Two landmark pubs are sold

Cork City and County Hospitality Assets Draw Multi-Million Euro Interest

Movement in the bar trade continues apace in Cork City with the arrival to market of two landmark hospitality premises, Tequila Jacks and Paddy the Farmers, carrying a combined guide price of €3.2m, according to Irishexaminer. Tequila Jacks, a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located on the waterfront on Lapps Quay, is guiding at €1.3m, while Paddy the Farmers has returned to market with a new agent and a slight price drop to €1.9m alongside nine overhead apartments. An alternative listing on Echolive notes a combined guide price of €3.35m for the pair, with Tequila Jack’s listed individually at €1.45m.

Vendors for both venues are the Seán McCarthy-led hospitality group that disposed of Soho Bar on Grand Parade in 2023 for a rumoured €5m. The broader Cork market saw significant transactions over the previous year, including the sale of the Flying Enterprise complex for more than €5m to a local buyer with international backing, a deal highlighted as one of the largest licensed premises sales in Cork and Munster. Additionally, publican Paul Montgomery acquired the Wilton Bar for north of €3m with a €1m upgrade pledge, while Cliste Hospitality placed the Viaduct bar and restaurant on the market for €1.6m.

Waterford and Regional Pubs Change Hands Amid Active Market Demand

In Waterford, selling agents Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan confirmed that The Kazbar on John’s Street and Davy Macs on John’s Avenue are being put on the market for €2.4 million as going concerns. In the Dunphy family since 2004, the venues are being sold because the family is pursuing other interests while turnover remains excellent, according to selling agent John Rohan, who noted there is no intention to convert the properties into apartments. We feel that it will be taken on as is, with the return to food an option for a new owner going forward, John Rohan, Selling Agent, Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan said in reporting by Wlrfm.

Further north, Cormac Sheehy and Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley confirmed the completion of sales on Grogan’s Bar and Restaurant in Glasson, County Westmeath, and The Fiddler’s Elbow in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. Grogan’s Bar and Restaurant features a trading bar, restaurant, garden, outbuildings, and independent four-bedroom accommodation on a 0.7-acre site. The Fiddler’s Elbow occupies a prominent location near the N5, offering approximately 3,500 square feet of commercial space, a dining area with capacity for more than 100 guests, a private function room, a beer garden, and kitchen and takeaway facilities, as detailed by Roscommonherald.

Iconic Irish Pubs Listed Across Multiple Counties

A wider snapshot of public houses currently listed across the country includes several historic properties with distinct community profiles. Gartlan’s, a landmark thatched pub in Kingscourt, County Cavan, is listed for an asking price of €550,000 after over two centuries of operation and multiple Ulster Pub of the Year accolades between 2017 and 2019. In County Clare, The Abbey Tavern in Quin is listed near Quin Abbey with food, drink, and B&B accommodation. Sean Tierney’s Bar & Restaurant in Clonmel, County Tipperary, is on the market for €450,000, while Cobh’s harbourfront Mauretania Pub features an active cellar and original stained glass windows, according to Breakingnews.

Other notable listings include PJ Byrne’s Pub in Castlebellingham, County Louth, listed at €375,000 near Bellingham Castle; The South Pole Inn in Annascaul, County Kerry, once home to explorer Tom Crean, listed at €450,000 on the Wild Atlantic Way; and Sexton’s Bar in Kinvara, County Galway, listed at €595,000 overlooking Kinvara Bay.

Dublin Transactions and Future Market Outlook

In Dublin, high-density demand remains visible following landmark capital transactions. Just three months after the €15 million sale of The Brazen Head, the historic Slattery’s pub in Rathmines changed hands in an off-market transaction for close to €3 million following competitive bidding. Brokered by John Ryan of Bagnall Doyle MacMahon, the property was sold by Roddy Slattery after two family generations and acquired by Tim and Wendy O’Connor, as reported by Irishtimes. Ryan noted that the transaction reflects continued strong demand for prime Dublin pub assets in densely populated areas.