The number of pubs in Donegal fell from 334 to 324 between 2024 and 2025, according to research from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. Over the longer term, 129 pubs in the county have closed since 2005, a decline from 453 licensed establishments to 324.

The report, compiled for DIGI by economist Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 110 pubs stopped trading every year across Ireland over the last two decades. All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers between 2005 and 2025.

Donegal's decline is part of a wider trend, particularly in rural counties. The highest decreases were in Limerick at 37.2%, followed by Offaly at 34.1%, Cork at 32.7%, and Roscommon at 32.3%. Dublin had the lowest decrease at 1.1%.

Finance Minister Simon Harris announced a €15 million scheme in his recent budget aimed at supporting rural pubs following calls from DIGI, vintners and the hospitality sector.

Professor Tony Foley said that over the past 20 years the Irish economy has grown substantially, including large employment, consumption and adult population increases, despite multiple economic shocks and geopolitical disruption. This growth should have supported the alcohol and public house sectors, but both alcohol consumption and pub sales volumes declined substantially.

DIGI secretary Donall O'Keeffe said that over the past 20 years Ireland has seen a decimation in the number of pubs operating. This has been particularly damaging to the social, economic and cultural life of rural Ireland, and is a huge loss to the tourism offer. Without government intervention, this trend will continue and potentially accelerate.