Kinsale locals launch fundraiser in bid to establish Cork's first community-run pub

An official fundraiser has been launched by a local grassroots company with the aim of bringing Cork its first community-run pub.

The GoFundMe page was created by the Not So Scilly Committee – which is a group of locals in Kinsale who are seeking to purchase a 150-year-old bar along the Scilly Walk "and keep it open for the people of Kinsale, owned in a trust by the people of Kinsale".

The fundraising campaign has been set up by co-founder of the committee, Lynn Harding, alongside other committee members, with the hopes of raising a total of €1.5m to purchase The Harbour Bar.

The property, which has served as a public house and residence since the mid 1800s, hit the market last month, following the death of its former owner, Tim Platt.

Included in the sale of the venue is the downstairs pub area, which features a solid fuel stove, decorative ceramic tiling, wood flooring, exposed ceiling beams and two large sash windows overlooking Kinsale Harbour, as well as an upstairs residence, which includes three bedrooms and a small balcony.

"We need to raise as much as possible to enable us to make a realistic bid and complete any necessary works," the Not So Scilly group said. We are so grateful for any and all donations, so please give what you can!

"To honour public participation, we plan to include the names of our donors in the bar."

The group said those who contribute would help "secure and preserve a beloved piece of Kinsale's history, keep the pub as a community space, open to all" and support the artists, poets and musicians they would aim to host, through one-off events, and longer-term residencies.

The group further clarified that if they do not reach their goal, or if someone else buys the property while fundraising is ongoing, donors will have the option to request a refund, or leave their donation in a trust for the Not So Scilly group to invest in saving another Kinsale property, with the same goal of transformation to a community hub.

Speaking to The Echo in April, Ms Harding said that the group is hoping to preserve the space for public use due to its “unique ” location and nature. For more information, or to make a donation, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3mbs9cr5.