Are the days of the traditional Irish family pub numbered? With more than 2,100 pubs closed, a further 1,000 may shut in the coming decade.
A new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) shows a continuing decline in the number of pubs in Ireland, with 2,119 – or one in four – closing their doors since 2005.
The report, compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year.
“The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country”
Between 2005 and 2024, the number of publican licenses declined from 8,617 to 6,498, representing a decline of 24.6%. Average annual closures increased to 128 between 2019 and 2024.
The research indicates that a further 600 to 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade.
Rural counties record highest loss of pubs
All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers over the 2005 to 2024 period. Rural counties recorded the highest closure rates, with Limerick showing the greatest decrease at 37.2%, followed by Offaly at 34.1%, Cork at 32.7%, Roscommon at 32.3%, Tipperary at 32.0%, Laois at 30.6%, Longford at 30.1%, and Westmeath at 30.0%.
Dublin recorded the smallest decrease at 1.7%, followed by Meath at 9.5% and Wicklow at 10.8%. All other counties saw decreases of 13% or greater.
“This report reveals a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years,” said Professor Tony Foley, the report’s author.
“The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country. In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.”
DIGI cited the high cost of doing business as a major contributory factor to the closure rate. The organisation said that without immediate action by the Government, many villages and small towns will lose their last remaining pub, which would impact the economic and social fabric of communities.
“More than 100 pubs are closing every year in Ireland, due in large part to the high costs imposed by the State,” said Donall O’Keeffe, DIGI secretary. “Without immediate intervention, up to 1,000 more pubs will close for the last time, leaving their communities without a vital community and tourism hub. Once closed, such pubs rarely re-open.”
DIGI has called for the Government to use the upcoming Budget to introduce a 10% cut in excise, which currently stands as the second highest in the European Union.
“The Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10%,” O’Keeffe said. “With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe. This is on top of a hefty 23% VAT rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late.”
Main image: Photo by Denver Saldanha on Unsplash
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