A Kerry pub that was recently thought to sell Ireland’s cheapest pint of Guinness has been blown out of the water by the Irish Defence Forces.
Helen’s Bar in Kilmackillogue caused a stir on social media earlier this summer when it emerged that a pint of stout cost just €3.90 in the rural watering hole, which was believed to be the country’s cheapest pint.
However, records released under freedom of information laws have revealed that military personnel and their guests can buy pints of Guinness for just €3.30 in 45 bars located in Defence Forces barracks nationwide.
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A gin and tonic costs just €3.10 in the barracks' boozers, while bottles of Heineken and Budweiser retail for €2.40. Pints of lager sell for as little as €3.10, and shots of Jagermeister set punters back just €1.90.
The military bars are not open to the general public but civilians can attend at the invitation of Defence Forces personnel. They generated sales of almost €1.5 million in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hospitality facilities were previously subsidised by the taxpayer, receiving almost €1 million from the Exchequer between 2012 and 2015. However, this practice was discontinued and they are now funded from their own profits.
An official price list shows that the bars sell pints of Beamish for as little as €2.90, while pints of Budweiser, Heineken or Carlsberg cost €3.30. Carling and Fosters are priced even lower, at €3.10.
Gin and vodka retail for €2.00 but whiskey and brandy are slightly more expensive, selling for €2.20 and €2.40 respectively. Premium gins like Bombay Sapphire cost €2.30.
Non-alcoholic products are also keenly priced in the army bars. A cup of coffee costs just 70 cent, tea sells for 50 cent, and patrons can enjoy a bowl of soup for as little as 60 cent.
The outlets also sell a range of cigars and other tobacco products, as well as snacks, confectionery, and a selection of ribbons and holders for military medals.
In 2019, the network of military watering holes generated profits of €439,607 on sales of €1,480,592, representing a gross margin of 29.7%. Sales fell to €375,918 in 2020 and €277,384 last year due to the impact of the pandemic.
A spokesman for the Defence Forces said the retail prices for all alcoholic and non-alcoholic goods are adjusted in response to notified price increases from suppliers and following reviews by the Canteen Board.
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