Pub Closures Hitting Clare

New research has highlighted the continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with one in four having closed their doors since 2005. Here in Clare, the county has lost seven pubs in the past year alone, and there are now around 30% fewer pubs than there were two decades ago. The report points to rising costs, high excise duties and changing consumer habits among the challenges facing the sector, while the industry warns that many more closures could follow. To discuss what these figures mean for Clare’s pubs, businesses and communities, I’m joined by Clare VFI Chair and owner of O’Dea’s, Charlie O’Meara, and Maurice Walsh, Manager of Moroney's Pub in Ennis and Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum. Photo (c) Monster Ztudio via Canva