'Full circle moment' for new owner of popular Cork pub 

Colm O'Connor, who has been running Costigan’s on Washington Street for almost a decade, said he is delighted that he is now the owner of the popular pub.

Mr O'Connor, a Meath native, took over the lease of the pub in 2015, and now has more than 30 years experience working in the industry.

"This is a real full circle moment for me," said Mr O'Connor.

"This pub has been a gathering place for friends, families, and tourists for generations, and I have been so proud to be a part of its progression over these nine years.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to one day own my own pub and it’s quite surreal to finally be able to say that I do.

“It goes without saying that this would not have been possible without the endless support and advice from my family and friends, I definitely owe a few people a couple of pints on the house.” 

Mr O'Connor further said that he is fully committed to ensuring Costigan's remains a beloved landmark in Cork and is very passionate about instilling a love of the pub trade in younger generations.

“Over the years I’ve noticed a steady decline in younger people seeing the pub industry as a career option, it’s more often regarded as a part-time job while studying and not seen as a very viable career,” said Mr O’Connor.

“This is why I am so pleased to have Brian McCarthy on board with me as a shareholder in Costigan’s Pub.

“Brian is 25 years old, has completed a degree in college, and has chosen to put his learnings into practice by becoming a full-time publican.

“It’s a very proud moment for me as I’ve watched him grow as a bartender and now as a business partner - it gives me a lot of hope for the future that Costigan’s will always be in good hands.” 

Costigan’s Pub traces its roots back to 1827, when it was owned by John and Hanora Murphy.

Initially, the premises at No 10 Washington Street operated as a fishmongers, while No 11 served as a pub.

Over the years, the two buildings underwent various transformations, including ownership changes, with periods doubling up as a grocer, a bootmaker, and even a stint as a flour and meal store.

It wasn’t until the late 1970s that John and Pauline Costigan acquired the pub, giving it the name it proudly holds today.