JD Wetherspoon, the listed British pub chain looking to establish itself in the Irish market, has held talks in recent weeks to buy the landmark Slaughtered Lamb pub in Swords, north Dublin.

Industry sources estimated the premises, one of the largest in the city’s suburbs, could be worth up to €2 million.

According to multiple sources, Wetherspoon approached the pub’s owner, Brian Taylor, last month. Mr Taylor could not be reached for comment last night.

Wetherspoon's UK-based spokesman said he "could not comment on individual sites" in Ireland. It is understood from sources that, while it has made an approach to buy the Slaughtered Lamb, a deal has yet to be agreed.

Wetherspoon, which operates more than 900 outlets in Britain and has a market capitalisation of £885 million, has announced plans to open about 20 pubs in Ireland over the next 18 months.

If it completes the purchase of the Slaughtered Lamb, it will be its fourth deal in Ireland.