A dispute between the Silk Road Café and the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle goes to arbitration, a judge hears. The parties have agreed to have an independent arbitrator decide whether the café holds a lease or only a licence to operate its business in the Castle. Both sides have previously brought proceedings in relation to the café’s legal status and how it is run. The case also follows the café’s forced closure during Ireland’s six-month EU Presidency period, which raised questions about the café’s operating arrangements at the site. The arbitrator’s decision will determine the nature of the arrangement between the café and the landlord, clarifying whether the business is protected under a leasehold model or operates under licensing terms. The court proceedings, therefore, focus on directing the matter to arbitration rather than resolving the underlying contractual question immediately. The outcome will affect the café’s rights and the basis on which it continues to trade in Dublin Castle, including the extent of any contractual protections.