Dublin pub owner Louis Fitzgerald is the new owner of the Baggot Inn, on Baggot Street, Dublin 2, which has been sold by the Smith brothers, Frank and John, in a private treaty deal. It is understood a price of over £5 million was paid for the premises, in which former Ireland soccer manager Jack Charlton had an interest. It is now expected the Baggot, once a leading rock venue in the city, will undergo substantial refurbishment.

Mr Fitzgerald already owns some of Dublin's major pubs, including Kehoes in South Anne Street, The Quays in Temple Bar, the Penny Black in Lucan, Palmerston House and Finches in Clondalkin. The Smith brothers own the 1,200-capacity Submarine Bar, which they developed as part of the £55 million Ashleaf Centre in Crumlin. The Baggot Inn sale was handled by John Ryan of Gunne's Licenced and Hotel Division.