By James Helm BBC Dublin correspondent

Ireland's smoke-filled pubs are (mostly) a thing of the past

The move ends the first open challenge to the anti-smoking law, which was introduced in March.

The owners of Fibber Magee's pub in the centre of Galway City say they agreed to comply after taking legal advice.

The Irish government says the ban is a resounding success and it has faced down this challenge.

This week has been just like old times at Fibber Magee's. Its joint owner, Ronan Lawless, has been enjoying a roaring trade as he publicly defied the smoking ban.

Mr Lawless says the ban has damaged his business.

Word quickly spread and smokers flocked to his premises to light up.

But now the ashtrays will be stacked away once more at Fibber Magee's as this mini-rebellion subsides, for now at least.

Fuming

The law prevents smoking in the workplace. That includes bars and restaurants - so pub-goers are required to step outside if they want to smoke.

Other pub owners arrived to have a drink and a smoke and to show their solidarity. Some say they plan to follow suit and defy the ban themselves.

The country's health minister has condemned the flouting of the law and the justice minister has spoken of the possibility of drinks licences being opposed by police in the future if publicans disobey the law.

Mr Lawless and his co-owner were told by the local health authority that if they do not comply they could face a court injunction to make them do so.