Legendary Limerick pub Costello’s Tavern set to reopen six years after closing its doors

Limerick pub Costello’s – Owner Flan Costello outside Costello’s Tavern last week.

‘Have your fivers ready’ – Much-loved Limerick pub Costello’s eyes Halloween comeback

A  legendary Limerick pub is set to make a long-awaited comeback, with Costello’s Tavern expected to reopen its doors to punters later this year.

The Dominic Street venue, affectionately known as ‘Costies’, has been a cornerstone of Limerick’s nightlife since first opening in 1970.

The much-loved pub closed its doors in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and, unlike many other businesses, never reopened – sparking years of speculation among locals about its future.

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Now, it appears the wait could finally be coming to an end.

Pub owner Flan Costello recently confirmed that extensive works are underway at the iconic venue, although he admitted the renovations have taken considerably longer than expected.

Speaking outside the pub to the Limerick Leader, Flan said, “We are behind schedule, a good bit. When we started the job, we thought it was going to be a small job but it has become a very large job. There’s a lot of work to be done as of yet.”

It is hoped that the works will be close to completion by the end of October, raising the possibility of a reopening around Halloween.

Costello’s are working on the reopening with fashion designer and textile artist Mary O’Sullivan, who posted a video on her social media stating “Limerick is changing forever, or is it?” The video also featured a clip of her and Flan Costello walking inside the pub, which is currently undergoing renovation.

Costies has undergone a significant makeover in recent months, with the work fuelling growing speculation that the famous pub could soon welcome customers once again.

The venue was renowned for its unique atmosphere and was a favourite among generations of Limerick revellers before the pandemic.

Among its trademarks were its beer and ham-and-cheese toastie deals, legendary rounds of beer pong and, of course, its famously sticky carpet.

Then there was the mandatory €5 entry fee, traditionally collected by Flan himself at the front door.

Earlier this year, social media users were sent into a frenzy after Flan was spotted outside the pub as renovation works got underway.

A photo shared by Limerick café Canteen showed Flan outside the venue, with the post teasing that Costies “seemed open”.

The prospect of a reopening has since prompted plenty of excitement online, with former punters already looking forward to returning to one of Limerick’s best-known nightlife spots.

One Facebook user had just one request for the revamped venue: “I hope they didn’t get rid of the sticky carpet.”

Another simply declared: “I have my fiver ready.”

After more than six years behind closed doors, it seems Limerick’s famous Costies faithful may not have to wait much longer.

As Limerick woman Jen Ronan said, “Costellos is a part of our past, our present, and even though we’ll be responsible adults during the weekdays, rest assured the spiritual home of Limerick grungers and rockers will most definitely be in our future. Possibly our kids’ futures too, but we’ll let them have the Fridays; Saturdays belong to us.

Flan and Family: To those about to take our fivers, we salute you.”

Read Jen Ronan’s 2017 article about Costelloes here.