- Costello’s Tavern closed in March 2020 and will reopen autumn 2026
- Venue has been a Limerick nightlife cornerstone since 1970
- Known for beer pong, toasties and founder Flan Costello’s character
- Downstairs offers relaxed atmosphere while upstairs features nightclub vibe
- Owner hopes refurbishment will be nearly completed by end of October
Costello’s Tavern on Dominic Street in Limerick has been undergoing extensive renovations following its closure in March 2020, with owner Flan Costello confirming to Limerick Live that the beloved establishment will officially reopen in the autumn after almost six-and-a-half years. The venue, known widely as ‘Costies,’ has served as a cornerstone of Limerick’s nightlife since its doors opened in 1970, gradually rising to fame for its beer pong, toasties and the distinctive character of its founder Flan Costello. The iconic pub closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and failed to reopen, coming as a huge disappointment to many who had made it a regular destination for nights out in the city.
Flan Costello, known to be propped outside the premises ready to wish patrons a good night and take their €5 entry, became one of the many reasons that regulars returned time and time again to the unique establishment. The downstairs bar area was home to a relaxed atmosphere where customers could sit back, have drinks and eat toasties before playing beer pong, while the upstairs nightclub area offered a totally different vibe where many danced the night away under disco lights until the early hours. The renovated Costellos will be similar to the old design, though Flan has acknowledged that the refurbishment project has become much larger than initially anticipated, with the pub behind schedule and a considerable amount of work still to be completed.
The two questions on everyone’s lips have been whether the €5 entry charge will remain and when exactly the pub will reopen, with Flan stating he cannot confirm if the fiver entry will continue and expressing hope that the refurbishment will be nearly completed by the end of October. The reopening represents a significant moment for Limerick’s nightlife scene, with the venue set to welcome back a generation of familiar faces as well as welcoming a whole new crowd to the one-of-a-kind ‘Costies’ experience. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among former patrons who have been waiting for the pub’s return since its closure, with Costello’s Tavern having maintained a devoted following throughout its closure period.
Flan Costello shared “We are behind schedule, a good bit. When we started the job, we thought it was going to be a small job but it has become a very large job. All we are doing is hoping now. We are hoping we will have it nearly completed by the end of October.”
