Irish Pubs Close in Droves

Replicas of traditional Irish pubs are thriving around the world, but tourists could soon have trouble finding the real thing in Ireland. The original pubs, some centuries old, are putting out the last call and closing doors, as they confront a declining customer base. The culprits: rising unemployment, tied to the global recession, and declining disposable income for Irish citizens, whose taxes are on the rise, a result of the recent International Monetary Fund bailout. Overall consumption has not been reduced; the Irish purchase less expensive products at supermarkets and opt to stay home. Long viewing their pubs as village gathering points, the Irish express regret. Global forces can have opposing effects. Even as a rising global culture spreads Irish pubs abroad, it undermines them in their heartland. – YaleGlobal