Report: Over 2,100 pubs closed since 2005, mostly in rural areas
A report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has found that since 2005, 2,119 pubs - an average of 112 per year - have permanently closed.
The report found that one in four of the public houses open in 2005 no longer existed in 2024.
According to DIGI, a reduction has been recorded in every county in Ireland, with rural areas the "most severely" affected
The DIGI highlighted that it forecasts a further 600-1,000 pubs will close over the next period, due to a "very difficult environment" of higher costs, economic uncertainty, and changing consumer trends.
The secretary of the DIGI, Donal O'Keefe said: "The extensive withdrawal of services including public houses from small rural communities is recognised nationally and internationally as a significant policy issue.
"France, for example, introduced a scheme of financial supports worth up to €80,000 in 2023 to support new pubs opening in isolated rural areas."
"There is broad public understanding that the local pub – as well as many family run restaurants - are in jeopardy and that the state’s excise regime is a significant factor," O'Keefe added.
The report found that eight counties have witnessed a decrease in public houses of 30% or higher.
O'Keefe outlined that the figures may actually understate the extent of the decline in the pub trade, as they "don't reflect the fact that many publicans have also significantly scaled back their opening hours in recent years".
The table below outlines the percentage decrease in the number of public houses between 2005-2024 by county.
| Rank in order of magnitude of percentage decline 2005 - 2024 | County in order of percentage decrease in number of public houses | Percentage decrease |
| 1 | Limerick | 37.2% |
| 2 | Offaly | 34.1% |
| 3 | Cork | 32.7% |
| 4 | Roscommon | 32.3% |
| 5 | Tipperary | 32% |
| 6 | Laois | 30.6% |
| 7 | Longford | 30.1% |
| 8 | Westmeath | 30% |
| 9 | Monaghan | 29.% |
| 10 | Clare | 29% |
| 11 | Mayo | 28.9% |
| 12 | Leitrim | 28.6% |
| 13 | Waterford | 28.5% |
| 14 | Donegal | 26.3% |
| 15 | Louth | 25.6% |
| 16 | Kilkenny | 25.2% |
| 17 | Sligo | 25.1% |
| 18 | Galway | 22.5% |
| 19 | Cavan | 21.3% |
| 20 | Kerry | 19.7% |
| 21 | Wexford | 17.5% |
| 22 | Carlow | 14.2% |
| 23 | Kildare | 13.6% |
| 24 | Wicklow | 10.8% |
| 25 | Meath | 9.5% |
| 26 | Dublin | 1.7% |
Commenting on the report, Independent Ireland TD, Michael Collins said that "the heartbeat of rural Ireland is slipping away before our eyes".
Deputy Collins said: "Our voices are hoarse calling for help for local pubs and businesses, and the government continues to ignore us.
“We are losing the very heartbeat of rural Ireland. The local pub, the post office, the village shop – they are the cornerstones of community life, and they are disappearing at an alarming rate," he added.
