through the front door.
The recently remodeled shop has created a comfortable and colorful warm atmosphere where customers can experience the feeling of being in Ireland and the British Isles surrounded by handcrafted jewelry and gifts, sweaters, accessories, tweeds and tartans from Scotland. Offering kilt rentals for all occasions and custom kilts, last fall Neville with help from a kiltmaker in Scotland introduced a new tartan called “Hope for Life Tartan of Bethlehem”. Thanks to long time customers who helped him with the name, the tartan has a pattern of vibrant colors that represent many different cancers. A percentage of the proceeds from the sales of these items which include scarves, tams, ties, caps and custom kilts will go to cancer research – see the website under “shop” for some of the items.
Donegal Square also carries a hearty selection of packaged foods in the pantry area. Open the freezer and you will discover frozen meats and pies as well as all the fixings to make a traditional breakfast. Candy bars, biscuits, teas, jams, so many delicious items to choose from.
Walk up the stairs from the shop to find McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub where you will be greeted by pub staff and see bakery cases full of freshly baked scones and Neville’s famous brown bread among other mouth-watering desserts. Recipes that were kept from his grandmother and his mom, Neville makes sure the food served at McCarthy’s offers patrons a truly unique dining experience incorporating new ideas with some traditional pub fare found across the pond. Visitors can feast on homemade Irish cream fused with Irish Coffees as well as over 200 more whiskeys or the comfort of sitting in a snug and enjoying tea or coffee with homemade Treacle Toffee Pudding. McCarthy’s should be a destination if you are lucky enough to be in Bethlehem. All are invited, no passport required!!
534 Main St, Bethlehem PA 18018
www.donegal.com
