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Rural Pubs Closing At An Alarming Rate

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 09:39

Over 114 pubs shut down every year.

The hospitality sector in Ireland is facing a crisis as rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate.

A new report by the Drinks Industry Group reveals that 114 pubs shut down every year due to the increased rate of decline since COVID-19.

In the past three years, the worst affected areas are Limerick, Roscommon, Cork, and Laois, however every county has experienced pub doors closing for good. 

Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School Tony Foley says it's only going to get worse:

147 pubs in the midlands have closed since 2005.

Westmeath has seen the largest decline in the midlands, with 53 pubs closing, while 47 have shut their doors in both Laois and Offaly.

President the Vintners' Federation of Ireland and owner of Giltraps pub in Kinnity, John Clendennen, says more investment is needed to help protect pubs:

Services are not available in rural areas to help people socialise.

That's the view of one pub owner.

A Drinks Industry Group of Ireland report shows rural communities are worst hit by closures.

Owner of Coyne's Gastro Pub, Connemara, Michael Coyne says more support is needed:

Overheads, Covid and culture change are just some of the reasons behind one former pub owner's decision to close.

Anthony O'Dwyer used to run O'Dwyer's Pub in Limerick - he decided to close after lockdown: 

 

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