Fire destroys landmark Kerry pub

A fire has destroyed a pub on the Kerry-Cork border which is reputed to be the highest in Ireland.

The Top of Coom Pub, which is at elevation of 1,045 feet (318 metres), was burnt to the ground along with the adjacent home in a fire which broke out just after 9pm last night.

Two fire brigade units from Kenmare and one from Killarney fought the blaze, but the fire was well underway by the time they arrived.

The flames were not extinguished until 4.45am, some seven hours after firemen arrived on the scene.

The pub owner raised the alarm. He was treated for smoke inhalation when he tried to help an elderly customer out of the bar at the time.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances behind the blaze, but the fire is not thought to be have been started deliberately.