In Ireland, the Irish pub is more than just a place to have a drink. For the local population, it’s above all an institution, a place to live and relax, conducive to social interaction. For the Irish, the pub is the very symbol of their culture: it’s where you taste their local beers and culinary specialities, watch a Gaelic game (hurling, for example), listen to traditional music and chat with friends and family.
With this in mind, the Sunday World has just published a study to identify the Irish towns with the most Irish pubs per km². The idea is first and foremost to find out which cities have the most establishments, compared with the number of inhabitants. And the top 10 is pretty interesting!
The density of Irish pubs in Ireland ranges from big cities to small Irish villages lost in the wild countryside.
And with good reason! The number 1 village in Ireland, with the most Irish pubs in relation to its population, is Liscannor in County Clare (near the Cliffs of Moher)! A village that surprised everyone! Nevertheless, many agree that the main reason Liscannor has so many pubs is to cope with the high demand from tourists, due to its proximity to the ultra-popular Cliffs of Moher.
For the other zones, we alternate between countryside and towns. But it’s Kerry and County Clare that seem to take the cake! The success of their pubs seems to be due to the loyalty of the Irish population, who like to go there regularly to empty a pint or two… in addition to the high tourist numbers in spring and summer.
The Irish pub is to Ireland what the boulangerie is to the French. They meet a strong need among Irish people to relax, exchange ideas and enjoy a good time in a cosy place where Irish culture is king.
Although in recent years the country has seen a real decline in the longevity of these establishments (many have had to close due to the tightening of local anti-alcohol laws), the Irish pub still seems to have plenty of years ahead of it!
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