Almost 400 Cork pubs have called last orders over the past two decades

Figures contained in a new report show Cork has lost 399 pubs over the past two decades, representing a 32.7% decline in numbers.

Nationally, 2,119 pubs, or one in four, permanently shut their doors over the past 20 years, according to a report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).

The research, by economist and associate professor emeritus at DCU Anthony Foley, shows an average of 112 pubs have ceased trading each year since 2005, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade.

Michael O’Donovan, owner of the Castle Inn on South Main Street and president of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), said most of the 399 Cork pubs to close were in the county.

“Pubs are often the last community hub in a lot of towns and villages, and especially rural crossroads. When they go, the social fabric of that area is very badly affected,” he said.

“We will be pleading with the Government in this coming budget to really look at excise duty, because we have the second-highest in Europe, so we’re pleading with them to give us a helping hand and reduce the excise.” 

Declines

According to the DIGI report, all 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers over the 20 years.

The highest rate of decrease was in Limerick, which saw a 37.2% decline, followed by Offaly at 34.1%, and Cork at 32.7%.

DIGI, the organisation for Ireland’s wider drinks and hospitality industry, said that between 2005 and 2024, the number of pub licenses dropped from 8,617 to 6,498, a decline of 24.6%.

High costs

Donall O’Keeffe, DIGI secretary, said more than 100 pubs were closing every year in Ireland, due, in large part, to the high costs imposed by the State.

“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.”

Mr O’Keeffe said that with Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it was 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,” he said.