A pub in Ireland's scenic coastal town of Bundoran has stirred controversy after its owner banned "Zionists" from the premises, claiming the move has attracted increased business.
The Celtic Marine Bar made headlines after displaying a prominent sign declaring "all Zionists are barred" and calling for "Free Palestine."
"The locals love it," owner Aaron Nealis told reporters, stating he would refuse service to any Israel supporters. When asked about his policy's implementation, Nealis said he would personally remove such customers from his establishment.
The ban has drawn criticism, particularly from regular visitors to the tourist town. Sally Wickham, who frequently visits Bundoran, expressed her concerns in a complaint to the local tourism board:
"I usually enjoy visiting your lovely town... However, on my last visit, I was confronted by hate speech," she wrote. "If it said No Catholics, Muslims, etc, I am sure it would have been removed by now."
Nealis defended his position, claiming the ban isn't discriminatory but rather a political statement. He cited concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and historical territorial disputes in the region.
Public records show Nealis acquired ownership of The Celtic Marine Bar in 2020. He previously made news in 2012 when he was involved in a violent incident in Dublin alongside Alan Ryan, a dissident republican figure who was later killed in what authorities described as a "planned, targeted" attack.