Pub empire to create 300 jobs in ‘thriving’ Irish market

WETHERSPOON is to create 300 jobs at a new pub and hotel development in Dublin.

The UK pub chain, which already has five pubs in Ireland, is to start work on May 8.

The pub and 92-room hotel, which is set to open in the summer of 2019, is being developed in a row of derelict properties at a cost of €18.5m. It will be named the Keavan’s Port Hotel, based on historic records dating back to 1673, showing Camden Street Upper and Lower was originally Keavans Port

“We are looking forward to developing the site into a fantastic pub and hotel,” said Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin. “Our pubs in the Republic of Ireland are thriving and we are confident that the pub and hotel will be a great asset to Dublin and act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the city.”

The development is Wetherspoon’s biggest single investment and will result in its largest hotel alongside a pub. The two-level pub will have a courtyard beer garden.

A number of original features of the derelict buildings will be retained. This includes the circular stained glass window crafted by the son of the founder of church decorators Earley & Company. The former chapel in part of the terrace which was a Little Sisters of Assumption convent will also be preserved.

Separately, a judge has granted Wetherspoon’s a declaratory order that will guarantee a full drinks licence for a new pub and restaurant in Dublin 1.

It won a bidding battle with Irish Life for the former Trustee Savings Bank building at 12b and the former 1839 Baptist Chapel at 12c Lower Abbey Street.