A look inside popular Limerick venue Costello's as re-opening draws near

Upstairs in Costello's!: There's a new carpet in place, and the dancefloor is being prepared | .

placeholder image — Upstairs in Costello's!: There's a new carpet in place, and the dancefloor is being prepared | .

High hopes popular venue will re-open before Bank Holiday weekend

POPULAR nightspot Costello’s Tavern is expected to re-open shortly – with hopes it could be as early as before the weekend.

Although this has not been officially confirmed, staff at the iconic nightclub, which last poured pints for the public before the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, were gearing up to open the doors again at the premises on Dominic Street in the city centre.

It’s understood bosses are aiming for a re-opening on Thursday or Friday of this week - but don't be surprised if it’s even a bit sooner!

The famous 'chicken cage', where smokers will gather | .

The building has, in recent weeks, been given a fresh lick of green paint, replacing the cream-beige coating it had previously.

Work has taking place on the inside of the building around-the-clock in a bid to be ready for what bosses at the establishment hope will be a busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Around 15 jobs in bar work and security look set to be created.

It will be a welcome return for the nightclub which last operated during the pre-Covid era of March 2020 | .

The beer taps were fitted in the two-floor venue’s bars on Friday morning.

When the Leader was given the opportunity to have a look around the nightspot this Monday, two new beer pong tables were being set up.

New flooring is in place in the room where the tables are located.

The carpet has been replaced – something that, contrary to popular belief happened every year up until the venue’s closure in 2020.

Flan Costello Sr, who founded the pub in the 1970s, said: “People kept saying the floors were sticky. I wasn’t going to contradict them. They made them sticky in no time! The reason we had those carpets was to avoid people getting injured and glasses getting broken.”

"It’s the same as it ever was,” laughed Flan.

On the first floor, the caged outdoor smoking area remains in place, and signage, which has long been present in the establishment – such as the HMV logo – remain there.

Like the ground floor, new carpets have been laid there.

Known widely as ‘Costies,’ the venue has been a cornerstone of local nightlife since it opened.

Contrary to earlier commentary, entry to the venue will be free of charge, at least for the first few weeks.

So no need to have your fivers at the ready – at least for the time being!