‘We hope that the taps will flow again one day’
10:37, 04 Jun 2026Updated 10:43, 04 Jun 2026
JD’s Bar in Youghal
Times are very tough for the pub trade – with Cork city and county losing up to 20 bars a year since the pandemic and more and more locals struggling to keep their heads above water.
And the challenge for publicans across the Rebel County is underlined by the loss of popular bars in choice locations, such as the very well-known JD’s in the heart of Youghal, with a beer garden that’s up against the wall of the famous Clock Tower in the town.
The pub had been put on the market twice in recent years, as the family who owned it sought new custodians to keep it going as a friendly place for regulars and visitors to the town alike. Owners Colin and Marion Doyle had soldiered on to keep the lights on in JD’s in the hope that new owners would pick up the torch.
However, they have now said that they don’t want to delay their own retirement plans any further, and the last pints will be pulled at the end of this month, on what is sure to be a sad night for the family and their many friends in the historic harbour town.
Posting to social media, they said, “It is difficult to capture our thirty-plus years in a short synopsis, but what an experience it has been. JDs has been more than a pub for us. We have watched our own family grow up during this time, we have formed countless friendships over the bar and our JDs family has grown with our fantastic staff both past and present.
“There are far too many to mention individually, but please know we will be forever grateful to you all. We remember you all for your hard work and patience, your endless working hours but especially the fantastic support and memories you have given us. As Marion always says, “you can check out, but you can never leave”.
“We have been privileged to host so many incredible musicians and bands over the years, both local and from further afield. Thank you all for entertaining us all. A very special mention must go to our resident musician Martin P. You have been an integral part of JDs and despite being a proud Déise man you will always be considered part of our JDs family!!”
JD’s in Youghal is on sale along with apartments overhead
The couple, who now plan to enjoy a well-earned retirement, said those who run their own businesses in Cork will “understand the challenges and pressures that come with it today”.
“We are very fortunate that through hard work, passion and more importantly the support of all our customers and staff that JDs continued to thrive over the years. This has made our decision to retire all the more difficult. We sincerely hope the pub trade in Youghal continues and we look forward to sitting on the other side of the counter in time. Who knows what the future holds, but we hope that the taps will flow again one day and that JDs will again be a place that welcomes everyone with open arms and familiar warmth.
Finally, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve you all.
With love and gratitude, Colin & Marion Doyle”
The hope in Youghal, which has been showing strong signs of regeneration but has suffered some high-profile closures in the hospitality sector, is that new owners can be found for the pub that sits under one of the most iconic structures in Munster, the famous clock tower.