A duel citizen of Ireland and the U.S., Tom Ryan has roots in the old country. Spending his early career bartending, he then became a licensed mariner, captaining schooners, private yachts, and pilot boats for much of his career.

During his watches, he dreamed about opening a traditional Irish pub one day that he would call 8 Bells - the indication from the ships clock that your shift had ended.

His vision was for a warm, welcoming community pub where people could gather to celebrate successes, mourn losses, and spend time with friends old and new. This vision was realized in January of 2025 in his adopted home of Camden, Maine. He welcomes you to 8 Bells.