Irish pubs and Unesco status

Sir, – Una Mullally writes there is a strong case for seeking Unesco recognition for the uniqueness of Ireland’s pubs (“Why we should declare Irish pubs a cultural asset”, Opinion & Analysis, January 22nd). She quotes Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth, who says the cultural value of our pubs should be acknowledged through Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In fact, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has already commenced the process for joining the Unesco list.

In late summer 2023, we submitted an application to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for pubs to join the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ireland, a necessary first step to attaining Unesco status. The committee responsible for assessing applications only meets on an ad hoc basis so we await its decision with some anticipation.

Both Una Mullally and Niamh Smyth are correct in their argument that our pubs deserve recognition and protection. The pubs is a unique cultural asset that, as we state in our submission, transcends its physical space to become a cornerstone of community life. It serves as a meeting point where friends, neighbours, and strangers can come together to engage in lively conversation and forge lasting connections. – Yours, etc,