Donal Fallon: 'Co-op' pubs, run by locals, could be the key to preserving our important community focal points

"Community-run bars are popping up around the UK, and Ireland is now catching up"

"Last weekend I made my way to Kilkenomics, which is a daunting enough prospect when one is neither an economist nor a comedian."

"It's rare to share a bill with discussions on Adam Smith, Karl Marx or talks with grandiose titles like "Making Millions: Ten Tech Trends That Will Change Your Life"."

Community-run bars are emerging across the UK, and Ireland is beginning to adopt the model. Kilkenomics blends economics and comedy on a single bill, drawing audiences with a mix of serious and entertaining content. The event places discussions of Adam Smith and Karl Marx alongside sessions framed around contemporary wealth creation, including talks titled "Making Millions: Ten Tech Trends That Will Change Your Life." The combination of academic themes and comedic presentation exemplifies a growing appetite for mixed-genre public events. The rise of community-run venues reflects demand for locally governed social spaces that host cultural, civic, and educational gatherings.

Read at Independent