HISTORY

The site where the Valkenburg now stands was known as the “Mail coach staging post” in the early 1800’s. The landlord of the time, Cornel Knox owned the site and his “Squire” John Valkenburg managed this business. The Valkenburg family were of German origin.

In 1848 Knox built a Hotel on this site. He gave it to John Valkenburg for a ‘Shilling and a pinch of snuff’ per annum. In 1858 Valkenburg bought the premises for £1,000. During the 1920s the Valkenburg operated the first petrol pumps in Ballinrobe. The Valkenburg family operated the Hotel up until the mid 1950’s when Joe Valkenburg died. Joe also operated a funeral business and can be remembered for the horse drawn hearse, 2 or 4 horses, which he used.

In 1958, Patrick Finlay bought the Hotel and operated for 15 Years.
In 1973 Seamus Langan bought the Valkenburg.

The establishment is still owned and run by the Langan family. The premises has been totally refurbished in the past year and now hosts The Aubergine Café and Restaurant.