Landmark Limerick pub Bobby Byrne's to change hands

Robert and Fiona Byrne, current owners of the gastro-pub shared the news on social media that it will be under new management this week.

It comes after the pair operated the pub for 21 years. 

Local Limerick businessman Cian Conroy is taking over Bobby's at the end of the week.

It's the first time the pub has been out of the Byrnes family since it was established in 1963 by former mayor of Limerick, the late Bobby.

It was only in 2003 the pub was taken over by the second generation of the Byrne family, Robert, the son of Bobby and Helen, his wife Fiona and daughter Emily.

The trio took to social media to announce the news and thanked customers, staff and business partners in a heartfelt post. 

They said: "After 21 great years at Bobby Byrnes, we have sold the business. All our incredible team will all remain on in their jobs. A massive thank you to each and everyone one of them who currently work with us and those who have worked with us over the last 21 years. You have helped create some amazing memories at Bobby's."To all our very loyal customers, friends, family, suppliers and partners in business it is you who have created the magic at Bobby's."

Described as a "a landmark in Limerick for 61 years", the gastro-pub was first established in 1963. In 2003, Bobby's was taken over by the second generation of the Byrnes family, Robert (son of Bobby and Helen), his wife Fiona and their daughter Emily.

While the ownership is changing hands for the first time to an individual unrelated to the Byrnes family, it will be "business as usual", with Bobby's remaining "the same warm and welcoming place it always has been and is widely known for".