Tir Na Nog

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Tir Na Nog
A Continuing Legacy
2005-08-20
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron

In our ongoing quest to discover what's happening in the Daytona area nightlife, What's Happening Daytona was drawn to a cozy Irish pub on International Speedway, beachside. Tir Na Nog is set apart from other bars in the area by more than the Irish theme; we found that it is much more than a bar.

Randall Phillips and his father William have held ownership of the building since August of 2003; upon which time the building was inspected and researched to an extent that previous owners may have never thought to do. Taking care not to neglect the rich history of the building, which was constructed in 1910 as a domicile of four apartments, Randy is quite adamant about preserving this historic landmark. I've torn this place apart from top to bottom examining it," says Randy. "It's really amazing to stop and think about it - this building has been here since 1910!"

His procurement of the building in 2003, however, was not his initial encounter with it. Since the 1960's it has been a bar, and eventually became Robbie O'Connell's. It was during this period of history that Randy served as a bartender within it's hallowed halls.

Randy was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, and spent a few years outside of the area to study computer science in Ohio. In addition to Robbie O'Connell's, he spent some time bartending in Gainesville, Florida, and also at numerous locations throughout New York City. Just before his return to Daytona, and to ownership of what would soon be Tir Na Nog, he worked as a technical support agent setting up call centers for large corporations.

"Tir Na Nog" is the Irish heaven, and literally translates to land of eternal youth. You may even hear some individuals proudly compare this to the search for the fountain of youth that brought explorers to Florida centuries ago. Randy and his father are big supporters of local original music and have had several phenomenal bands perform there. "It doesn't matter what the style is," states Randy, "I try to give everyone a chance that I can." Tir Na Nog is one of the only supporters of local original music in the area and has seen open mic jams, solo performers, jazz bands, hard rock, and many unique instruments. As a result, this venue has enjoyed a variety of different types of people; many of which are some of the greatest local artists ever seen. Another great attribute that deserves mention is that visual artists are invited to submit their work and have it showcased on the walls of the venue for a month. Tir Na Nog is doing a great service to the area with these acts; they are helping to breathe life into the dignity of original expression.

Randy with Matt (Bartender)

Randy knows he has a good show running here, but has not fallen into complacency. He hopes to cater to an even broader crowd. Despite repeated attempts to gain the property by realtors and others who have different ideas regarding the venue, he continues to hold fast to his project. The man has ambitious goals for the future including possible renovations and expansion. In the fires of adversity, he remains calm. Under the pressures of stressful situations, he relaxes in his pride for the unique building and it's history. Although the current modernization and beautification of the Daytona beachside area is potentially threatening to the integrity of this historic building and all that occurs within, he hopes to keep it his own for as long as possible - regardless of how much harassment he must endure.

When you consider Randy's own Irish heritage, coupled with his style that he brings from experiencing so many other bars, you really get a unique vibe that makes it stand apart from other Irish pubs. Of course, he's not just a bar owner. For about five years, he has studied classical guitar, and has recently taken an interest to the violin. Adept at playing by ear, he proclaims that one day, perhaps, he will jam out on his own stage. Yet another adverse situation for him to scoff at is an accident that occurred about two years ago that left his arm barely attached. Not many guitarists would still be playing after that one.

With a cool, basement style appearance complete with the very friendly resident Chocolate Labrador, Riley (four years old), this bar just feels so much like you're at home. You can even bring your own pet with you, so long as it is docile and can get along with Riley.

The Daytona Beach Rugby Team

Tir Na Nog is a proud sponsor of the Daytona Rugby team, who you can often catch here celebrating their recent victory. Be sure to mark your calendar to see the sensational band "IS" at Tir Na Nog for their CD release show on the thirtieth of September. If you are hungry, just order a pizza from Shroomers, which is right next door. They stay open late and will deliver the pizza right to you. If you're too drunk to drive home, Matt, the bartender, will drive you home in his limo when possible.

Tir Na Nog. Patrons here can order a pizza, relax with their favorite mug of beer, converse with their buddies in a friendly atmosphere, engage themselves in great music, and even admire the endeavors of aspiring visual artists. All of this in a building that has survived since 1910. Perhaps it is partly his leisure activity of playing golf at the Daytona Municipal Golf Course that helps him relax and persevere, but whatever it is, the resilience and drive of Randy Phillips continues to bring more than another drinking hole to Daytona Beach.

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