Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Kim O'Leary & Cian O'Broin

Tributes pour in for 'iconic' Dublin publican who set up Zanzibar and Cafe en Seine

Heartfelt condolences have been expressed following the passing of a legendary Dublin publican.

Liam O'Dwyer, who resided in South Dublin's Sandymount, was renowned for establishing Cafe en Seine, Zanzibar and Break for the Border.

He passed away at his home on Tuesday in the company of his loving family after a short illness, Dublin Live reported.

READ MORE: Madeleine McCann latest: Family of woman claiming to be missing girl break silence

He joined the pub trade with his brother Des in the 1980s, expanding and refurbishing O'Dwyer's Bar on Mount Street and changed it into the popular post-work drinking spot, known as Howl at the Moon.

They next bought Bartley Dunne's bar on Stephen Street and converted it into Break for The Border, before establishing the up-market Kasbah-themed Zanzibar on Ormond Quay Lower and faux art nouveau-interiored Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street.

Mr O'Dwyer also helped pioneer popular gay bars The George and the Dragon.

He has been described as an "icon" of the Dublin pub trade.

One condolence pointed to his standing in the drinks and hospitality business, setting up businesses that had "never been seen before."

Another said: "He was a rock star and gave his all to our industry. I have been involved in this business for 35 years and never once have I heard a bad word said about Liam. He a was kind, considerate, generous, decent and very funny man."

A third stated that he made Dublin a "vibrant and exciting place back then."

"Sadly we'll never see the like again," they added in tribute to the work of the publican.

Mr O'Dwyer will be missed by his partner Mary (née Hennessy), daughters Lorraine, AnnMarie and Michelle, brother Des, sisters Mary and Siobhán, grandchildren, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, his wider family and many dear friends.

His funeral Mass takes place St Mary’s, Star of the Sea Church, Sandymount this Friday, followed by a cremation service in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome.

READ NEXT:

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.