Millis has a new gathering place, one built on decades of hospitality, deep Irish roots, and a shared passion for incredible food. Arigna Irish Pub & Coal Fire Kitchen is now open at Milliston Common (near Roche Bros.). 

Arigna is co-owned by Ryan Blaney and Gordon Hyde. 

The restaurant officially opened in mid-October, bringing its signature blend of scratch-made dishes, craft cocktails, wide-screen televisions, live music, and warm pub atmosphere to the community.

Blaney, who grew up in Holliston and now lives in North Easton, has spent his life in the restaurant world. After graduating from Holliston High School, he attended culinary school in New Hampshire and went on to build a 15-year career in Boston’s restaurant scene, working everywhere from trendy bars to corporate catering to fine dining.

Hyde, originally from Cork, Ireland, has over 30 years of experience in pubs, beginning in Ireland then New York and Florida, before eventually settling in Massachusetts. 

“In 2008, we linked up and started working together to develop the perfect blend of amazing food, drink and atmosphere,” said Blaney. 

What’s in a name

In 2012, their first joint venture, Murphy’s Law in Pawtucket, opened as a traditional Irish pub. When a second Pawtucket location became available a few years later, the partners saw an opportunity to try something different - a premium Irish sports pub “with the focus being a food-focused restaurant that has a bar, rather than a bar that serves food,” said Blaney. That vision became Arigna, inspired by the historic Arigna Coal Mines of County Roscommon, once Ireland’s longest-running coal mines (it closed in 1990) and a symbol of hardworking communities.

Blaney said, “When we committed to the coal fire kitchen, we needed an Irish connection” and the Arigna mines was the perfect fit. “The hardworking people of Arigna were reminiscent of the workforce of Pawtucket and its various mills – and Arigna Irish Pub was born.” 

Blaney says they have no formal ties to County Roscommon or the mine, but relatives of mineworkers have visited their pubs, and some of their guests have traveled to the mine which has since been converted into a museum called the Arigna Mining Experience. “We’ve also exchanged ‘gifts’ with the museum; we sent them our staff logo shirt and fleece, and they sent pictures, magnets and postcards from their gift shop.” 

Now in Millis 

Arigna’s Bellingham location (799 S. Main St.) opened in 2023. 

Blaney said, “A lot of our guests from the Bellingham location live in this area and would always say, ‘You need to put one of these near us’ so, when this space became available, we knew we could make it work without having to start from the ground up.”

Indeed, they have. 

On a recent night, Arigna was buzzing with live music (Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), patrons chatting, wait staff bustling, barstools full (close to the handcrafted cocktails), live sports on several screens, and a busy kitchen. The service was quick, the menu was varied, and the food was delicious. 

Signature items include coal fired pizza, cheesesteak spring rolls, sweet chili calamari, and the standout Roscommon Pizza topped with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions. 

“We are that famous hidden gem,” said Blaney. “We are extremely excited to welcome the community into our new home, and we look forward to creating new friends and memories for years to come.” 

They also have a large function space available, with some dates remaining for holiday parties. Gift cards are also available. For more information, visit https://arignairishpub.com 

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