Former Publican Reflects on Closure of Ramble Inn in Co Cork

The Ramble Inn in the village of Halfway in Co Cork is among the more than 2,100 pubs that have shut their doors over the last 20 years. Following 44 years trading, the proprietors took the decision to call time for the final time last month. Alan Barry, who owns the property with his wife Mary, said it was a very hard decision that was taken with a heavy heart. 'There were a lot of good days here and moments obviously, so it was a very hard decision to take both for us and our customers, but it had to be taken,' he added. The couple had decided a year ago that they would sell up, as there were no family members keen on taking on the business. But when the pub did not sell, they took the decision to close permanently in June and retire from the business. Mr Barry said the decision was also made against the backdrop of the challenges facing publicans including off licences and the move towards drinking at home, as well as changes to life in rural Ireland. He said he has noticed 'in a big way' the trend of pubs closing in particular in rural town and villages. All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers over the 2005 to 2024 period, with the rate of closure highest in rural counties. The highest decrease was in Co Limerick at 37.2%, followed by Co Offaly at 34.1% and Co Cork at 32.7%, while the lowest decrease was in Dublin at 1.7%, followed by Co Meath at 9.5%, and Co Wicklow at 10.8%. Mr Barry said there has been a 'massive change', adding that 'it's a sad day for Ireland'. 'Closed pubs, shops and post offices. Rural Ireland is falling down around our knees, and no one is saying stop,' Mr Barry said. 'I do think myself that it is sad.' DIGI has warned the research indicates that up to a further 600 to 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade. Mr Barry added that 50 years ago, it was said that 'one foot of a counter was better than 100 acres of land.....but you’re a far cry from that now'.