'We're looking forward to a fantastic summer': Belvelly castle owner opens new bar 

A decade ago, Garry Wilson flew into Cork for the day to play golf at the Fota club. Nobody could have imagined the impact that visit would have on the region.

He fell in love with the area, and he his wife Anne decided to live here, and bought and renovated the landmark Belvelly Castle, turning it into a stunning home.

Now, Garry has opened a café in the town of Cobh - and has just opened a new bar and restaurant there too.

As an employer to 30 people, and with a mini-business empire now flourishing, you could say that trip was a turning point for Cobh.

The café, in the former Bank of Ireland premises on Main Street, is called The First Drop. So it made sense to call his new bar and restaurant The Last Drop! It recently opened on the former Quays Bar and Restaurant site after a speedy renovation

How are both Drops doing?

“The First Drop is often the first place people stop off for a coffee or for a leisurely browse,” says Garry.

And The Last Drop?

“I think that’s the last taste of Cobh that people get and want to remember.”

He believes the bar and restaurant has huge potential.

“I’m planning to host gigs and performances,” says Garry. “I want to promote all things relating to Irish culture. Irish music and dance are at the heart of our culture. I want to showcase local talent and local food.”

“The Last Drop is a space for slowing down, taking it all in, and coming back for more,” adds Garry.

I am drinking it all in, to the very last drop. The snug bar that can seat 30 people is low-lit, cosy, and intimate. The gastro pub faces onto the water. And the piece de resistance is the outdoor terrace stretching across the water.

“I’m delighted you like it,” says Garry.

“We’re honestly blown away by the support from the incredible community. Thank you all for showing up for us. It means everything.”

Garry, originally from Belfast, who lived in England for many years, feels like one of the locals.

“Every year, I see Cobh getting better and better,” he says. “The town is on a fantastic path.”

He is the first to admit team work is key to success.

“We are so proud of our young team,” he says. “And this is only the beginning. Like any first week, it has given us a chance to learn, improve, and fine-tune things so that we can give you the experience you deserve.”

I tell Garry the 10oz steak followed by the gooey sticky toffee pudding are two tempting delights on the varied menu.

“For sure!” he says. “And the cocktails are made to order.”

“Here in Cobh, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by the sea and live amongst some of the most fertile farmland on the island of Ireland,” says Garry.

“Our menu reflects our desire to use seafood caught near our coast and ingredients grown on this land so that we can offer all the good fresh local fare that East Cork has to offer.”

Garry offers so much to East Cork himself.

“Here in The Last Drop, we have 18 members of staff, and there are 12 in the coffee shop,” he says.

“I see an upswing in the trade after what was a tough time in hospitality and for people in general.

“Cobh is firmly on the map, attracting visitors from both at home and abroad. I wanted to create quality venues in Cobh.

The sparkling sea meeting the blue horizon is throwing up frothy foams as fishing boats and leisure boats bob up and down.

“The view of the water from the terrace is pretty, isn’t it?” says Garry. More like spectacular.

“Our architect is Cobh man Alan Wise, and his firm did a great job with The Last Drop.”

It’s all good.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic summer,” says Garry.

“Our team, all Cork-based, are looking forward to meeting and greeting locals and visitors and showing them a good time!”

“I believe in keeping money in the town.”

Hospitality, good humour, and goodwill always travels far.

Garry reflects back on the last decade.

“When I first arrived to play golf in Fota in 2016, it was ‘a pinch myself’ moment,” he says.

“I was so impressed with the place and the surroundings. Of all the towns in County Cork, I felt that Cobh was a hidden gem.”

The town holds many memories for people and for the generations who emigrated from there to make a new life in America.

“Lots of people have a story to tell,” says Garry.

“I think The Last Drop evokes memories of our descendants, and the journey they went on in their lifetimes.”

He and his wife Anne, together with their sons, have made a lovely life in the heart of Cobh.

They spent more than three years restoring the 16th century Belvelly Castle, while their café is another asset for the town.

“I wanted to open ‘the most beautiful café in Ireland’, says Garry. The premises also has a gorgeous gift shop .

“My wife Anne has a keen eye for interior design and refurbishment.”

The Last Drop is on a fantastic path. It will no doubt become a landmark in the picturesque town marked by its maritime significance, emigration legacy, and as the last port of the doomed Titanic.

I tell Garry I’ll be back for ‘a drop’ over the summer.

“Don’t forget! You are always welcome,” are his last words as I leave.