WRENTHAM - The town is getting its first Irish pub, which will join a few such establishments that have opened in the area over the past several years.

Mr. Dooley's Old Irish Pub is opening at the Anvil Pub, a neighborhood bar on Shears Street.

The pub, which will offer food and Irish music, will be managed and owned by John Somers of Walpole.

Somers runs the popular Irish pub Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern near Quincy Market and several similar establishments in Boston, including the historic Green Dragon Tavern, Hennessy's of Boston, Paddy O's and Durty Nelly's.

"This will be an old Irish country inn," Somers said. "It will be an inviting family atmosphere based on food and light entertainment, Irish entertainment, one-man acts." There will be some renovations inside the building and the kitchen will be expanded to allow for serving more food than the Anvil Pub offered. The new business is expected to open late next winter or early spring.

The board approved the transfer of an all alcoholic beverage license Tuesday from The Anvil Pub.

Somers has had no license violations at his other businesses. He has been in the business for 40 years, the past 20 in Boston.

Selectman Edward Goddard said he visited Mr. Dooley's in Boston two weeks ago and found it appealing.

The Anvil Pub has been operated for 14 years by Stephen Cerullo, who also runs the Catman Cafe in Mansfield.

"It is just time to move on," Cerullo said of selling the Wrentham business.

Other area Irish pubs in the area include: The Chieftain Pub on Route 1 in Plainville, Waxy O'Connor's Irish Pub and Restaurant at Chestnut Green in Foxboro and Casey O'Conor's on North Main Street in Mansfield.

Shears Street is also home to the former Tom's Tavern, which is reopening under new ownership.

STEPHEN PETERSON covers Wrentham for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.