Irish legend Ronnie Whelan enjoys a night out at Conor McGregor’s Black Forge Inn

The former Liverpool man is pictured smiling at the Dublin bar wearing one of McGregor’s UFC title-winning belts.

Whelan (60) has represented Ireland at two World Cups and one European finals, scoring three goals and winning 53 caps.

The Dublin native now works as a TV pundit and also does the after-dinner circuit.

The former midfielder’s visit to the Crumlin bar closely follows Damien Duff’s visit to the hostel last week.

Shelbourne manager Duff, who earned 100 caps for Ireland, looked proud as a punch and swung McGregor’s belt on his left shoulder.

A host of top names have flocked to the Crumlin boozer, which the fighter bought for €2m and spent another €1m refurbishing into a top gastropub.

Others who have become what has become a celebrity boozer in the fast year include American comedian Kevin Hart, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, singer James Arthur, rapper Coolio, professional poker player and social Media king Dan Bilzerian, jockey Frankie Detorri and Celtic star John Hartson and Australian reality star Harry Josey.

McGregor bought the Black Forge Inn in 2019, it was a favorite spot of his growing up in the area and was then known as The Bentley.

He has since bought two other pubs in the capital, Marble Arch in Drimnagh and Waterside in Howth. The MMA fighter and his family are currently vacationing on his yachts in the Mediterranean.

The UFC star bought the pub in 2020 for a reported €2million and spent a further €1million on refurbishments before it reopened last July.

In July, Conor McGregor celebrated the Black Forge Inn as “remarkable” on its first birthday.

In an Instagram post, he said: “Thank you @TheNotorious and your amazing staff at @BlackForgeInn for your hospitality today. The food and drinks were among the best we have ever experienced! Best stout in the game!

“It was truly an honor to sit down with the man today and speak in person. He’s as cool and as charismatic as one would think, but also very humble.”