Belfast publican pays €18,000 for Donegal carpet

An exceptionally large Donegal carpet, believed to be one of the biggest ever made in the former Killlybegs factory, sold for €18,000 at Mealy’s sale on Wednesday afternoon. The estimate was €15,000-€25,000.

The blue carpet, measuring about 14m by 5m (45ft by 16ft), was commissioned by the New Ireland Assurance company for its Dublin boardroom, in 1964, but later sold off after an office refurbishment.

Belfast publican Willie Jack bought the carpet. He told The Irish Times he and his business partner, Bruce Kirk, planned to put it on display in one of their pubs in the city.

They own three of Belfast’s best-known pubs: the Duke of York, the Harp Bar and the Dark Horse. Mr Jack, who is also “a collector of Irish breweriana” (antiques and collectibles related to brewing and distilling) said their customers “want to see authentic Irish decor in the pubs”.

For more prices at Mealy’s see auction results below.