Vintners' Federation of Ireland

30/07/2025

“This Cork town lost 16 pubs in 33 years.”

This is the stark reality facing rural Ireland. The closure of local pubs isn’t just about lost businesses — it’s about lost community hubs, lost jobs, and the erosion of social life in our towns and villages.

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“In 1992, there were 23 pubs in Skibbereen, there are actually seven now,” declared Cllr Brendan McCarthy during a debate on the role rural pubs play in communities nationally.

24/07/2025

Read about the plea to save rural pubs, including what our own VFI CEO Pat Crotty says: “Rural pubs are facing an existential crisis. We have seen hundreds of pubs close their doors in recent years. If this trend continues, we will lose a vital part of Irish culture and community life.”

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Struggling rural pubs in danger of closing must be kept open in order to avoid irreparable damage to communities across county Cork.

22/07/2025

In an age of constant digital distraction, pubs are stepping up — creating spaces for real human connection.

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Phones have become an extension of ourselves, an ever-present feature as we make our way through our days.

18/07/2025

Wishing Markey's of Carrickmacross a very happy 100th Birthday. Best wishes to Frank & the Markey Family!

16/07/2025

The Kilbrittain Inn isn’t just a pub — it’s proof of what’s at stake if rural pubs are left behind. Josephine and Cian are doing their part to keep their community connected.

Read more:

In the latest installment of The Village Pubs Of Cork series, NOEL SWEENEY talks to the landlady of the Kilbrittain Inn about changing customer ...

14/07/2025

What a fantastic cause and a brilliant community effort!

The Village Pub in Ballymoney, Co. Wexford, has raised over €11,000 for the Hope Cancer Support Centre — a vital service for so many. It’s yet another example of how local pubs continue to serve as important social hubs, supporting real, meaningful change in their communities. Well done to all involved!

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A popular pub in a Wexford village is the toast of the community this week after it donated over €11,000 to a cancer charity following a host of events held this year.

11/07/2025

Paul Aspinwall of The Guileen Arms, East Cork has been pulling pints and building community for 12 years. His story reflects the enduring role of the publican as a cornerstone of rural Irish life.

His story:

In the latest installment of our series The Village Pubs Of Cork, NOEL SWEENEY heads to the East Cork coast to chat to the owner and regulars in The ...

08/07/2025

A living legacy behind the bar

91-year-old Mary McAuliffe of the High House, Cork, stands as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted tradition and community value of the Irish pub.

At a time when our pubs face growing pressure, stories like Mary’s highlight why we must protect these vital social and cultural institutions

Hear her story:

The year is 1933. Éamon de Valera wins Fianna Fáil’s first overall majority in the Dáil, Ireland’s first parachute jump is succesfully executed by Joseph Gilmore, and Fine Gael is established as ‘The United Ireland Party’.

03/07/2025

Recent reports highlight the growing challenges facing Ireland’s pub sector. Nearly 50 pubs are currently for sale in Cork, and bar sales have dropped by almost 10% nationwide — the sharpest decline in retail.

These figures reflect more than economic strain; they signal the loss of vital community spaces.

Read more: https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41655068.html

30/06/2025

Ireland’s coastal pubs, like those featured by The Irish Times, aren’t just scenic – they’re vital to rural economies and tourism.

We highlight the importance of continued support for these community hubs — through thoughtful policy, rural development, and recognition of their cultural and economic value.

When a pub closes, a village loses more than a view.

Read more: https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2025/06/18/brews-with-a-view-the-best-bars-around-ireland-for-a-sunny-day-pint/

24/06/2025

VFI members can now benefit from a 20% discount on Square Terminal.

This exclusive offer provides members with access to a modern, reliable payment solution designed to meet the demands of busy hospitality environments.

Square

20/06/2025

“It’s sad to see what’s happening with the pubs throughout rural Ireland. It’s the way of life gone, you know?”

The closure of the Ramble Inn in Halfway, Ballinhassig (a pub with over 300 years of history) is a reminder of just how valuable local pubs are in our local communities, and the support needed to keep going.

Read more about it here:

In a new weekly series, The Village Pubs Of Cork, NOEL SWEENEY visits some of the landmark bars around the county, at a time when many are struggling ...