Crown Quarter’s official opening marks significant step forward for Wexford’s hospitality sector
The official opening has taken place of Wexford’s Crown Quarter, the ambitious revitalisation project undertaken by hoteliers Colm and Anthony Neville that has transformed the Monck Street area of Wexford town and is soon to be topped off with a retractable all-weather roof courtesy of Wexford County Council.
The Neville brothers turned dereliction into development to create an exciting hospitality location complete with bars, restaurants, a music venue and accommodation.
The project began in 2014 when the pair purchased the iconic Crown Bar in Monck Street, reopening it in 2015. Being Wexford natives, they had very fond memories of the licensed premises and were delighted to be able to preserve the charm and character of the bar in the new design.
The Crown Bar is now one of the town’s most renowned venues for food and drink, open seven days a week with late night opening at weekends. Popular Indian restaurant Spice is located on the first floor in the new Crown Quarter.
Crown Live opened in 2017 as an exciting addition to the Wexford entertainment scene, with Wallis Bird due to perform there in November, Damian Dempsey in April 2023 and tribute acts appearing over the festive period including Queen, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Abba.
Plans for the development of a new commercial quarter began after the Nevilles bought four derelict houses adjacent to the Crown Bar between 2018 and 2020 and the icing on the cake came in September 2021 when Fáilte Ireland granted Wexford County Council €228,000 for a roof over the street to promote outdoor dining opportunities and tourism. That project is due for completion in December.