Cork’s Cotton Ball pub and brewery listed for €950k after 151 years

Cork Icon: The Cotton Ball Pub and Brewery Up for Grabs After 151 Years

A beloved pub with a storied history is bidding farewell to its family ownership after 151 years and four generations.The Cotton Ball, a popular pub and microbrewery in Cork City’s Mayfield neighborhood, is on the market for the first time since its establishment in 1874.

A Legacy Built on Tradition and Innovation

spanning 12,000 square feet, the Cotton Ball occupies a unique mix of buildings, offering seating for up to 500 patrons. It boasts a cozy atmosphere with various nooks and crannies, as well as an open area with panoramic city and harbor views. The property also includes a 12-barrel microbrewery supplying a range of outlets, including the Cotton Ball itself and Thompson House on MacCurtain Street.

The Lynch family, who founded the pub, is lauded for its entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, they diversified their ventures, purchasing and developing properties in strategic locations. Their success stemmed from creating incubator bases and service centers, positioning them at the heart of Cork City’s Victorian Quarter, close to both the rail and bus stations.Their portfolio includes the former Thompson bakery on MacCurtain Street and the Penrose Wharf Business Center.

“The Cotton Ball is an engine, and an engine needs someone driving it,” says John Lynch, one of the seven offspring of the late Jack Lynch, who passed away in late 2022.

A Tapestry of Success: From Cotton Mills to Craft Brewery

The Cotton Ball’s story began in 1874 when Humphrey Lynch, who had emigrated to the US and fought in the Civil War, returned to Cork with his earnings. He purchased and expanded property interests along Mayfield’s Kerry Road, including what is now known as the Cotton Ball – a name evocative of his former role overseeing cotton mills.

Each generation of the Lynch family has played a role in the pub’s success. In a testament to their innovation, they established a microbrewery under the Cotton Ball premises, after Jack Lynch and one of his sons trained in the UK and recruited master brewers. Their hand-crafted beers, including Lynch’s Handcrafted Irish Stout, Mayfield 5 Pilsner Lager, Kerry Lane Pale Ale, and Indian Summer beer, have become popular local favorites.

A New Chapter: Embracing Possibilites

With the current generation of the Lynch family pursuing diverse ventures, the decision to sell the Cotton Ball marks a new chapter in its history. The iconic pub and brewery, with its rich history and established clientele, is being offered for sale at €950,000.The property, situated on half an acre with parking for 30 cars, presents a rare prospect for a savvy investor.

“This represents a rare opportunity to acquire and grow an established business with the potential to focus on expanding existing food sales,” says David McCarthy, agent at Sherry FitzGerald Commercial.

The microbrewery’s state-of-the-art equipment will also attract interest from brewing companies, while the location’s potential for redevelopment, subject to planning, adds another layer of appeal.

The cotton Ball, a beloved institution in Cork, is poised for a new era. Its future will undoubtedly be shaped by the dedication and vision of its next custodians.

• DETAILS: Sherry fitzgerald Commercial, 021-4270099; [email protected]

What makes the sale of the Cotton Ball a rare opportunity for potential buyers?

Archyde Interview: John Lynch Discusses The Cotton Ball Pub and Brewery’s Historic Sale

An Era of Change for a Cork Icon

after 151 years under family ownership, the beloved Cotton Ball Pub and brewery in Cork’s Mayfield neighborhood is set to change hands.we sat down with John Lynch, one of the seven offspring of the late Jack Lynch, to discuss the publicans’ landmark decision to sell this iconic venue.

The Cotton Ball’s Enduring Legacy

Archyde (A): John, the Cotton Ball has been a Cork institution for over a century and a half. Can you tell us a little about its history and how it’s evolved over the years?

John Lynch (JL): The Cotton Ball was founded by my great-great-grandfather Humphrey Lynch in 1874. It started life as a meeting place for local cotton mill workers, hence the name. Over the generations, we’ve seen it grow and adapt, from a simple public house to a thriving microbrewery and popular food spot.

From Cotton Mills to Craft Brewing

A: and how did the microbrewery come about?

JL: That was my father Jack’s initiative. He and my brother trained in the UK and brought back the knowledge and equipment to set up our own brewery. We’re proud to have been at the forefront of the craft beer movement in Cork and Ireland.

time for a New Chapter

A: So, why the decision to sell now?

JL: With the current generation pursuing diverse interests, it feels like the right time to pass the reins to new custodians.We’re confident that someone with fresh ideas and energy will take the Cotton ball to even greater heights.

A: And what does the future hold for you and your siblings?

JL: We’ll continue to focus on our other properties and ventures. And, of course, we’ll still be regular customers at the Cotton Ball – it’s in our blood!

A Rare Opportunity for Investors

A: The Cotton Ball is being offered for €950,000. What makes this a rare opportunity for potential buyers?

JL: It’s not every day you get the chance to acquire an established, beloved business with a rich history and loyal customer base. Add to that the state-of-the-art brewery equipment, prime location, and redevelopment potential, and you’ve got a truly exciting prospect. plus, David McCarthy from Sherry FitzGerald Commercial is our agent and can provide more details.

Looking Ahead: Thoughts from John Lynch

A: As you look to the future,what woudl you like to see happen to the Cotton Ball?

JL: I’d love to see it continue to be a vibrant hub for Cork’s community,supporters of local brewing,and a beacon for visitors discovering our splendid city. Whoever takes it on has big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt they’ll make us proud.

Interested parties can contact David McCarthy at Sherry FitzGerald Commercial on 021-4270099 for more details.

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