Community Action Aims to Save Cullen’s Final Pub
In Cullen, a village once bustling with activity, a group of local residents in North Cork is stepping forward with a bold plan: buy the last remaining pub, Art O’Connor’s, to ensure the social heart of the community keeps beating. The campaign follows a period of decline that saw Cullen lose seven local amenities in quick succession, including five pubs, three shops, a petrol station, and a post office. The loss of these facilities has left many residents feeling isolated, particularly older neighbours who treasured the pub as a gathering space.
From Local Landmark to Social Lifeline
Art O’Connor’s has long been more than a pub in Cullen; it has functioned as a familiar meeting place where neighbours stopped by for a chat, where the football match was watched, and where new families felt a sense of belonging. Damian Hickey, one of the organizers of the campaign, explains that the plan is driven by more than nostalgia — it is about restoring a practical social lifeline for residents who say there are few other venues where people can connect in a small, friendly setting.
Why Residents Are Stepping Up
Declining populations and rising costs have led to the closure of essential services across rural Ireland, and Cullen is a case study in this trend. With the pub and other amenities disappearing, many villagers report a chilling effect on social life: fewer casual conversations, slower community response to local needs, and greater sense of isolation for vulnerable residents. The plan to purchase the pub is designed to keep a space where people can meet, share information, and support one another. The campaign is also seeking to preserve local employment and maintain a community hub that can host events, fundraisers, and informal gatherings.
How the Purchase Would Work
Details of the proposed model are still being refined. Organizers are exploring options such as a community buyout, co-operative ownership, or a social enterprise that could operate the pub while reinvesting profits back into village projects. The emphasis is on sustainable ownership that protects jobs, maintains the character of the venue, and ensures affordable access for residents. The plan would involve close collaboration with local authorities, tradespeople, and potential investors who share the vision of a vibrant, connected Cullen.
Community Benefits and Challenges
Proponents argue that keeping Art O’Connor’s open would have cascading benefits: it would reinforce social ties, encourage volunteerism, and provide a neutral space for people of all ages to meet. It could also spur activity in nearby services and reduce the burden on families facing the time and travel costs of maintaining social connections elsewhere. However, the effort faces challenges, including fundraising hurdles, regulatory requirements, and ensuring long-term viability in an era of changing drinking patterns and hospitality regulations. The group remains committed to transparency and community consultation as it moves forward.
What You Can Do
Residents and supporters are encouraged to participate in upcoming information sessions, fundraisers, and survey opportunities to shape the plan. Individuals who wish to contribute—whether by volunteering, donating, or sharing the vision with friends and local business networks—are urged to get involved. The Cullen campaign is a reminder that small communities can still take bold steps to protect their social fabric, and that ownership of a cherished local space can become a catalyst for renewed connections and inclusive community life.
A Look Ahead for Cullen
As the community works toward a practical solution, the broader message resonates: in rural areas, social infrastructure matters just as much as physical infrastructure. In Cullen, last pub or not, the town’s spirit depends on collective effort, shared responsibility, and a determination to preserve spaces where everyone feels welcome. The coming months will reveal whether the town can convert goodwill into a viable model for sustaining social life at the heart of the village.
