One of Ireland’s most cherished dining destinations, The Tannery restaurant in Dungarvan has announced it will close its doors at the end of 2026, bringing to a close a remarkable three-decade run on January 1, 2027.

Owners Paul and Máire Flynn shared the news on social media, reflecting on 30 years of cooking, community and craftsmanship. In their message the couple said the decision was made “with enormous pride in what we have built,” emphasising the choice was theirs and not the result of external pressures.

“We’ve had the run of our lives,” Paul wrote, acknowledging the highs and lows they’ve weathered together since opening in 1997.

The Tannery has long been a hallmark of Irish fine dining, helping to put Dungarvan on the culinary map with its seasonally driven menus and warm hospitality

Over the years the restaurant welcomed thousands of guests, attracted notable visiting chefs, and nurtured kitchen talent that has gone on to cook at leading tables both in Ireland and abroad.

Rather than staging a single farewell event, the Flynns said they plan an 11-month celebration throughout 2026 — inviting regulars, old friends and first-time visitors alike to enjoy the restaurant’s final season.

Although the restaurant will shut, The Tannery Townhouse accommodation and Cookery School will continue operating on a seasonal basis from spring 2027, with dinner service offered to Townhouse guests.

For supporters of Irish food and local hospitality, The Tannery’s closure marks the end of an era, but its legacy is sure to continue.