Originally built in the 1960`s, the function room was added in 1989, followed by further extension and modernisation in 2002, including the addition of the current main bar/restaurant and first floor large open plan area.
After more than twenty years of proud family ownership and service to the community, this much-loved and landmark licensed premises is being offered for sale by the Spencer family, who, having successfully built and maintained a thriving business with a reputation for quality, hospitality and tradition, are retiring from the licencing trade.
Speaking on the family history of the business, youngest child of the family Peter Spencer explained that they were proud of their long ownership, but ultimately decided it was time to “move on.”
The billards room is always lively.
“My dad ran the pub since 1983 and worked in it for many years before he went into partnership at The Orphan Girl. That was before we bought it outright in 2003 from which the family ran it. Both my parents are heavily involved in the running of the business, but are now at retirement age so we decided it was the right time to move on. The place has received great momentum in the last few years and has become a great hotspot for holiday makers so we thought it would be nice for the new owners to capitalise on its popularity. It is a good a time as any,” he said.
One would not have to look far to see why the business is so popular – they need only search the name online to be met with an abundance of glowing reviews and testimonials from visitors far and wide.
Peter pinpointed the continuous high standards of service as the key to their everlasting success.
“Back many years ago it began as a meeting point and quickly became almost a focal point in the community. We always had good service and I think the family-run business angle always draws people in,” he noted.
And although they are content in their decision to pass the business on to new owners, he admits it is an emotional one as well given the impact the business had on their lives growing up.
Known for its family-friendly warmth as a meeting spot.
“Our parents are retirement age and some of the siblings have pursued other career paths at this point. All five of us siblings worked in The Orphan Girl while growing up and we hosted many local family events including 21ST birthdays and even a few weddings back in that time. So a lot went on and we have lot’s of memories to take with us,” he added.
The auction will be a highly-anticipated event given the plethora of functions within the premises, as well as the attractive location.
The premises sits on a generous site of approximately 1.7 acres with a large tarmacadam forecourt, allowing for extensive customer parking. A wide and versatile range of accommodation on the ground floor extends to c. 1,099.8 m² and briefly comprises of bars, restaurant, a large function room/night club, busy takeaway, living quarters with separate access and garden, suitable for owner, staff or guest use.
The bar can accommodate approximately 70 persons, the lounge approximately 100 persons and the function room has a licence to accommodate 470 persons, providing excellent facilities for parties/private events. Supporting the trading areas are deliveries, stock, keg, storage, and cold room facilities, ensuring an efficient operation and high service standards.
The first floor accommodation extends to c. 377.5 m² and comprises of landing/hall area, four bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, again offering excellent opportunities for owner, staff or guest use. A large open plan area presents excellent scope and opportunity for further development and/or conversion for a variety of uses.
The outside seating is another highlight, having become a vibrant and lively spot during the summer months, offering customers a relaxed and inviting space to enjoy food, coffee catch-ups and casual refreshments in the open air.
Not only does it have further great potential, but it is in an attractive Wexford location.
The Orphan Girl occupies a prime roadside location in Ballymoney, a charming coastal village located just north of Gorey, with a strong reputation as a premium holiday and leisure location. Renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and welcoming atmosphere, Ballymoney has long been one of Wexford`s most sought-after destinations for both residents and visitors, the area being dotted with holiday homes, golf courses (Ballymoney & Courtown), the 4* Seafield Hotel, Spa & Holiday Home Complex (900 meters) and quality hospitality venues.
The location also benefits from its proximity to Gorey town (6km away), providing an excellent choice of amenities in educational facilities, gourmet restaurants, award winning hotels, high fashion boutiques, cinema, theatre and a vast array of local leisure amenities, as well as bus and rail transport links, including easy access to the M11 motorway connecting Wexford and Dublin.
The inside is in impeccable condition.
“The Oprhan Girl is a landmark that needs no introduction,” said property agent Jack Quinn. “The current owners have made significant re-investments in the premises in recent years. This, coupled with strong trading set an excellent foundation for the future. The property occupies a top class location within walking distance of Ballymoney Beach, Seafield Hotel and Courtown Golf Club and a range of holiday and mobile home parks. Gorey and the M11 can be accessed in under 10 minutes drive. Ballymoney continues to be a costal destination for holiday makers and visitors year round. The property also offers exceptional potential for development given the scale of the site and previous planning history,” he said.
The aforementioned valuable potential for further development is supported by a positive planning history, with planning previously granted for a Mixed Use` Development until June 2017 under planning ref. 20065046.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an ambitious new owner to take over a well-established and fully operational licensed business with residential accommodation at the epicentre of a vibrant local community with a loyal customer base, strong trading history and significant potential for future growth,” he added.
No official date has been set for the auction though it is expected to take place in the middle of December 2025.
For more information, interested parties can contact Jack Quinn of Quinn Property by email at jack@quinnproperty.ie.