Fifteen pubs closed their doors in County Carlow - six in the last year

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) published a new report today showing a continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since Covid-19. 

Almost 2,000 pub have closed across the country since 2005. This is an alarming rate of decline of 22.5%.

The data shows that a total of 108 of these closures occurred in 2022.

Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers said: “The analysis in this report paints a stark picture of a sector that is fighting against continued decline due to a number of significant external pressures – many of which are outside of our control. The majority of the almost 2,000 pubs cited in the report which have closed represent the closure of a small or family-run business, the loss of a livelihood and the disappearance of a high-street landmark.”  

While all 26 counties experienced a decline in the number of pubs during the 2005 to 2022 period, Carlow was amongst the lowest in decrease. Carlow ranked in 22nd place (out of 26) with a 14.2% decrease.

In 2005, there were 106 pubs in Carlow whereas, in 2022 there were a total of 91 pubs in Carlow.

County Carlow saw a total of fifteen pubs close their doors between 2005 and 2022, with six of these closures in the last year alone.

Analysis also established that the rate of closures has accelerated in the aftermath of Covid-19, with 349 pubs closing in 2020 and 2021.  

Pre-pandemic in Carlow in 2019 there were 97 pubs open. In 2020 and 2021 there were 95 pubs and finally in 2022, Carlow saw just 91 pubs remaining.

Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus, DCU Anthony Foley notes that: “If we are to challenge this trend, we must look at factors which influence the viability of these businesses, particularly those costs over which the government has direct control. Excise duty is one such cost. Addressing the excessively high excise duty in Ireland compared to other countries would have a positive effect on the viability of small pubs.”