Commercial Hotel
Mary's
HistoryThe Commercial Hotel was located at 120 Cunningham Street, Dalby.
The first Commercial Hotel was built in 1885 by Dan Condon. The second version of the hotel was built in 1909, and at the time was the most imposing hotel in Dalby. It was a two story brick building with frontage to Cunningham Street. The hotel contained 40 bedrooms, a large dining room & numerous sitting rooms. A buggy & porter met all trains arriving in Dalby for the convenience of guests.
The Commercial Hotel was conveniently located on the western side of Cunningham Street, in close proximity to government buildings, banks, & the school of arts. The hotel building also contained downstairs space which was occupied by other local businesses.
In 1952 Tom Shanahan and Mary Barry partnered to buy the business. Mary went on to purchase Tom’s share in 1958, and eventually the freehold in 1986. She famously ran the pub, colloquially known as “Mary’s” Commercial Hotel, until her passing in 2010 at the age of 91, at which time the Hotel’s name was officially changed in her honour.
The hotel was destroyed by fire on the night of 22 August 2018.
In 2023, a new public development at 120 Cunningham Street was named "Mary's Place" in honour of Mary Barry and her iconic hotel.





