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30 Jan 2026
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30 Jan 2026
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Today's live auction of Clarke's Bar, as hosted by DNG's Evan Connaughton in the presence of solicitor Brendan Noone from Connellan and Noone Solicitors
A well-known 202 year old pub has been withdrawn from auction within the last hour after the highest bid of €460,000 failed to meet the reserve.
Clarke's Bar and Lounge in Lanesborough was auctioned online by DNG's Evan Connaughton in the presence of solicitor Brendan Noone of Longford-based law firm, Connellan and Noone, however despite attracting a steady flow of bids, it did not progress past €460,000.
The auction was first paused when bidding hit €420,000 in order to allow Mr Connaughton and Mr Noone time to consult with the owners on whether they wanted to accept the figure in question.
The live auction of Clarke's Bar, Lanesborough, as hosted by DNG auctioneer Ivan Connaughton in the presence of solicitor Brendan Noone from Connellan and Noone.
It was decided however that as it did not meet the reserve, bidding should therefore continue.
After bids hit €460,000, and no response to calls for €470,000, the auction was paused for a second and final time.
The figure however was rejected by the property owners on the basis that it fell just short of the reserve.
Recommencing the auction, Mr Connaughton called for bids of €465,000 however there was no movement with incoming offers.
Said Mr Connaughton on the live stream, "If the property is withdrawn, we will negotiate with the highest bidder for 30 minutes but if it's not accepted, then it's open country."
With no new bids, the property was withdrawn from auction and remained withdrawn after the 30 minute negotiation window following the auction.
The pub was closed just last October when the then-leaseholders, Steve and Teresa Ormsby decided to step back from publican life in order to begin a fresh new chapter.
The Ormsby's had first leased the bar from it's original owner Peg Clarke before going on to hold the lease for over two decades.
During the live auction, Mr Connaughton commented that Lanesborough locals were very keen to see the venue be reopened as a bar again.
You can see inside the building here.
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