The Holy Cross Bar and Restaurant, Holycross, Butlerstown, Waterford city, was sold in December, marking a major milestone for the property which has seen generations of passing trade.
The popular 575 sqm restaurant, bar and hotel, was acquired by local businessman Garreth McCarthy. The guide price set by Sherry Fitzgerald was €575,000.
The property was put up for sale following the retirement of long-term proprietors Bobby and Eileen Bohill in 2024, after three decades of business. It’s understood a hostelry premises has stood at the site for up to 250 years or more.
Garreth McCarthy will bring his experience as the proprietor of popular Waterford city bars Zanzibar, the Adega Wine Bar, and Uisce Beatha, to the Holy Cross.
Mr McCarthy also owns GMC Auctioneers, based in Waterford and specialising in residential and commercial property sales and lettings.
Since GMC Auctioneers was founded in 2017, the company has grown to employ three full time staff along with a senior chartered surveyor, who practices as a consultant with GMC Auctioneers.
Waterford businessman Garreth McCarthy has taken over the reins of ownership of ‘The Holy’ following the retirement of long-term proprietors Bobby and Eileen Bohill
Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan handled the sale of well-established pub, known locally as ‘The Holy’. The premises, a site of 0.32 hectares, features a spacious, L-shaped lounge bar divided into two sections. There are additional storage and service areas.
At the time of sale, there was an unused function room that once refurbished, would offer considerable potential to expand the premises.
There is a large car park with capacity for around 150 vehicles, as well as a small outdoor beer garden. “The premises presents an excellent chance to purchase a successful pub with a solid and consistent annual turnover, while still offering room for further growth,” according to Mr Rohan.
Located just 4.8km from Waterford city centre along the Cork Road, The Holy Cross is also about 2.4km from both South East Technological University (SETU) and the Waterford Industrial Estate.
Its prominent location benefits from high visibility and substantial passing traffic, making it easily accessible to both locals and visitors. The previous owners operated the business successfully for over 30 years “and have built a strong reputation for offering excellent food.”