As the four Culhane sisters celebrate the 20th anniversary of Culhane’s Irish Pub, Lynda, Michelle, Mary Jane and Áine proudly reflect on their humble beginning when they arrived in America.
Irish immigrants who spent their childhood working alongside their parents on the family farm in County Limerick, Ireland, they developed a genuine love for authentic food, relentless work ethic, hospitality and family. With resilience, together in 2005, they created the first Culhane’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Atlantic Beach.
In numerology, and with a bit o’ Irish luck, the number 20 denotes infinite potential for relationships and diplomacy. This number serves as a reminder to stay focused on purpose and how to achieve success. It means: trust your intuition and listen carefully to something important in work with guidance toward a bright future.
Nothing could be more appropriate for the Culhane sisters when their fate was influenced by a phone call in 2009 to appear on Food Network’s show “Diners, Drive-In and Dives.” When Guy Fieri featured Culhane’s Dingle Fish Pie, Guinness Beef Stew and Blarney Lamb Sliders, the episode “Comfort Food with Attitude” has followed the sisters every day since!
Today, proprietary recipes continue to represent the Culhane family heritage of unique flavors in two award-winning Irish Pubs in the Jacksonville area.
Chefs Jason and Chad maintain the classic menu that is an infusion of Irish/American dishes. Especially notable are Chad’s Shrimp and Grits made with the 5 Sisters mother sauce, Shepherd’s Pie and Dingle Fish Pie. They’ve kept the kitchen humming for many years along with Executive Chef Brad at Culhane’s Southside, elevating the menu with global layers and flavors with dishes that guests can’t stop eating.
With Irish sass, unequalled teamwork and commitment to their families and proud legacy, the sisters felt that having a pub was an intrinsic part of Irish life. From baptisms to funerals, from sporting events to corporate celebrations, parties have always revolved around the pub’s epicenter.
At Culhane’s, the inviting “Snug” is the most popular small room like private pubs in Ireland! Culhane’s pubs are a vibe. They represent the four sisters’ history and lore that is linked to their nation’s cultural legacy.
Both restaurants bring a je ne sais quoi where guests are always welcomed. It’s a place where you meet, talk to strangers and old friends, too. They didn’t open with roots fixed in a timeworn community. But each sister knew how to tell a legitimate family tale that appeals to guests who come back for the authentic stories of four young sisters who had a dream! They began with their own narrative and, after 20 years, Culhane’s Irish Pub has found its soul.
“Our hearts are full of pride and love. Reaching a milestone of 20 years together, it expresses our stability and resilience. The greatest lesson for us is to cherish the time we have living our best lives. We’re grateful for the support of our dedicated team and amazing customers, as we always try to give back. Living the American Dream, we count our blessings daily as sisters and feel excitement about the next chapter. We deeply love our family in Eire — Faith, Family and Fun!” — The Culhane Sisters
So next time Angel Number 20 shows up before you, pause for a moment and reflect upon its deeper meaning. Let go of all inhibitions and take steps forward confidently knowing that the universe has got your back every step of the way.
