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Dublin venue, The Bernard Shaw, to shut down

After struggling to renew their lease, the pub will close for good in October

After operating for thirteen years, popular Dublin venue The Bernard Shaw will permanently close its doors. 

The site encompasses a pub, live music venue, outdoor dining space Eatyard, and further arts and performance spaces. Sadly for Dublin's creative scene, the owners have been left with no choice but to cease operations site-wide. 

"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the end of our Bernard Shaw adventure," said the owners on an official statement on their website, "We've tried really hard over the last few months to renew the lease, stay on longer, or buy the place. A lot of things didn't go our way over the last 12 months either, but it's out of our hands now unfortunately." 

The statement - available here - goes on to thank all those involved in making The Bernard Shaw such a success, including the landlord, neighbours, council, "artists, makers, designers, bands, DJs, promoters, husters and lunatics." The biggest thanks goes to The Bernard Shaw team. 

Finally the statement talks about Dublin as a changing city which, like all developing cities, is adding pressure onto creative livelihoods. "We are going nowhere," the owners write, "we won't go down without a fight. We'll start something else, somewhere else (plans are afoot), and keep fighting the good fight. There are so many young creative, clever, smart people in Dublin and Ireland at the moment - there's lots to be optimistic about." 

In the coming weeks the venue will announce a series of closing events, in their words, "lineups, events, wakes, next steps". To stay up to date, check the website here

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