In a surprising turn of events, McEvoy’s, a beloved bar and restaurant in the charming town of Abbeyleix, unexpectedly closed its doors nearly one year ago. The closure left the community in shock, as McEvoy’s had been a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. However, this vacant space has now been given a new lease on life as a hostel-style guesthouse.
Under the ownership of the Stokes family of Castle Durrow, McEvoy’s had been leased out for four years before its sudden closure by proprietor Sean McIlroy in May of 2023. The prominent building, located on Main Street and recognized as a protected structure, held a special place in the heart of the town as the venue had been a key contributor to Abbeyleix’s Tidy Town champion status.
Now, Icolater Ltd Simon Stokes, the applicant seeking permission for the change of use, plans to transform the former bar and restaurant into a cozy guesthouse. The ground floor of the building will feature seven shared bedrooms, offering a total of 21 single beds to accommodate guests. Additionally, the plans include three shower rooms, separate toilet blocks for both men and women, and a well-equipped kitchen, ensuring the comfort and convenience of visitors.
The application for permission to retain the change of use is currently under review, with a decision expected by late June 2024. If approved, the guesthouse will provide a much-needed accommodation option for travelers and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the town.
The transformation of McEvoy’s not only highlights the adaptability of businesses in response to changing circumstances but also offers an opportunity for the community to embrace new possibilities. As the former bar and restaurant evolves into a warm and inviting guesthouse, it symbolizes the resilience and determination of Abbeyleix to create unique experiences for both locals and tourists.
An FAQ about McEvoy’s transformation into a guesthouse:
1. Why did McEvoy’s bar and restaurant close?
McEvoy’s unexpectedly closed its doors nearly one year ago. The closure was a surprising event that left the community in shock.
2. Who owned McEvoy’s before its closure?
McEvoy’s had been leased out to the Stokes family of Castle Durrow for four years before its sudden closure by proprietor Sean McIlroy in May of 2023.
3. What will McEvoy’s be transformed into?
Under the ownership of Icolater Ltd Simon Stokes, McEvoy’s will be transformed into a hostel-style guesthouse.
4. What facilities will the guesthouse have?
The guesthouse will have seven shared bedrooms with a total of 21 single beds. There will also be three shower rooms, separate toilet blocks for both men and women, and a well-equipped kitchen.
5. When will the decision regarding the change of use be made?
The application for permission to retain the change of use is currently under review, and a decision is expected by late June 2024.
6. How will this transformation benefit the town?
The guesthouse will provide a much-needed accommodation option for travelers and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the town. It offers new possibilities for the community and symbolizes the resilience and determination of Abbeyleix to create unique experiences for both locals and tourists.
Key Terms and Definitions:
1. Proprietor: The owner or owner-operator of a business or establishment.
2. Change of use: The conversion of a building or space from one purpose or function to another.
3. Revitalization: The process of renewing or reinvigorating something, typically to improve its condition or appearance.
Suggested Related Links:
– Castle Durrow: Visit the website of Castle Durrow, the family associated with the ownership of McEvoy’s before its closure.
– Abbeyleix Tidy Towns: Learn more about Abbeyleix’s Tidy Town champion status and their efforts towards maintaining a clean and attractive town.
– Icolater Ltd: Explore Icolater Ltd, the company behind the transformation of McEvoy’s into a guesthouse.
Please note that the URLs provided are placeholders as per the instructions given.