Popular Cork pub Silver Key goes into receivership

One of Cork’s best-known pubs and restaurants, The Silver Key in Ballinlough, has gone into receivership.

The venue remains open for business during this stage of the process. The Silver Key Bar has been trading for decades under the ownership of the Campion family, and is also well known as a popular spot for eating out at its on-site Italian restaurant, Il Primo.

Earlier this month, a filing with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) confirmed a change in charge holder from AIB to Everyday Finance, based in Ballybrit in Galway.

The pub on Churchyard Lane in Ballinlough is also renowned as a favourite for sports fans, just a short walk from Cork Con rugby club and Cork GAA’s second home, Páirc Uí Rinn.

Receivers from EY have been appointed to the business. Luke Charleton and Alan Large of EY were appointed as receivers and managers to the property on behalf of Everyday Finance, trading as Link Financial.

A statement to The Echo said: “Luke Charleton and Alan Large of EY-Parthenon’s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team were appointed as receivers and managers of The Silver Key Limited (In Receivership) on July 27, 2026. The joint receivers will continue to trade the pub on a business-as-usual basis, and it will remain open as normal.

“The joint receivers will be exploring all options to ensure the future sustainability of the business.”

In recent weeks, the Vintners Federation of Ireland warned that the trading environment for publicans in Cork is difficult, and there will now be concerns for the future of The Silver Key. In April, Cork’s Brick Lane in the heart of the city shut after 11 years, with the operators saying the “sums don’t stack up anymore”.