After more than 40 years, the Forum in The Glen, Waterford has been sold.
The sale was confirmed today, January 30th. changing hands from long-time owner Ciaran O’Neill to a Dublin-based businessperson.
Mr O’Neill has not named the new buyer at this stage.
The sale ensures the continued operation of its long running bingo nights.
Additionally, the current tenants; No 21 Off-licence, Golden Meal Chinese Restaurant, House Of Beauty by Maria, The Walls Project (Waterford Walls) and Forum Film Studios, will all remain in place.
Musical history of The Forum
Originally purchased by Mr. O’Neill’s company in 1985, the building underwent five years of extensive renovations to transform the former Regal Cinema.
Since its official opening in 1990—featuring an inaugural concert by Waterford’s own Val Doonican—The Forum has served as a premier destination for world-class talent.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the venue hosted a staggering array of international icons.
These included Johnny Cash (appearing with Kris Kristofferson), Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, The Corrs, David Gray, Scissor Sisters, The Beautiful South, The Proclaimers, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Gilbert O’Sullivan, and Imelda May.
Renowned artist Christy Moore was a regular performer, and a 2010 appearance by Calvin Harris became “the talk of the town.”
Comedy Legends and Household Names
The stage also welcomed comedy legends such as Billy Connolly, Tommy Tiernan, D’Unbelievables and Mario Rosenstock.
Brendan Grace, Jack Dee, Lenny Henry, Dermot Morgan and Des Bishop also performed.
In 2014, Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson famously visited with Waterford-born magician Keith Barry.
The venue was also a hub for local arts.
Waterford Dramatic Society staged numerous shows there, as well as Red Kettle.
Popular Late-Night Venue
Beyond live performances, The Forum operated as a pioneering late-night venue, hosting the region’s first weekly gay club night, ‘Flytrap.’
Other successful late night clubs included ‘Musiklab’ and the popular Indie clubs ‘Shakedown’ and ‘Traffik.’
Spraoi held their Festival Club at the venue every August bank holiday weekend, alongside spectacular, capacity-crowd New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Dance nights with DJ’s like Roger Sanchez, Dave Clarke & Green Velvet rocked the venue.
A Life Well Spent
“The Forum has been my life’s work for over 40 years,” stated Ciaran O’Neill.
“When I was approached to sell, a priority was ensuring that bingo and our tenants would not be displaced.
I am pleased to confirm that the sale includes an agreement that bingo will continue to operate here exactly as it does now, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.”
The transition of ownership of the premises coincides with Mr. O’Neill’s planned retirement later this year.
Taking the helm of the bingo operations will be Forum Bingo Manager Linda Byrne, a highly respected figure among staff and patrons.
“I am delighted that Linda Byrne will be taking over the reins,” continued Mr. O’Neill.
“She has been with the Forum for over 28 years now and knows our customers and this operation better than anyone.
I will be working closely with Linda over the coming months to ensure a seamless handover for everyone involved.”
Sale Details
The sale price and the identity of the new owners have not been disclosed.
However, Mr. O’Neill confirmed the buyer is a Dublin-based businessperson who recognises the significant potential.
Guy Palmer of Palmer Auctioneers, who handled the sale, stated: “Palmer Auctioneers were delighted to be involved in the sale of this historic and iconic landmark.
We wish Ciaran well on his retirement after almost 50 years in the entertainment business in Waterford.”
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