Join our Social Club today to access our closed Facebook Group, your FREE first drink every Friday night, raffles and discounts on our upcoming merchandise! Cost is $40 each or $70 per couple – join at the bar.

The Munster Arms is one of Ballarat’s longest serving pubs. It was opened in 1862 and named after one of the 4 provinces of Ireland, Munster. The first publican was Jeremiah Shelley, born in County Clare, Ireland, who migrated with his family. Hence the naming of the hotel after his home province. Since the 17th century Ireland has been divided into 4 provinces, these being Munster, Leinster, Connaught, and Ulster. The province of Munster is situated in the south of Ireland, and consists of the Counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

Jeremiah married Johanna Shelley (nee D’Arcy), who had also emigrated from the province of Munster in Ireland with family from the County Clare during the 1850’s, and opened the Munster Arms Hotel in Bakery Hill in 1862. Back in the 1800’s the name would require no explanation to the many Irish who had migrated to Ballarat and the surrounding districts.

Prior to entering the hotel, Jeremiah Shelley was a police officer at Stawell. He died in 1876 at the age of 44. His wife, Johanna Shelly, (nee D’Arcy), operated the hotel until her death in 1920.  She held the record as the longest serving licensee in Victoria, operating the hotel for 59 years. Johanna Shelly was a well-respected and valued member of the local community.  On her death, and as a mark of respect, every hotel door from Ballarat East to the Ballarat Old Cemetery was closed.

We have endeavoured to recreate the warm and hospitable environment the Shelley’s were renowned for in their term as publicans and invite you to visit The Munster Arms Hotel to share a meal and a drink!