Irish pub sparks fury after 'banning Zionist customers' but owner claims plan has brought 'loads of business'

The owner told reporters that local customers "love it" and declared he would "put them out" if any supporter of Israel attempted to purchase a drink at his establishment.

The seaside town, known for attracting tourists to Ireland's Atlantic coast, has become the centre of debate following the controversial ban.

Nealis defended his position by criticising Israeli actions in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.

"I'm against the genocide going on in Gaza," he said.

"For over 70 years now they've been stealing Palestinian land, killing Palestinians and displacing them."

The publican claimed that 70 per cent of casualties since October 7 were women and children.

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"They're not fighting Hamas," he added, maintaining his stance on barring supporters of Israel from his establishment.

When asked about potential resistance from banned customers, the heavily-tattooed pub owner expressed confidence that there would be no opposition to his policy.

A Jewish visitor to Bundoran has expressed distress over the pub's controversial banner.

Sally Wickham, who regularly visits the town, wrote to the local tourism board describing her concerns about what she termed "hate speech".

"I usually enjoy visiting your lovely town. It is safe and welcoming and I love running or dog walking with my friends down the promenade at night," she wrote.

In her complaint, Wickham questioned whether similar discriminatory signs targeting other religious groups would be permitted.

"If it said No Catholics, Muslims, etc, I am sure it would have been removed by now," she said.

"I hope this does not reflect the true nature of your town and that you are not antisemitic."

Nealis rejected accusations of antisemitism, insisting on a distinction between his stance on Zionism and Judaism.

"Being anti-Zionist isn't being antisemitic because Palestinians are semitic, Israeli Jews are not semitic," he claimed incorrectly.

"Zionism isn't Judaism. Zionism is a political movement," he added.

The Sunday World reported that Nealis became the registered owner of The Celtic Marine Bar in 2020.