Vintners' Federation of Ireland

28/04/2026

🍻 Entries are now open for the Irish Pub Awards 2026 🍻

From today’s official launch event right up to the 29th of May, members of the VFI or LVA can enter for free right here 👉🏼 www.irishpubawards.ie

We can’t wait to showcase the best of the industry, so get involved! 👏🏼

16/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Jessie Buckley on winning Best Actress at the Oscars! 🌟

Jessie’s roots remain firmly in Killarney, where her family run the Arbutus Hotel Killarney and Buckley’s Bar, a proud VFI member.

A fantastic achievement, a proud moment for Kerry and for a family at the heart of Irish hospitality.

25/02/2026

4 in 10 consumers struggled to get a taxi.🚖

New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) highlights a supply shortage in the taxi sector as four in 10 people who tried to get a taxi in December reported difficulties doing so.

It’s time for structured reform.

👇
https://www.ccpc.ie/business/ccpc-calls-on-government-to-open-up-irish-taxi-market/

24/02/2026

The recent CCPC report highlights serious issues with taxi availability across Ireland — particularly outside major cities.

As part of the Taxis for Ireland Coalition, VFI is pushing for reform to ensure customers can travel safely and reliably.

Access to transport matters for every pub and every community.

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https://www.ccpc.ie/business/ccpc-calls-on-government-to-open-up-irish-taxi-market/

18/02/2026

Can you have a community without craic? Scholars of Ireland’s pubs warn of declining numbers 🍺

Two new books analyse what makes the ‘perfect pub’ and both come to a sobering conclusion: Irish pubs are in trouble.

Read more now:

Two new books analyse what makes the ‘perfect pub’ and both come to a sobering conclusion: Irish pubs are in trouble

17/02/2026

‘People need places like ours’ – Guinness price rise will add to loneliness in rural Ireland, pubs warn 🍺

The cost of a pint of Guinness is due to rise, but the real price may be that of social isolation, particularly in rural parts of the country.

Diageo is increasing the list price of Guinness by 7c per pint before Vat, with Guinness 0.0 rising by 10c.

Read more here:

The cost of a pint of Guinness is due to rise on Monday, but the real price may be that of social isolation, particularly in rural parts of the country.

09/02/2026

Hospitality Expo 26 takes place tomorrow and Wednesday at the RDS, Dublin. VFI Pubs President Michael O'Donovan will join 'The Future of Irish Pubs' panel at midday on Tuesday, 10th February - promising to be a fascinating discussion.

Full details at: https://hospitalityexpo.ie/

05/02/2026

Your pint 🍺 Ever wonder where the money actually goes?

Here’s a really clear breakdown from Eoin McGee Prosperous Financial on where the money actually goes!

👇

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

16/01/2026

Thinking about moving into bar management?

The Level 7 BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, gaining a degree designed specifically for people working in pubs.

✔️ Learn practical skills for real bars
✔️ Study while staying in your job
✔️ Dublin & Limerick locations
✔️ Designed with the VFI for the bar trade

There are limited places available for January 2026.

🔗 Find out more & apply: Bar Management Apprenticeship – VFI & Griffith College https://www.griffith.ie/faculties/apprenticeships/courses/ba-bar-management

15/01/2026

Want to develop future managers from within your own team?

The Level 7 Bar Management Apprenticeship Degree, run by Griffith College with the VFI, helps bar staff build the skills needed to run a successful bar — while continuing to work.

✔️ Practical, industry-focused learning
✔️ Covers management, finance, HR, compliance & leadership
✔️ Dublin & Limerick campuses
✔️ Designed specifically for the pub trade

A limited number of places are available for January 2026.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.griffith.ie/faculties/apprenticeships/bar-management-employers

Expression of interest:
https://content.griffith.ie/bar-management-expression-of-interest-employer

13/01/2026

Diageo Price Increase Places Huge Pressure On Publicans 🍺

Diageo has announced a 7c increase on draught prices. This increase comes at the worst possible time for publicans already squeezed by high energy, labour and inflationary costs.

Read our full reaction here👇

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has strongly criticised Diageo’s decision to increase the price of its draught products by a further seven cent per pint (ex VAT), effective from 2nd February, warning that the move will pile yet more pressure on pubs already struggling to survive. Drink...