Owners Paul and Máire Flynn confirmed the news in a post on social media, saying they made the decision “on our own terms, and with enormous pride.”
The restaurant will hold its final service on January 1st, 2027.
Owners Reflect on 30 Years in Dungarvan
In their post, the Flynns said they took time to reflect as they entered the restaurant’s 30th year.
They said they never imagined in 1997 that their small Dungarvan restaurant would still thrive three decades later.
They described the past 30 years as “the run of our lives” and thanked everyone who played a part in the journey.
Restaurant to Evolve, Not Disappear
The Flynns confirmed that The Tannery brand will continue in a new form.
From spring 2027, they will run The Tannery Townhouse accommodation and Cookery School on a seasonal basis from spring to autumn.
They will also continue to serve dinner to guests staying at the Townhouse.
They said hospitality, flavour, generosity, and “a little craic” will remain central to what they do.
A Major Influence on Waterford’s Food Scene
The Tannery grew alongside the culinary reputation of Dungarvan and west Waterford.
The restaurant played a key role in the Waterford Festival of Food, which has welcomed internationally recognised chefs over the years.
The Tannery kitchen also helped shape Irish fine dining by training a generation of chefs.
Among its most notable alumni is Mickael Viljanen of Michelin-starred Chapter One.
Paul Flynn also brings Michelin-level experience, having led the kitchen at Chez Nico in London in his twenties before returning to Ireland to work at La Stampa in Dublin and later establishing The Tannery.
Community and Staff Central to the Story
In their social media message, the Flynns said people mattered more to them than awards.
They paid tribute to long-serving staff, former team members, and chefs who trained in the kitchen.
The couple also spoke about watching families grow through the restaurant and raising their own daughters there.
They thanked the Dungarvan community for embracing them from the beginning.
A Year-Long Farewell Celebration
The owners said they will not hold a single farewell event.
Instead, they plan to treat the next eleven months as one long celebration.
They invited regular customers, old friends, and new faces to join them during the final year.
They said they want to enjoy the closing chapter together, properly and unhurried.
The Flynns ended their message by thanking supporters for 30 extraordinary years and said they look forward to celebrating the year ahead and what comes next.
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