Second attempt to burn Bent Elbow

Gardaí are investigating a second suspected attempt to burn down the former Bent Elbow pub after a sofa inside the premises was doused in an accelerant.

The discovery was made last week at the landmark N3 property, which was targeted by arsonists only months before.

An attempt was made to ignite the sofa, but the fire failed to take hold, the Celt understands.

The incident is being treated as a burglary, and Gardaí are appealing for information regarding any suspicious activity in the area between February 5 and 7.

It follows a serious blaze at the same location in September last year, when fire crews from Ballyjamesduff and Cavan Town were called to the scene in the early hours. On that occasion, a vehicle parked beside the main building was deliberately set alight, with flames spreading and causing damage to the premises.

Once a hugely popular stop-off, the former Bent Elbow pub has lain vacant for years.

In more recent times, the property had been partially converted for use as an auto repair workshop. The September fire occurred weeks before the premises was reportedly due to reopen.

The property was put back on the market in early September with a guide price of €95,000.