Popular Bandon restaurant announces the closure of business

A popular Cork restaurant has announced that it will not reopen its doors as business is “no longer viable”.

Owners of The Old Market Bar and Restaurant in Bandon have announced to customers that they have made the difficult decision to permanently close.

The popular eatery on 6 Market St, Gully, Bandon, announced on June 16 that it would close briefly for minor refurbishments and for a “well-earned rest”.

However, owners Shane and Carly Spillane have since announced in a social media post they will not be reopening as the business is no longer viable, saying that ongoing roadworks in Bandon have put a strain on the business.

“With a lot of hard conversations over the past two weeks and we have decided that it’s not possible to reopen the Old Market.

“Unfortunately, it just didn’t go the way we planned.

“With all the road works happening it put a massive strain on us, and our business is no longer viable,” they said.

The owners encouraged locals to support other restaurants and businesses in the town.

“This is a very difficult time for Bandon and all its traders, so please everyone support your local shops and businesses,” they said.

“Who knows what the future holds.”

The couple formerly ran O’Connor’s Seafood Café & Seafood Restaurant in Bantry but confirmed that they were to take over The Old Market Tavern Bar on Market Street in October of 2024.

Mr and Mrs Spillane thanked the staff and customers for their support over the past months.

“We would just like to say a huge thank you to our amazing staff and customers,” they wrote on social media.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all, we’ve had lots of belly laughs and have met friends to last a lifetime in our time Bandon.”