An urgent campaign to save Cullen’s last social hub
In Cullen, a village in North Cork, residents are rallying around a bold idea: buy the last remaining pub in the community to keep a vital social lifeline open. The effort, led by a group of local volunteers and activists, aims to transform what could be another closed door into a thriving center for connection, conversation, and communal support. As pubs across rural Ireland face closures, Cullen’s residents see this venture as more than a business investment—it is a public health and social initiative geared toward reducing loneliness and strengthening neighbourhood ties.
From closures to civic action
Damian Hickey, one of the organisers, notes that Cullen once boasted five pubs, alongside three shops, a petrol station, and a post office. In recently years, however, each of these community anchors has shuttered. The last remaining pub, Art O’Connor’s, now stands as a symbol of what Cullen risks losing: a shared space where residents meet, share news, and support one another. The planned community purchase is framed as a preventative measure against social isolation, a growing concern in rural areas with aging populations and dwindling amenities.
The social case for keeping a pub open
Pub life in rural Ireland has traditionally done more than serve drinks—it offered a daily pulse for the village. For many residents, the local pub acts as a free informal meeting room, where neighbours catch up after long days, where families celebrate milestones, and where volunteers mobilize for local causes. When the doors close, gaps in social networks can widen quickly. The Cullen initiative argues that by owning and operating the pub, the community can set the terms for inclusive events, affordable meals, and programs that bring people together—young and old alike.
How the plan could work
The campaign outlines a phased approach: raise funds through community shares, apply for grants that support rural development, and engage with local authorities to ensure sustainable operation. They envision a model that preserves hourly staffing, hosts a mix of activities (quiz nights, music, coffee mornings, and community forums), and reinvests any profits into town projects. A key challenge will be balancing profitability with accessibility—ensuring prices stay fair for locals while maintaining a viable business model that can weather seasonal ebbs and flows.
Community benefits beyond the bar
If successful, the purchase could seed broader benefits for Cullen. A maintained pub could sustain nearby services by drawing patrons who would otherwise travel to larger towns. It could also serve as a platform for mental health support groups, senior activities, youth outreach, and cultural events that reflect the village’s character. Local volunteers emphasize that the initiative is about people, not profit, and that community ownership would empower residents to decide programming and hours that best reflect need.
Next steps and timelines
Organisers are currently outlining fundraising targets, governance structures, and a roadmap for due diligence. They acknowledge the path will require broad community involvement, transparent reporting, and perhaps external supporters who share a commitment to rural vitality. Early fundraising events and information sessions are planned to build momentum, answer questions, and demonstrate that Cullen’s last pub can be more than a relic of better days—it can be a resilient hub for today’s needs.
Why it matters now
Across rural Ireland, pubs are increasingly under threat, and with the closures, communities risk losing social infrastructure that sustains well-being. The Cullen campaign represents a practical, locally driven response—an attempt to reimagine a cherished institution as a communal asset. While challenges remain, the initiative underscores a broader truth: when residents come together to protect what matters most—community connections—there is potential to keep the lights on, both figuratively and literally, for years to come.
