The Bernard Shaw is closing its doors this October

Popular pub The Bernard Shaw is closing its doors permanently after 13 years this October. The Eatyard next door and all of the cultural activities promoted by the pub are also coming to an end.

According to an official statement published on the Shaw’s website, the owners said they “tried really hard over the last few months to renew the lease, stay on longer, or buy the place.”

The reasons for the closure are still unknown, but many speculate it’s a part of a wave of new developments that have been taking night clubs and pubs’ spaces to build hotels and student accommodation.

The Shaw was refused permission to continue operating the beer garden and foodyard earlier this year after an appeal by local residents. They mentioned public order and noise issues.

Several people took to Twitter to comment on the announcement, including Irish musician Hozier. He posted:

“I’m sorry to read this. What is most special and unique about Dublin are Dubliners themselves, and spaces like this where culture and community is fostered & grows. Without interesting places like these the city loses its heartbeat.”

The owners also thanked all of the people involved in the pub’s success over the past 13 years.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was part of this 13 year adventure. Our landlord, our neighbours & the council were by and large all brilliant and very helpful & supportive. The artists, makers, designers, bands, DJs, promoters, hustlers and lunatics who did their thing at the Shaw – we couldn’t have done it without you.

“Dublin is changing, we can all see and feel it but we are going nowhere & we won’t go down without a fight. We’ll start something else, somewhere else, plans are afoot, and keep fighting the good fight,” they added.

According to accounts for Bernard Shaw Taverns Limited, the business made a €622,416 profit in 2018, when it employed 27 bar staff. The pub belongs to Bodytonic, which also runs different venues around the city.