Kilnaleck loses most pubs title

The town of Kilnaleck, which once boasted to having the highest number of pubs per head of population anywhere within the British Isles, has now lost that title following the closure of two pubs in recent times. The town once proudly boasted to have 14 public houses but over the past 20 years there has been a 50% reduction in that number. Most recently The Central Bar and Brooks Inn have both closed their doors permanently, while the Pub, which was closed for a short period is due to reopen soon. The Central Bar was run by the Smith family had been an integral part of Kilnaleck for over 50 years. Brooks Inn, which has been converted into a restaurant and take way, also played a prominent role for half a century or more in the town. However, despite these closures the family-run public house remains an integral part of Ireland"s social fabric in these changing times. With the closure of these two pubs there are only seven remaining in Kilnaleck including, Peter Brady"s, Patricia Smith"s, The Copper Kettle, The Vintage, Boylan"s, Pius" Polo Ground and the Pub when it re-opens. Local auctioneer, Martin McCabe, points out that a number of factors have militated against pubs in rural areas. The drink driving and smoking ban were the two main issues that have affected pub greatly in recent times. 'People are not going out as much as a result and doing more socialising at home.' He said it was pity as the 'local' had played a vital role in rural communities for centuries. 'It is sad to see so many of them closing as they provided a social outlet for many people over the years.' Kilnaleck is sandwiched in between Oldcastle, which just ten miles up the road and has 11 pubs, Mountnugent, which is only three miles away and has three pubs, Crosskeys has also three pubs and is just five miles away, while Ballinagh, just six miles away has eight. In the current economic climate it is hard to see if any other pubs in Kilnaleck are going to re-open in the near future, so the chances of regaining it title are remote.