Beer was the Ireland’s most popular alcohol last year, followed by wine.

In 2005, there was 8,617 pubs in Ireland with that number now standing at 6,563.

Beer s for 42.9 per cent of the alcohol market in Ireland, figures suggest.

A report by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland showed there were 6,788 pubs operating last year, down from 8,617 in 2005.