'We worked hard for 34 years': Well-known Cork city centre pub up for sale as owner plans retirement

A famous Cork pub has been listed for sale following the owner’s decision to retire after “a lifetime” of dedication to the city’s bar scene.

Douglas native John O’Connor, who is the owner of An Spailpín Fánach, said the decision to sell his venue comes following a three-decade strong career.

The property, located on South Main St, was listed for sale this week under DNG Estate Agents, with an asking price in excess of €1.5m. Included in the sale is the pub venue which was founded in 1779 across the street from the Brewery Quarter.

The property features two bars, which extend to circa 442sqm. One is located at ground-floor level and another at first-floor level, that currently operates as a private function room with its own door access. This building, also offering three overhead two-bedroom apartments which are fully rented, will be sold with the benefit of sitting tenants.

The sale of the venue will further include a seven-day publicans licence.

An Spailpín Fánach has been successfully operated by the O’Connor family since 1991 and has been expanded significantly over the years.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr O’Connor said that while the team has experienced “lots of highlights” throughout the years.

“Why we’ve decided to sell is because I’m retiring — I’ve been there 34 years, it’s a lifetime,” said Mr O’Connor.

“I’m 65 years of age, I think it’ll be better for a younger person to come in and take up the reigns, do what they need to do with whatever ideas they may have.

“I’d like to see it fall into the hands of another publican, we worked hard at it over the last 34 years — we kept it traditional, we don’t have TVs — it’s all music and singing

“[In my retirement] I’ll do nothing for a while. I want to take some time off, working every weekend for the last 30 years catches up with you.

“We had lots of highlights, we had some great customers. We had some famous people come in too, we had Paul McGrath, Pat Jennings, Bernard Dunne, Alan Minter, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Jackie Daly, Séamus Creagh, Sharon Shannon, Matt Cranitch; lots and lots of good times.

“We’ve done very well down through the years I must say, [but] I did my time, I’m happy to go now.”

Those looking to express interest in the sale of the property are asked to contact Glenn O’Connor at: glenn@dngcreedon.ie or 021-489-7300.