Why are so many pubs closing in Waterford?

There are 66 less pubs in Waterford since 2005, a 25.4% decrease. Twenty-two of those have closed since 2019.

An average of 114 pubs are closing annually across the country, with the trend rising to 144 in the later 2019-2023 period. 

Commenting further, author of the recent report, Professor Tony Foley said: “The continuing decline is taking place against a backdrop of societal change and cost of business strains.

"Consumption of alcohol has notably decreased, how we socialise is changing, the types of drinks we consume are changing, particularly the rise of low-alcohol and alcohol-free products."

We set out to explore what role these once-thriving social hubs play in modern society. To gain insight, we spoke with locals to understand how pubs are perceived today and whether their significance has shifted."

Joe Meagher said: “I think younger people might be drinking less than in the past. I’m a big lover of pubs, I think they're being driven out of business by having to put up their prices all the time. Its become ludicrous, and we’ll miss them when they’re gone because when you ask tourists why they come to Ireland, to visit Irish pubs will be at the top of their list. So its something we’ve got to be very careful of."

He added: “I think they’re institutions. There's definitely alcohol problems that need to be addressed and that very important, but don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.” 

Jack Morrissey said: “I don’t think pubs are as popular anymore. Nightclubs are probably what a lot of young people do now."

Shaun McCarthy Donnelly added: “I think pubs are still very important and I love going. To just sit down and have a chat with people and meet locals. 

"A lot of good pubs have closed over the years and a lot of them are apartments now. But I think pubs are still important for socialising and staying in touch."