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Ireland’s Pubs Closing – A “stark” and “alarming” report reveals that nearly 2000 pubs have ceased operations since 2005, with Limerick experiencing the most significant decline in Ireland.
The analysis, prompting appeals to lower the excessively high alcohol excise tax, discloses that a total of 1,937 pubs have shuttered since 2002, including 108 closures in 2022 alone.
In today’s email:
- Ireland’s Pubs Closing At An Alarming Rate
- New York Rose of Tralee winner has strong Limerick roots
- Around the Web – Message in a bottle from Ireland washes up in New Jersey, Ospreys breeding in Ireland after 200 years, Irish Dancer to Olympian and more..
- From Social Media – Unique Sea Glass Creations Celebrates Ireland
- Irish Food You Will Love
- The Craic – Fastest Reel in the West, 1972
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Pubs Across Ireland Face Alarming Closures, Urgent Calls for Tax Relief
Conducted by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), the analysis also highlights a disproportionate impact on rural communities with Limerick being hit the hardest with a 32% drop in pub numbers since 2005, resulting in the closure of 153 establishments.
Cork ranks as the third most affected county in terms of lost pubs, following Roscommon with a 30% decrease. However, Cork has seen the highest number of pub closures nationwide, totaling 365 during the same period. Over 25% of pubs in Tipperary, Waterford and Clare have closed since 2005.
Although pub numbers declined in all counties, Dublin has fared relatively better, experiencing only a 3.4% decrease (27 pubs) since 2002.
The pace of pub closures has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic with an average of 114 pubs shutting down annually across the country before surging to 152 per year since 2019. As of now approximately 450 pubs have closed since the pandemic began.
In light of this analysis, there are calls for the government to alleviate the financial burden on small, family-run businesses in regional areas and ensure their sustainability by gradually reducing Ireland’s excessively high alcohol excise tax over the next two years.
Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI, emphasizes that the report presents a sobering picture of a sector grappling with an ongoing decline due to external forces beyond its control. She notes that the majority of the nearly 2,000 pubs mentioned in the report signify the closure of small or family-owned enterprises, resulting in the loss of livelihoods and the disappearance of iconic fixtures on the high streets.
New York Rose of Tralee winner has strong Limerick roots
With both parents hailing from County Limerick, the victorious Rose has strong local connections.
Around The Web
From Dog-Friendly to Top Contender: Peadar’s Bar Secures Silver in Pub Awards
Peadar’s Bar in Moate has added yet another accolade to its growing collection securing a silver medal at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Following its recent triumph as the most Dog Friendly Bar in Ireland at the 2022 Pub of the Year awards Peadar’s Bar continued its winning streak by earning the runner-up position in the highly competitive Local Pub of the Year category during the 2023 awards.
Ospreys breeding in Ireland after 200 years ‘like finding long-lost treasure’
Message in a bottle from Ireland washes up in New Jersey
Aug. 23 (UPI) — A family cleaning up trash on a New Jersey beach discovered a message in a bottle that was apparently thrown into the water in Ireland about four years earlier.
Frank Bolger said he was visiting the 14th Street Beach in Wildwood with his wife, Karen, and granddaughter, Autumn, when they found a bottle with a slip of paper inside.
I travelled the UK and Ireland in an electric car, and what a shocker: nothing went wrong
Despite being an EV convert, fearmongering made me anxious before my holiday. But the summer road trip reaffirmed my faith
Tori Peña: The Irish dancer who became Ireland’s Olympic pole vaulter
After sending a hopeful email in 2010, pole vaulter Tori Peña – thanks to a grandmother with strong links to Donegal – linked up with Finn Valley AC and Ireland to carve out a stellar career
Tourism Ireland spent €630000 on promoting Shannon Airport as gateway to Wild Atlantic Way
United Airlines put forward matching funding of $100000 as part of campaign to highlight airport.
Ireland set to compete in global dance competition
Sixteen of Ireland’s most talented dancers will clash in the iconic dance battle competition at Dundrum Town Centre.
From Social Media
Unique Sea Glass Creations Celebrates Ireland
This was hand crafted using very tiny, yet extremely rare, pieces of sea glass collected along The Wild Atlantic Way…
Irish Food You Will Love
Who loves a Traditional Irish Beef Stew?
The Craic
The Fastest Reel in the West, Ireland 1972
In 1972, John Conneely made an unforgettable appearance on The Late Late Show with his Irish dancing performance that earned him the title of “the fastest reel in the west”. It was a momentous occasion for both John and Ireland as he told host Gay Byrne and the audience his inspiring story.
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Our Daily Newsletter is free and will remain free for our loyal followers forever.. ( if you are not subscribed then just enter your email below ) But as they say in the infomercials, that’s not all.. For less than the price of a pint at Temple Bar, you can upgrade to our premium Newsletter which will give you access to our archive of travel deep dives, travel itineraries as well as special deals curated for our premium subscribers. So consider buying us a pint and upgrade to get all the goodies..
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!