Multi-million album selling singer Enya caught many pub goers and diners by surprise who were out for a night at a West Donegal pub at the weekend when she appeared with members of her family.

Enya, 49, was joined by family members including her dad Leo, mum Baba, sisters Bridín and Deirdre and brother Bartley for a quiet meal in her Dad’s famous pub – Leo’s Tavern – at Meenaleck, West Donegal.

The Donegal star, estimated to be worth ?85 million, rarely ever makes a public appearance at the pub but does spend time with her family at nearby Dore every Christmas and usually in May, around the time of her birthday. She lives in her castle mansion at Killiney, South Dublin.

Her dad Leo, 86, has just recently returned home from a lengthy stay in Letterkenny General Hospital following a period of illness but was said to be in fine form at the family night out.

It was on the stage in Leo’s Tavern that Enya, Moya Brennan and Clannad commenced their careers in their youth when they often joined dad Leo for singsongs. The pub attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world annually because of its association with singer Enya. Many come in a hope of catching a glimpse of the star.

Pub goers on Thursday night were surprised to see the star enjoying the night out in the main lounge area and described her as “looking relaxed.”

One punter who was there for a quiet drink said it was nice to see the family having a quiet night out and that they all seemed to be having an enjoyable time.

“We’d not usually seen Enya here but she seemed in fine form enjoying the family night out. It was her birthday ten days ago. Some punters were hoping for a song but it didn’t happen. There was no singing or no interference from punters, just a quiet family night out,” she said.

Enya flew into Donegal Airport earlier in the week and was due to fly out again on Friday morning.

The pub has been recently featuring a series of fundraising concerts, headed by Enya’s sister Moya Brennan, to help an environmental group opposing the erection of a 110kv power line through west Donegal. Several of Ireland’s top singers have participated but Enya has not joined with them.

Further gigs are planned throughout the summer including one this coming Thursday featuring Brian Kennedy, Frances Black and the Celtic Tenors.

Irish digest | 31 May 2010