Quarter of Irish pubs have closed since 2005 - study

A new report has revealed that one-quarter of Ireland's pubs have shut their doors since 2005, with 2,205 premises affected. The study, conducted by economist Anthony Foley on behalf of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), found that an average of 110 pubs ceased trading each year over the past two decades. All 26 southern counties saw a reduction in the number of pubs between 2005 and 2025, with Limerick experiencing the steepest decline at 37%, followed by Offaly (-34%), Cork (-33%), Roscommon (-32%), Tipperary (-32%), Laois (-31%), Longford (-30%) and Westmeath (-30%).

Dublin's decline was minimal at 1%, while Wicklow saw a 9% decrease. Meath had a 11% drop, and all other counties experienced a 13% or greater decrease. Despite 86 pubs closing their doors last year, this figure is up from 65 the previous year but down from the 117 closures seen in 2023. DIGI has urged the government to reduce alcohol excise duties, which are among the highest in the European Union.

A pint of beer in Ireland attracts a €0.55 excise duty, compared to just €0.05 in Spain and €0.05 in Germany. A 70cl bottle of whiskey faces an excise levy of €11.92 in Ireland, compared to €2.69 in Spain and €3.65 in Germany. Foley warned that without policy changes, pub closures will likely continue, with an optimistic projection of 600 additional closures in the next decade, and a pessimistic estimate of 1,000.

DIGI Secretary Donall O Keeffe emphasized the significant impact of pub closures, noting their damaging effects on rural Ireland's social, economic, and cultural life, as well as their loss to tourism.