A pilot programme which will see rural pubs turned into digital hubs, cinemas and book clubs is being rolled out in five counties.
The plan is modelled on a similar scheme in the UK and is designed to make use of pubs during quiet trading times while also supporting communities.
Five pubs have been selected in Cavan, Kerry, Donegal, Clare and Cork as part of the pilot programme.
Funding of €50,000 has been provided to the Vintners Federation of Ireland and if the pilot is a success, it will be rolled out to other parts of the country.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said that in recent years rural pubs have faced challenges and those challenges were exacerbated further by the pandemic.
"This new initiative in collaboration with the Vintners Federation of Ireland is about exploring how the rural pub can be utilised as a space for community activities and service," Minister Humphreys said.
"Through the 'Pubs as Community Hubs' initiative, we want to see how rural pubs can diversify during quiet trading times by acting as community cinemas, book clubs and meeting spaces for local community groups," she added.
The initiative, part of the Government's "Our Rural Future" plan, has been welcomed by the Vintners' Federation of Ireland.
"The Pub as Community Hub pilot programme is a fantastic opportunity to examine how pubs will thrive in rural localities," said Padraig Cribben, CEO of the VFI.
"Upon completion these pilot projects will offer a roadmap for our members as they navigate the coming challenges and opportunities faced by the rural hospitality sector," he added.
At the Keeper's Arms in Bawnboy in Co Cavan, owners Shield and Bryan McKiernan plan on installing a community cinema under the new initiative.
"We hope that the cinema will cater in particular for elderly people during the daytime," the pub owners said.
"The nearest cinema in Cavan Town is almost 40kms away so we think there will be strong demand from the local community," they said.
"We're going to be using funding from the pilot programme to secure a projector and screen, new cinema seating and black-out blinds," they added.
