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A much-loved Dalkey pub reopened to the public on Sunday after a wide-ranging refurbishment and a change of name. The venue, which had been operating as the Dalkey Duck, resumed trade under the new banner J.Kavanagh’s following a temporary closure on 20 April.
A fresh look and a local welcome
The rejuvenated pub unveiled its updated interior this week, with the new owners sharing a short video of the work on social media. They thanked locals for dropping in on the opening day and said they were looking forward to welcoming patrons in the coming days.
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Renovations extend beyond the bar area; the team said the outdoor space has also been refreshed ahead of the summer season.
New owners and the sale
Earlier this year the premises were sold to a group of private investors, taking ownership from long-standing proprietor and actor Gary Whelan. The exact price was not disclosed by the parties involved.
According to the Irish Times, the transaction was understood to be worth about €2.5 million. Among the new stakeholders is publican Alan Hughes, whose family operates The Grange licensed premises in Deansgrange and is part of the consortium behind Boland’s of Stillorgan.
Food, garden and a few surprises
Patrons will find a casual food offering inside the pub. A pop-up called Sauce has been installed on the premises, serving items such as smash burgers, chicken wings and soft-serve ice cream.
The beer garden, a popular feature for regulars, has been remodelled and will remain dog-friendly. The owners have hinted at a “secret” mural on the garden wall as part of the refresh, without providing further detail.
For now the reopening restores a familiar social hub to Dalkey, with the new team inviting both old and new customers to visit as the venue settles into its next chapter.
