Salty Dog Expands to Cork City with New MacCurtain Street Location

The popular East Cork seafood restaurant Salty Dog is opening a new location in Cork city, marking the first step in its planned nationwide expansion. The restaurant will be situated at 45 MacCurtain Street, the former site of Tara’s Tea Rooms, which closed earlier in 2026 after over a decade of operation.

According to Oliver Falter, Managing Director and General Manager of the Flynn Cush Hospitality Group, the new premises follows the success of Salty Dog’s existing locations in Ballycotton and Midleton. “Those two sites are proving to be so popular and so well supported, that we have decided to branch out all over the country, starting in Cork,” Falter stated.

The Flynn Cush Group, which also operates venues such as Cush in Midleton and Sea Church in Ballycotton, secured the lease for the MacCurtain Street property after Tara’s Tea Rooms ceased trading in January 2026. Construction on the new restaurant is set to begin in the coming weeks, with an opening planned before summer 2026.

The new Salty Dog will maintain the same menu style and philosophy as its original Ballycotton location, focusing on fresh, locally sourced seafood and a welcoming, atmospheric dining experience. Falter emphasized that the goal is to “copy and paste” the successful model from East Cork to the city.

MacCurtain Street is recognized as one of Cork city’s premier culinary and nightlife destinations, with neighbouring businesses including Eco Fish, Son of a Bun, Isaacs, Gallagher’s, Golden Elephant, and Thompsons. The Salty Dog’s arrival is expected to further enhance the area’s reputation as a food hotspot.

Following the Cork opening, the Flynn Cush Group plans to expand the Salty Dog brand to Galway and Dublin within the next two years, as part of a broader national rollout.

About Salty Dog

Salty Dog originated as a restaurant, pub, and boutique seafront guesthouse on Ballycotton pier in East Cork. It opened in June 2025 after the closure of Cush at the pier and quickly became a well-loved local spot for food, drink, and live music. The name comes from a nickname of a regular fisherman who frequented the area, as explained by Oliver Falter in previous interviews.

The brand is known for its focus on quality seafood, relaxed atmosphere, and strong community ties, attributes the Flynn Cush Group aims to replicate in each new location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Salty Dog restaurant located?

The new Salty Dog will be located at 45 MacCurtain Street, Cork city, on the former site of Tara’s Tea Rooms.

When is the new Salty Dog expected to open?

The restaurant is expected to open before summer 2026, with construction beginning in the coming weeks.

Will the Cork location have the same menu as the original?

Yes, the Cork restaurant will follow the same menu style and philosophy as the Salty Dog in Ballycotton, focusing on fresh seafood and a welcoming dining experience.

Are there plans for further expansion?

Following the Cork opening, the Flynn Cush Group plans to open Salty Dog locations in Galway and Dublin within the next two years as part of a nationwide expansion strategy.

Who owns the Salty Dog brand?

Salty Dog is owned by the Flynn Cush Hospitality Group, which also operates other well-known venues in East Cork, including Cush in Midleton and Sea Church in Ballycotton.