Final roar of the Celtic Tiger as treasures auctioned off at Dublin hotel this week

By Kim O'Leary

A host of treasures from one of the iconic night spots of the Celtic Tiger era were the subject of bidding wars in an extremely busy first day of Ireland's largest-ever interiors auction which started on Monday 12 March in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

Some of the biggest names in the pub and hospitality industry were in the room as 1,500 items were sold from six-floor entertainment venue Howl at the Moon.

A pair of Game of Thrones-style bronze doors from the central Dublin nightclub fetched €12,500 – four times the top estimate – after sustained bidding with a Sandra Bell expected to make up to €20,000.

Also among the spectacular five-star furnishings sold were a two-metre square French chandelier (€2,800), with major interest also in a life-size bronze statue, an ebonised grand piano and a unique collection of Irish whiskey.

“The competition in the room and online sparked several bidding wars with items starting in low hundreds and ending up at four figures,” said auction organiser and antiques expert Niall Mullen, who was delighted that the bronze doors were staying in the country.

He added: "The calibre of bidders shows that the entertainment industry is back in buying mood, with many items making well above previous levels. The items on show are of a premium and rare quality, reflecting the prices achieved, but many auction goers secured pieces at good value.”

There are were a host of items from the Shelbourne Hotel and the only complete set of Taoisigh portraits in existence is listed for sale.

The full catalogue of lots can be viewed in advance online at www.victormeeauctions.ie