More than 1,300 pubs have called last orders in the past decade in Ireland, but those in the industry believe the trade can be saved.
The smoking ban, tighter drink-driving laws and the massive increase in the availability of cheap supermarket drink has been sounding the death-knell for an institution so popular with visitors that we actually export the 'Irish Pub' to countries around the globe.
But as three bars continue to close every week, mostly in country areas, publicans say a fight-back is already under way.
"Most pubs, especially in rural areas, are facing significant challenges," said Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland.
"The main factors affecting sustainability are lack of disposable income and the emigration of many of our younger generation.
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"The situation is compounded when you consider that rural pubs serve smaller catchment areas and have access to very poor transport services. The impact of tighter drink-driving legislation is also acutely felt."
As the Government bids to push up tourist numbers, many visitors to the new coastal route along 'The Wild Atlantic Way' may find doors to pubs closed.
"The pub is still central to much of what happens in rural communities," said Mr Cribben.
"Our publicans are very much aware of the changing marketing opportunities and many are already embracing social media channels as a way of communicating with their customers.
"As other services like post offices, tourist offices etc, are being closed there will be a further reliance on pubs in many areas for essential services.
"Rural pubs need to recognise the niche they want to fill and fill it well into the future.
"Many are well on the road to doing that."
The owners of the British chain Wetherspoon believe there is a future for pubs in Ireland – they want to build or take over 30 of them, maybe even more. Towns across the country are on their target list, their chairman Tim Martin said.
Their first Irish pub will open in Blackrock, Dublin on July 7. A second bar is planned in Cork, but he says they operate in much smaller communities in Britain and plan to do so here .
Source: Greg Harkin, Irish independent, 07/04/14
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