The VFA wrote to UNESCO to save rural Irish pubs, which they say have been in decline for years, according to the Irish Mirror.

Paul Clancy, the VFA’s chief executive, said: “We need to protect this valuable cultural asset. The majority of rural publicans run businesses that turnover less than €190,000 per annum. These are not large businesses.

“In many parts of rural Ireland, the pub is the last community hub remaining in villages, long after banks and post offices have retreated.

“The typical pub is a community centre as much as a pub and, as already stated, the publican plays a vital role in that local community.

“In fact, the cultural value of our pubs is so important that the VFI is in the process of applying for pubs to join the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which protects the world’s living heritage.”