'If we lose rural pubs, we lose a part of who we are'

Owner of The Castle Inn and VFI president Michael O'Donovan outlines the realities facing rural pubs ahead of this week's VFI AGM.

The owner of The Castle Inn in Cork city, Michael O'Donovan. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

As someone who has run the family pub in Cork city centre for 25 years, I understand the deep cultural and social value that pubs bring to Irish life. Pubs are more than just places to have a drink – they are the heart of our communities, where stories are told, friendships are forged and traditions are passed down. But our unique pub culture is under threat and urgent action is needed to preserve it.

The numbers tell a stark story. Between 2005 and 2023, the number of public houses outside Dublin fell by 2,032 – a 25.9% decline, from 7,831 to 5,799. In Limerick alone, the drop was 35.6%. Seven counties experienced declines of over 30%. These closures are not just statistics as they represent the loss of community hubs, the loss of local employment and the erosion of a way of life that has been part of Ireland for generations.