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Ireland’s pub culture is legendary, but have you ever wondered which part of the country has the most pubs per head of population? A 2018 report by AIB, illustrated with a detailed map of pubs per county, reveals some surprising insights about the geographical distribution of Irish pubs—and the financial challenges they face today.
A Brief History of Pubs in Ireland
Pubs, or “public houses,” have been at the heart of Irish society for centuries. The tradition dates back to early medieval times when shebeens (unlicensed drinking houses) were common. The first licensed pubs emerged in the 17th century, quickly becoming more than just places to grab a drink—they were central hubs for news, music, and community gatherings.
By the 19th and early 20th centuries, pubs were firmly established as pillars of Irish life. Even during times of political and economic hardship, they remained places where people could connect and find a sense of belonging. Today, Irish pubs are not only social centers but also important drivers of tourism and local economies.
What the Map Tells Us About Irish Pubs
The AIB 2018 Pubs Outlook report provides a detailed picture of Ireland’s pub landscape, showing how pub density varies dramatically between rural and urban counties.
The map highlights several interesting patterns:
Mayo has the highest pub density in the country, with one pub for every 323 people—making it the pub capital of Ireland in terms of per capita availability.
Kerry is close behind, with one pub for every 334 people—a reflection of the county’s strong tourism industry and social culture.
Tipperary and Clare also rank high, with one pub for every 350 and 383 people, respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum:
Dublin, despite being the most populous county, has just one pub for every 1,649 people—suggesting that alternative drinking venues, such as bars and restaurants, have gained ground.
Laois has the fewest pubs, with only 123 in the entire county—equating to one pub for every 713 people.
Counties with the Most and Fewest Pubs
The map also illustrates some clear regional patterns in pub numbers:
Cork leads with a staggering 955 pubs—the highest overall number in Ireland.
Dublin comes in second, with 772 pubs—despite its relatively low pub density.
Laois and Offaly sit at the bottom, with just 123 and 126 pubs, respectively.
The Urban-Rural Divide
One of the most noticeable takeaways from the map is the divide between rural and urban pub culture:
Rural counties like Mayo, Kerry, and Clare have significantly higher pub densities than urban counties. This reflects the social importance of pubs in rural communities, where they often serve as the main gathering place.
Urban counties like Dublin and Meath have fewer pubs per capita, suggesting that urban lifestyles and alternative venues (cafes, cocktail bars, restaurants) have eroded the dominance of traditional pubs.
Economic Pressure on Pubs
Running a pub in Ireland isn’t easy these days. According to the AIB report, a rural pub needs to generate at least €8,000 a week just to stay open. Dublin pubs face even higher pressure—they need between €12,000 and €13,000 a week to remain viable.
Tony Morrissey, managing director of the Dublin-based auctioneers Morrissey’s, explained that rising costs and shifting drinking habits have put pressure on pub owners. However, the growing demand for craft beers and premium spirits like whiskey and gin has opened up new opportunities.
“Although the craft beer market still only represents 4% of the overall market for beer, it’s growing, and many pubs now have to offer a number of craft beers to their customers who favor them over the traditional brands. It’s the same with spirits,” Morrissey said.
How Domestic vs. UK Trade Shapes the Pub Landscape
The map also highlights the business split between domestic and UK-based trade:
Counties with a strong domestic business base include Roscommon (96.9%), Donegal (91.5%), and Clare (81.3%).
Counties with a higher share of UK-linked businesses include Meath (7.2%) and Longford/Westmeath (6.1%)—reflecting stronger ties to tourism and cross-border trade.
The Cultural Significance of Irish Pubs
Pubs have long been more than just places to grab a pint—they are cultural institutions where music, conversation, and tradition come together. The high density of pubs in counties like Mayo and Kerry reflects the continued importance of pubs in rural Irish life.
At the same time, the decline in pub density in urban areas reflects broader social and economic changes. The rise of craft beers, specialty cocktails, and alternative drinking spaces points to a shift in how Irish people socialize.
