Shanahan’s on the Green, one of Dublin’s most popular restaurants, is closed until further notice due to financial challenges.
The restaurant, which has hosted Bill Clinton, Rod Stewart, and Mark Wahlberg, and was loved by the late Gerry Ryan, has become the latest high-profile outlet to fall victim to financial troubles.
The well-loved steakhouse on St. Stephen’s Green has stopped taking bookings, and has told employees and suppliers it is in an "alarming, almost impossible situation."
The restaurant’s owner, John Shanahan, a dual Irish and US citizen, issued a notice in which he said he was "anticipating a promised meeting" with the Revenue Commissioners to discuss the repayment of tax debts dating back to the Covid-19 pandemic when restaurants across the country were forced to close.
Pub, restaurant, and café closures have been rampant across Ireland this year, with a huge number of homegrown businesses struggling to stay afloat.
On Monday, popular Ranelagh restaurant Dillinger’s announced that it’s set to close its doors in the coming weeks after 15 years in business.
The restaurant was owned by a group overseen by Irish businessman John Farrell, who also runs the Butcher Grill, also located in Ranelagh, and the 777 on South Great George’s Street.
Taking to Instagram on Monday afternoon with a statement announcing their closure, Dillinger’s revealed that they will be open for the last time on Monday, November 4.
It read: "Well, friends, after 15 amazing years, it’s time for us to say goodbye. Back in 2009, we opened our doors with big dreams, and what a wild ride it’s been ever since! From the very first chicken & waffles to the last round of bread & butter pudding, we’ve had the absolute best time serving you all.
"To our amazing staff – you guys are the real MVPs. Your hard work, laughter, and ability to handle anything thrown your way (including the occasional kitchen chaos) made every shift unforgettable. We couldn’t have done it without you.
"We’ll leave you with full hearts, big smiles, and maybe a craving for one last brunch."
It continued: "Any special moments over the years? We’d love to see! Tag #iloveyousomuchDillingers
"We hope to see you over the next few weeks, don’t forget to book. Last service Monday, 4th of November don’t miss it. We may have one last surprise for you. Thanks for 15 years of awesome. It’s been a blast!"
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On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds marched toward the Dáil to warn that their industry is now in crisis.
Speaking to Newstalk, Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins said hospitality workers would "much rather be serving great food and welcoming guests from across the country and across the world than traveling to Dublin to protest.
"Unfortunately, the lack of support for hospitality and small businesses in Budget 2025 made this demonstration inevitable," he added.
"We are calling on the Government to engage with us meaningfully so that we can collaborate on policies that will fix the broken model facing hospitality businesses in Ireland today and return viability to the sector."
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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