Cork pub trade adapts as Guinness prices rise and landmark bar sales continue

Guinness price hikes, major pub sales and shifting habits are forcing Cork publicans to rethink value, experience and survival.

Clancys Group operations director Shane ​Spillane, husband and wife team Cliodhna Octigan Montgomery and Paul Montgomery, and director of sales and marketing Dave Daly at the reopening of a reimagined Clancy’s Bar in Cork City in summer 2025. The pub on Princes Street now features four different experiences to attract customers. Picture: Alison Miles/OSM Photo

You could safely say it has been far from a dry January for the pub trade. The new year had hardly settled when Guinness owner Diageo threw an extra 7c price on Guinness to publicans. You'll soon be spending an extra 20c every time you split the G.

Meanwhile last weekend, the Wilton Bar in Cork changes hands, after well-known publican Paul Montgomery bought the 10,000 sq ft premises, which had been run by the Peters family for the past 36 years. Renovation work on the 'new' Wilton began this week.

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