LVA Conference 2025 shapes pub future
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) Conference 2025 took place at Dublin’s Westbury Hotel on Wednesday, 24 September, bringing together industry experts and pub operators to discuss the future of the city’s pub trade.
The event covered a wide range of topics affecting pubs, including the smart use of food to drive sales, the growing demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages, and emerging trends in the on-trade drinks sector.
Speakers also explored how younger generations perceive pubs, the influence of social media on consumer behaviour, and best practices for refurbishing pub premises to meet evolving customer expectations.
Attendees heard insights into how pubs can adapt to changing market dynamics while maintaining their role as social hubs.
The conference offered practical advice and innovative strategies designed to help operators stay competitive and relevant.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on the future of the trade, featuring Oisín Rogers of The Devonshire, Soho, Patrick Rigney of The Shed Distillery, and LVA chair Tom Cleary of The Temple Bar.
The panel debated challenges and opportunities ahead, offering perspectives on sustainability, customer engagement, and the evolving Dublin pub landscape.
The LVA Conference 2025 reinforced its commitment to supporting the city’s vibrant pub community.
Oisín Rogers (right) of The Devonshire, Soho speaks during the expert panel discussion on the future of the on-trade at the LVA Conference. He was joined by (left) Patrick Rigney of The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney and (centre) LVA chair Tom Cleary of The Temple Bar
LVA chair, Tom Cleary of The Temple Bar
LVA CEO Donall O’Keeffe
LVA chair Tom Cleary, The Temple Bar with daughter Jan and son Tom
John McGovern, The Bailey and Ian Murray, Fitzgerald Group, Kehoes
Conor Linnane, Linnane Family and LVA vice chair, John Byrne of The Burnaby Pub and Restaurant, Greystones
Barney McGill, Danielle McGill and Steven Haines of Iveagh Garden Hotel
Kate Byrne and Meabh O’Sullivan, Diageo
LVA’s HR advisor and managing director of Kala Management Solutions, Gillian Knight with Conor Linnane, Linnane Family
Some of the speakers at the LVA Conference 2025 (left to right) Muriel Foley, MGFD; Laura Willoughby MBE, Club Soda; Phillip Montgomery, CGA; Claire Hyland, Thinkhouse; Pól Ó Conghaile, Mediahuis Ireland and LVA CEO Donall O’Keeffe
LVA chair Tom Cleary, The Temple Bar with Paul Keogh, Keogh’s Pub
Ronan Lynch, The Swan; Steven Kelly, Keelings of Donabate/ Moss Lane and Paul Sheehan, Sheehan’s of Chatham Street
LVA CEO Donall O’Keeffe in conversation with the team from Drinks Industry Ireland, Ian Mulvaney and Fionnuala Carolan
