About The Disappearing Irish Pub

Is the Irish Pub a 'Vanishing Cultural Icon',
or is it a an outdated symbol of a bygone age?

Because of a 'perfect storm' of conditions, from economic recession, stricter drink driving laws and new smoking legislation, the Irish Pub has had a couple of seriously damaging years. That coupled with changing drinking habits, where many people are now preferring to drink at home, a once very profitable and buoyant industry has been dragged to its feet. Last year 270 pubs didn’t renew their licenses. Over the past couple of years, more than 1,000 pubs have ceased trading. There are now 7,500 pubs trading in Ireland, that’s nearly half the number trading 20 years ago.

Obviously there are a lot of issues here. Not least is the fact that pubs are licensed dealers of a controlled drug. Some will argue that controls are not tight enough, while others will say that they should be loosened up.

What ever your opinion, you can have your say, join the conversation here on our site, dirishpubs.com or on our Facebook page.

We would like to hear from all parts of the country, and from Irish people on foreign shores who might have specific memories they would like to share. Send in whatever material you have or take a pic or short video of another pub that has ceased to be.

We also want to hear of the success stories, the ones that are surviving and thriving against the odds.
Share your thoughts, memories and opinions about the disappearing Irish pub.

We also have a short, 3mins, film explaining our story.