Donegal sees dramatic fall in number of pubs

The number of pubs in Donegal has fallen by almost 27 per cent in the last 20 years.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, there are now almost 10 per cent fewer pubs opened in the county.

As of September 2023, the most recent figures available, there were 331 pubs opened in Donegal – a drop of 36 from the 367 compared to the same date in 2019.

Back in September 2025, there were 453 pubs trading across Donegal, but the sector has been decimated.

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland held its annual conference in Ballybofey this week.

Attendees heard that the rising cost of business, the impact of the Low Pay Commission and the lack of public transport – particularly in rural areas – are all to blame.

If we don’t see a long-term reduction in costs we face the real prospect of a decimated hospitality sector,” VFI CEO Pat Crotty said.

“Sick pay benefits and the move to a Living Wage are massive threats to the pub trade without the correct supports. Wage increases have to be paid every Friday so any measures offered by Government must be in the context of that reality.”

The annual meeting in Jackson's Hotel on Tuesday heard calls for the Low Pay Commission to be disbanded.

At present, 36 per cent of pub turnover is currently consumed by labour costs alone and that figure will increase to over 40 per cent with the introduction of a living wage.

“No other sector would accept this draconian increase,” delegate Michael Farrell from Cork said.

“The Low Pay Commission based a lot of it on the Dublin prices, but they are out of touch and not in the real world. All of that is grand when the price of a pint is €7, but in most of Ireland it's far from that. It's ludicrous.”