Sad news for residents of and visitors to Myrtleville.

Family-run restaurant Bunnyconnellan in Myrtleville, Cork have announced a temporary closure as a result of the current "economic storm" in Ireland. The popular seaside eatery is the latest in a series of Irish establishments forced to close their doors as the cost of energy and produce continues to rise. Bunnyconnellan opened in the 1970s and has weathered many a storm over the years, sometimes literally in the case of Hurricane Ophelia forcing the cliff-top restaurant to shut for several days in 2017. Bunnyconnellan also adapted during the pandemic by providing customers with 'cook at home' boxes and BBQ kits. In a post sharing the news on Instagram, Paul and Kathy O'Brien of Bunnys wrote:

Dia dhuit everyone, It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to put Bunnys to sleep until this economic storm passes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkB3XGyrb_B/ Their larger sister restaurant, the Lodge Bar in Myrtleville will remain open. Hundreds of supporters have taken to the comments expressing their sadness at the closure and sharing fond memories of time spent at the restaurant. One person wrote: "beautiful restaurant, so many happy memories and amazing staff ". Another said "Really sad to hear this. We’ve so many happy memories of family celebrations at Bunnys. Hope ye can weather the storm & reopen soon". Header image via Instagram/bunnyconnellan_myrtleville READ NEXT: Here's how to apply to be in the audience for this years Late Late Toy Show