It’s no secret that the hospitality industry is in crisis. In each Instagram post announcing another closure, there are familiar refrains: 'It’s not sustainable,', 'rising costs and recent challenges impacting small businesses', 'financial difficulties', 'staffing issues'.

For Joanna Hannick, who runs The Clubhouse Hotel in Kilkenny’s centre with her husband Ian, the rising cost of raw materials has been a significant burden. 'This year we have struggled food-wise,' she says. 'It has reached a pinnacle. Every hotel now is struggling with food. The price of supplies is colossal.'

Hannick also says that the increase in the minimum wage will be another hurdle. 'It’s detrimental to the hospitality industry. Your salary percentages and your wage percentages will be out of control.'

Diarmuid Behan, who runs Behan’s Horseshoe Bar and Restaurant in Listowel, Co Kerry with his parents, says there’s 'very little profit in hospitality for the hours you put in'. 'We’re busy almost every day in the restaurant' he says, 'but once you take away those overheads, that profit has you shaking your head. I can see a lot more businesses closing after Christmas if something isn’t changed'