Dublin Castle Café Owner «Furious» Over Six-Month EU Presidency Closure
The owner of Dublin Castle's Silk Road Café, Abraham Phelan, is «furious» about its uncompensated six-month closure for Ireland's EU presidency, starting July 1. The decision forces him to lay off 20-25 staff and threatens the business's future, with no prior engagement or compensation offered.
Abraham Phelan, owner of the Silk Road Café at Dublin Castle, expressed fury over the uncompensated six-month closure of his business for Ireland's EU presidency, starting July 1. The café, operating since 2001 and employing 20-25 staff, was informed of the closure for security reasons just before its 25-year anniversary celebration.
Phelan stated the closure makes reopening impossible and forces him to let go of staff, some with over 20 years of service. He criticized the lack of engagement in the decision-making process, noting that during the 2013 presidency, the café only closed for limited days and provided catering. He also highlighted a 50% revenue drop in the past two months due to recent castle access issues.
No compensation has been offered, and Phelan is unaware who made the decision. The Office of Public Works (OPW), responsible for Dublin Castle, stated it lacks operational oversight for the Chester Beatty or its tenant, the Silk Road Café. The Chester Beatty declined to comment on compensation or engagement. Dublin Castle will be closed to the public from July to December 2026 for the presidency.