Crosshaven pub is ready for rising tide as it goes up for sale

By Tommy Barker

A genuine, local Crosshaven bar has come up for sale, on the back of a ‘rising tide’ in the Cork harbour town.

The long-established Admiral Drake is being sold by owner-operators Mick and Rosemary Good, after 27 years in situ, and some 42 years after Mr Good went into the pub business.

Among his previous bars were the well-known West End in Ballincollig, and the Maple Leaf in Cork’s suburban Blackrock - so, it would appear, that development, investment and population growth follows in this man’s wake.

Crosshaven’s Admiral Drake comes to market as the local population has increased by many multiples since the Goods’ arrival in Crosshaven; planning permission’s approved for a new boardwalk to run from almost outside this pub’s door, across to the boatyard.

It also coincides with the advent of a new harbour ferry tour service, at the pier, kicks off almost outside his door.

Also, the Royal Cork Yacht Club celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2020, an anniversary certain to bring even more profile to the harbour and seafaring community.

The bar, named after Sir Francis Drake and his reported exploits in navigating the inner reaches of the Owenabue river and estuary past Crosshaven when he hid his fleet from the pursuing Spanish armada, has close to a century of history, according to Mr Good, who is now retiring, aged 67.

He says the bar’s always been a proper local, and he and his wife Rosemary did a food trade too for years, stopping only for a breather some years back, but adds there’s scope for new owners to reinstate it and to grow turnover even more.

With two overhead apartments, the bar is being sold as a genuine going concern, via Maurice Cohalan and Rob Coughlan of Cohalan Downing Associates who say it has been an institution for generations, with a €365,000 asking price, effectively €1,000 for every day of the year.

The mid-terraced building extends to c 2,700 sq ft, including a 1,500 sq ft traditional bar and former commercial kitchen, and includes two overhead apartments, all with views over the Owenabue, marina, and boat activity in the very heart of Crosshaven.

“Its traditional style and charm blends with its nautical heritage to ensure a suitable atmosphere for publican and patron alike,” say the selling agents.

Details: Cohalan Downing Associates 021-4277717.