THAT’S IT for Sin É, one of Dublin’s most well-known and popular venues, which is to close its doors for the last time on Sunday night.
The owner, Ciarán Finnerty, told The Irish Timesyesterday he could no longer afford to pay the rent on the Ormond Quay premises. He said while he was "heartbroken", he was not prepared to trade recklessly and so had no choice but to put the business into voluntary liquidation.
A creditors’ meeting is to be held next Tuesday and he expressed the hope someone would step in by then and buy the business, which employs 18 people. “It seems hopeless, but we are still working flat out on the off-chance that we can save the name at least. I built the place up from the ground; there was nothing there before I opened it. I will be heartbroken if if goes but I will have to move on.”
News of Sin É’s difficulties emerged when Mr Finnerty posted a notice outside the pub this week, outlining its financial difficulties and expressing “hope for a brighter future”.
Sin É opened in 2003 and quickly became a hugely popular final destination for many Dublin pub-goers who appreciated its atmosphere, shabby-chic feel and laid-back staff. Billy Ó hAnluain was a DJ at the venue for more than six years and although he left last September, he has been asked to play some tunes on the final night.“There was always a great house party atmosphere there,” he said. “We’re giving it one last hurrah and we expect it will turn into a wild party.”
The Button Factory in Temple Bar has also announced it has gone into examinership.
