‘It’s important that I look after the locals’ – meet the publican who sells pints of Guinness from €4.50

Billy Ryan, of The Exchange Bar in Waterford city, is serving pints of Guinness from €4.50 this St Patrick’s Day and every day, as one of the cheapest bars in an urban area in Ireland.

After 7pm, when bands start to play at the bar, the price of a pint goes up 30c to €4.80 to account for the cost of the entertainment.

The Irish Independent surveyed pubs across Ireland and found this pub to be the cheapest.

Mr Ryan (62), who has managed the bar for 15 years, said he draws a big crowd and a lot of tourists because they know they are guaranteed an affordable and enjoyable night out in his pub.

“It’s easy, it’s about bums on seats,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s better to have trade than no trade. Weekends are busy and during Cheltenham you won’t get a seat, the same for Paddy’s Day. It’s my busiest week of the year.”

Mr Ryan said customers travel from Dublin, Cork and Wexford to enjoy a budget-friendly night out or a weekend in Waterford, and stop off at his bar.

He said people often avail of cheap hotel deals and spend up to two or three days in the city.

“A lot of people come down here as the drink is cheaper,” Mr Ryan said.

“They have a night out here. They know it’s more affordable and they have fun.

“People tell me it’s too expensive where they live in Dublin and Cork. Some come four or five times a year.

“I have a crowd coming from Wexford for Cheltenham. They’re staying three days in a hotel and they’ll have their nights out here,” he said.

“A lot of locals have been coming here for the last 10 to 15 years. I know their names. I have grandparents coming here, their children, their grandchildren, their friends and their friends’ families.

“It’s important I look after those people with fair pricing because the business is like family and it’s why I pay my staff fairly too.

“Regardless of inflation, no one needs to charge some of the prices in the cities. Dublin prices are incredible.

“Of course prices have gone up but the price of a pint should only go up by the amount it has to, not more.

“I don’t feel you can justify the prices in Dublin pubs. It’s five letters – greed. If people can avoid expense, they should,” he added.