Conor McGregor’s Dublin Pub Empty as Locals Flock to Nearby Bars Amid ‘Real Anger’ Over Civil Rape Case Defeat

Dublin locals are turning their backs on Conor McGregor’s Black Forge Inn following the fallout from the UFC star’s civil rape case. In the wake of the court’s ruling, the pub has been left virtually empty, while nearby bars report a substantial increase in customers.

The Irish Sun visited the Black Forge Inn on Dublin’s Southside during lunchtime on a recent day, finding the pub nearly deserted. In stark contrast, three nearby bars — the Halfway House, Castle Inn, and Eleanora’s — were bustling with activity.

McGregor’s pub was deserted when we visited it at around 1 pm yesterday

One local told the Irish Sun: “The other bars in the area are doing well. The civil rape case verdict is still very raw for a lot of people around here.” Sources suggest the Black Forge has seen a decline in local customers since McGregor purchased the bar, with many former patrons now choosing to drink at rival establishments.

Local Backlash Against McGregor’s Brand

Several locals pointed out that the Black Forge Inn, once a popular spot among Dublin’s residents, has become more of a tourist destination.

According to a source, “Half the lads in the Castle Inn used to drink over in the Black Forge. But more lads have been coming over to the Castle Inn.” Locals feel McGregor’s association with the pub, alongside the controversy surrounding the civil rape case, has turned away longtime customers.

Locals are avoiding the Black Forge Inn after Conor McGregor’s civil case verdict.

One bar insider remarked, “There’s been real anger since the case. McGregor has lost a lot of local punters who used to drink in the Black Forge.” The Castle Inn, Halfway House, and Eleanora’s reportedly benefit from the influx of customers who previously frequented McGregor’s establishment.

Competitors See Boost in Trade

The Irish Sun observed strong business at the Halfway House, Castle Inn, and Eleanora’s on the same day, with regulars filling up the bars by lunchtime. All three competitors have stated they do not sell McGregor-associated products, such as Proper No 12 Whiskey or Forged Irish Stout. This refusal to carry McGregor’s brands seems to be resonating with patrons.

Despite being just a short walk from the Black Forge Inn, sources at Eleanora’s say they never saw McGregor as direct competition, with one insider noting, “It’s a different type of crowd. Some people will support him, like Trump supporters, who don’t care what he does. But a lot of McGregor’s trade would be tourists.”

McGregor’s Forged Irish stout has been hit by a boycott of products linked to the shamed star.

Boycotts and Brand Fallout

The fallout from McGregor’s civil rape case is also affecting his commercial ventures. LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, announced it would terminate its distribution deal with McGregor’s brands, including Forged Irish Stout and Proper No 12 Whiskey. This move follows similar actions from major UK retailers Tesco and Asda, who have pulled McGregor’s products from their shelves.

The Black Forge pub in Drimnagh is losing punters to other pubs—credit: Gary Ashe – Commissioned by The Sun Dublin.

LWC Drinks confirmed the termination of its agreement, citing the court’s ruling against McGregor. A company spokesperson said: “In light of Friday’s civil court ruling against Conor McGregor, LWC has taken the necessary legal steps to terminate its agreement to distribute Forged Irish Stout. We are consulting our customers to help them replace forged draught taps.”

The UK retailer’s decision adds to the growing list of businesses distancing themselves from McGregor’s brands in the case’s aftermath. McGregor, who was ordered to pay €250,000 in damages to victim Nikita Hand, continues to promote his whiskey products despite selling the brand.

McGregor was last week ordered to pay Nikita Hand almost €250,000 in damages after the civil case verdict was handed down.

Black Forge Inn Struggles for Patronage

When The Irish Sun visited the Black Forge Inn, there were no customers in sight, and the single bartender declined to comment on how McGregor’s legal troubles had affected the pub’s trade.

The Black Forge Inn, which displays both US and Irish flags, has seen a steady decline in local business. According to sources, it has become a “destination for tourists,” with fewer locals returning to support the pub.

As McGregor faces ongoing public backlash, the commercial and social fallout continues to impact his ventures. While rival bars enjoy increased patronage, the Black Forge Inn’s future remains uncertain.

Sola Adeniji

News Reporter, Freelancer, and content creator

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