A piece of Irish pub history is up for grabs in Churchtown, County Cork, as the iconic O’Brien’s Bar, once a favourite haunt of the late Oliver Reed, has been officially listed for sale. The seven-day licensed premises, renowned for its character and warm welcome, has been brought to market by O’Keeffe Residential Auctioneers and is now available as a going concern or lifestyle opportunity.
The bar, steeped in cinematic and local legend, attracted Reed during his visits to the area. Known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off screen—including his unforgettable role in Gladiator—Reed shared a close friendship with the bar’s owners. Today, visitors make a quiet pilgrimage to O’Brien’s, pausing for a drink before visiting Reed’s nearby grave, keeping the connection between the actor, the pub, and the village alive.
Occupying a commanding position in Churchtown, midway between Cork and Limerick, O’Brien’s benefits from outstanding street frontage and a strong presence in a community celebrated for its Georgian charm, welcoming local life, and deep-rooted equestrian heritage. Churchtown has long been associated with racing legends, including trainer Vincent O’Brien, and remains close to racecourses and historic steeplechase sites.
Inside, O’Brien’s retains the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub. The main bar, adorned with equestrian memorabilia, low wooden ceilings, and an antique slate fireplace, invites locals and visitors alike to soak in its charm. A rear lounge with a solid fuel stove opens onto a covered outdoor area, perfectly suited to modern hospitality needs. First-floor accommodation, formerly residential, provides further potential for an owner-operator or ancillary income.
Beyond the pub itself, Churchtown offers a rare blend of rural tranquillity and connectivity. The N20 road links the village directly to Cork and Limerick, with mainline rail access at Charleville and Mallow. Nearby, the Ballyhoura Mountains provide hiking opportunities, and Doneraile Estate offers over 400 acres of walking trails, making this corner of County Cork as appealing for lifestyle as it is for business.
O’Brien’s Bar presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a historic licensed premises with genuine character, cinematic connections, and a vibrant local customer base. Full details of the sale can be found on Daft.ie here.