Covid countdown brings heartbreak and hope for Ireland's pubs

When Ireland entered lockdown just before St Patrick’s day last year pub owners were hopeful they’d be back within months

Ireland's pub reopenings will mark the end of one of the longest such lockdowns in Europe and a step toward recovery for an industry that prides itself as a cultural and social institution.

The 2009 romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer has nothing to do with Irish pubs but could end up as an epitaph for some of them.

When Ireland entered lockdown just before St Patrick’s day in 2020 pub owners hoped to reopen after a few weeks, or at worst a few months.