Local Community Bands Together to Save Irish Pub with €390,000 Purchase

A group of 26 residents in Kilteely, a village in County Limerick, has successfully stepped in to save their only pub, Ahern’s, from closure. After the establishment was listed for sale at €300,000, each community member contributed up to €15,000, collectively raising €390,000 to purchase the venue. This initiative marks a significant effort by locals to preserve a vital hub of social interaction and community spirit.

The decision to buy Ahern’s Pub was driven by a shared concern over the potential loss of a cornerstone of village life. According to landscape gardener and investor Noel O’Dea, “The pub is the heart of any community, and because all the shops and pubs here were gone, this was our last meeting place.” Without the pub, O’Dea feared the village would feel even more isolated.

The newly acquired establishment has been rebranded as The Street Bar. As part of their community-focused vision, the group extended an invitation to Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, to visit and try a non-alcoholic drink they have dubbed “Kilteely cream.” O’Dea humorously noted, “Yeah, we could, sure listen, why not, send out the invitation.”

Community Spirit Revived

The investors, comprising a diverse mix of professionals—including a clinical psychologist, a barrister, and a pharmacist—lack experience in the pub trade. However, their determination to maintain a social venue for the village has driven their efforts. O’Dea remarked, “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I tell you, it also takes a village to save its pub.”

This move comes amidst a troubling trend for rural pubs in Ireland. Many have closed down in recent years, with the group from Kilteely hoping to serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Barrister Liam Carroll stated, “Rural pubs are dying out all over the country, so we decided to come together to save ours, and hopefully we can keep it going.”

In a testament to their commitment, the group has plans for the additional shop premises included in the purchase, with ideas for community events and activities. They are particularly excited about hosting Kilteely’s first-ever Black Pudding Festival, aimed at reviving traditional culinary arts while fostering community engagement.

Revitalizing Local Economy

The story of Ahern’s Pub reflects a larger narrative of community resilience in the face of economic challenges. Kilteely has seen the closure of multiple businesses, including two shops and two post offices. The only other business currently operating in the village is a recycling venture, which provides limited employment opportunities.

National trends in Ireland show a growing concern for the fate of local pubs. As of 2024, the Department of Housing has noted a significant rise in planning exemptions allowing vacant commercial properties, including pubs, to be converted into residential units. From 2018 to 2024, the department received 1,457 planning exemptions for various commercial properties, indicating a shift in focus towards housing needs.

Minister of State for Housing, Owen Browne, has emphasized the importance of utilizing vacant buildings amidst a housing crisis. “It is imperative that we convert suitable properties into homes and give people the opportunity to do that,” he said. The local community’s investment in The Street Bar demonstrates a proactive approach to sustaining social infrastructure while addressing broader economic challenges.

With the rebranded pub now open, the Kilteely community looks forward to a renewed sense of togetherness and the promise of vibrant social gatherings. The investment not only preserves a gathering space but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and resilience among residents. The collective effort to save Ahern’s Pub serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of community in safeguarding local traditions.