Limerick Pub Syndicate: Saving Village’s Last Pub

A century ago,the County Limerick village⁣ of⁢ Kilteely had seven pubs,but one by one they‍ closed. This year,the village braced to lose its last pub.

However,Kilteely ⁣bucked the trend when 26 villagers ‍clubbed‍ together to⁢ buy the pub,which faced probable demolition and conversion into ⁢accommodation.They formed a syndicate and purchased ‍the bar and license for €300,000 (£260,000).

The new owners, an eclectic group including professionals like a barrister, solicitor, pharmacist, and teacher, used their ⁤varied skills to refurbish⁣ the buisness.The⁤ pub, formerly Ahern’s, is now called the⁢ Street Bar, referencing the local expression for going out for a pint.

Ireland has lost a quarter of its pubs since 2005 – more than ⁣2,100, averaging 112 a year – with Limerick county ⁢recording the highest decrease at 37.2%. Reasons for closures include the ⁢cost of living, high taxes, drink-driving laws, changing drinking habits, the pandemic, ⁢and shrinking profit margins. Similar trends have closed 15,000 pubs in England,Wales and ⁣Scotland since 2000.

the Kilteely residents, inspired⁢ by a similar community effort in Rathgormack, County Waterford, each contributed €15,000, understanding they likely wouldn’t see a financial return⁤ on their investment. They aim to provide a community space‍ and hope other villages will follow their example.