Dublin pub sales in the second quarter of the year exceeded £40 million with yet more record-breaking prices being achieved, according to Gunne's licensed division quarterly bulletin. The report points to new records being set in the city with the sale of the Blue Haven, Templeogue, for £3.05 million and the Polly Hops, in Lucan, for £3.6 million. Other major sales were Whelans in Wexford Street, which was bought by Frank Gleeson for a price reported to be around £3.5 million. This was followed by the sale of the Cock Tavern, in Swords, for £2.2 million and Coopers, in Abbey Street, for £3 million. The Hill in Ranelagh sold for £2.2 million. Gunne was involved in the sales of O'Looneys in Christchurch (£835,000); The Millennium Bar, Parkgate Street (£980,000); The Windjammer, Townsend Street (£1.7 million); The Loft, Thomas Street; The Goalpost, Cathedral Street; and Fitzer Reids, Amiens Street.

"Current demand continues to exceed supply of quality Dublin licensed properties," according to the report. "While interest in Dublin suburban pubs has remained high, the demand for city premises has shown a marked increase". It added that very favourable low interest rates, together with capital gains tax remaining at 20 per cent, is likely to encourage plenty of activity and see more properties being offered on the market in the second half of the year.