THE new owners of the Harp Inn bar in Swords, Co Dublin, will have the option of developing the three acres adjoining it after paying £1.9 million at a Gunne auction for the property. The business had a net turnover of over £1 million last year.

The purchasers were David and Mary Grant, who own the Benevin bar in Glasnevin, Dublin 9. The Harp Inn was owned at one stage by Ben Dunne, senior, and was sold by Mr J.C. Savage, who also operates The Lord Mayor bar in the village and the Swords shopping centre. He was one of the underbidders for the 200-acre Skidoo stud at Ballyboughal, Co Dublin, which was recently sold at auction for £1,825,000.