A look back at the Waterford businesses lost in 2024
The Munster Bar bowed out after 70 years in business over the Easter weekend.
In 2024, Waterford lost some very special businesses.
It is no secret that small businesses have struggled since the pandemic, and the subsequent crises have made their mark on streets across the country and county.
Small business owners face challenges around VAT, increasing costs, and changing industries.
And for some over the past year, the challenges just became too much.
For others, retirement called.
These are the Waterford businesses that closed in 2024.
Perhaps one of the biggest shock closures was The Munster Bar in the Viking Triangle.
The Munster Bar closed its doors in March this year with its final service on Easter Sunday.
Proprietor Peter Fitzgerald told the Waterford News and Star they had just got to a “certain age” and planned to retire.
“First and foremost, we’re all getting on a bit. The Munster is a big enterprise and it takes a lot of running. As you get older, that gets harder and harder. So, we spoke about it and we said that it was time to give someone else a bite of the cherry,” said Peter, in March.
The bar was a landmark of Waterford city for an incredible 70 years.
The Fitzgerald family ran it for three generations.
But its history goes back much further as one of Waterford’s oldest registered commercial buildings.
The building itself had been a tavern since 1853.
Glorious Susi announced their closure in May 2024, after 13 years in business.
The owners of the award-winning establishment said increasing costs had made “it impossible to continue.”
Glorious Susi had been known for supporting local causes like Villa FC who they sponsored for five years.
They won many awards including Blas na hÉireann, Waterford Business Awards, 11 consecutive Mckenna Guide awards and National Food Awards.
When they closed, Glorious Susi shared their highlights and thanks.
For their final post, they wrote:
"The end of Glorious Sushi is bittersweet, but we are filled with gratitude for our amazing customers. Your support over the past 13 years has meant the world to us. Thank you for being an essential part of our story."
UK company Wetherspoons closed its Waterford site, An Geata Arundel, in June.
The closure was one of four in the Republic of Ireland.
But in more positive news, the Causeway Group snapped up the property and kept the staff.
An Geata Arundel became Broadstreet Bar and Grill in the same month.
The Cove Street Takeaway Service in Tramore closed its doors in July 2024.
In a statement at the time, management said it was closing due to an enforcement following from Waterford City and County Council.
They said the letter alleged breaches of planning, and while Cove Street Takeaway Service disagreed, they had to comply with the order.
They said in their statement:
"This closure also impacts our local suppliers. In these challenging times for small businesses, we hoped that any concerns would have been addressed directly, allowing us to resolve them amicably.
"For the past five years, our goal has been to enhance this side of Tramore, providing a space for the community to enjoy high-quality foods," management added.
Finders Keepers announced their departure in July but didn’t close until September.
The shop was located on Michael Street, Waterford City, and sold gifts and homeware and was open for almost seven years.
Making the announcement on social media, owner Lisa Connolly said her energy had been “zapped” and thanked her sister and colleague Beth for all her work in keeping the business going.
Ms Connolly said in her announcement:
"Like every good story, there is an exciting beginning, a gripping middle, and a happy ending.
"We love the community that we have built through Finders Keepers and are so grateful for each and every connection made.
"I'm brimming with pride with what we achieved. I do think we made our mark."
In December 2024, laser and aesthetic company Genesis Clinic in Ballybricken, announced its permanent closure after 11 years in business.
Genesis Clinic provided medical treatments, including botox, laser hair removal and microblading.
The clinic was set up in December 2013 and was operated by Dr Tracy Godfrey.
In a post on social media, the company said:
“Genesis Clinic is now permanently closed. We would like to thank all those who have supported us over the years and wish you all good health for the future."
The business further noted that remaining voucher holders can make contact by text to 085 2847512. People with vouchers are asked to include their name, mobile number and voucher number.”
Not quite closed, the Di Vetta family in Dungarvan have announced Genoa will close in the new year.
The owners announced their retirement in December and said they would remain open as usual over Christmas.
In their announcement, the family said:
“Sad to say our time has come. We have enjoyed the 35 years here in this wonderful town, a place we now call home.”
