Long Ireland Beer Company, the first craft brewery to open in Riverhead, is closing its doors on Dec. 31.
Long Ireland made the announcement Saturday via its social media accounts.
Owners Dan Burke and Greg Martin opened the brewery in 2011. The pair had worked together for 10 years in the heating/air conditioning business and began brewing beer as a hobby. In 2010, after a couple years as hobbyists, they decided to take the plunge full-time into the brewing business, and signed a lease on the 8,800-square-foot former Agway building at 817 Pulaski Street.
MORE: Long Ireland brewery coming to Riverhead (Nov. 4, 2010)
“We have worked endlessly these past years trying to stay afloat, trying to provide a fun & welcoming atmosphere, trying to brew consistently good beer. Even with all of our hard work & dedication – we have come to the reality that it just isn’t enough,” Long Ireland said in a Facebook post yesterday.
The brewery was immediately popular as a gathering place for socializing and special events. Its opening marked the beginning of a trend in Riverhead, with several more microbreweries opening shortly afterward.
MORE: Local trends: Fresh, hand-made craft beer flows in Riverhead (July 27, 2012)
“From first dates to last calls, crazy ‘Halfway’ parties to after work beers, Long Ireland has always been more than a place to drink. It’s where we made so many real friends, so many awesome memories. The community that was created here is nothing short of incredible & we’re all so thankful for that,” the post said.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making Long Ireland what it was.”
The brewery was listed for sale in the fall of 2023. Burke told RiverheadLOCAL in January 2024 that he was negotiating with a potential buyer. At the time, Burke said he was hopeful the deal would be inked and Long Ireland’s future would be secured, but it was not to be.
“Over the next couple of weeks we hope you’ll join us in the tasting room and help us say goodbye on a high note. We have a few fun events left, so If you’ve ever raised a pint with us, made a memory here, or felt like part of our extended beer-loving family — now’s the time to come by and see us,” the brewery staff said in the Facebook post.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support and sadness from the brewery’s loyal fans, who reminisced about good times spent at Long Ireland, and the friendships that were forged there.
“So heartbroken to see Long Ireland close, but so grateful for all the laughs, pints, and memories over the years. You created more than a brewery, you created a family,” wrote Nick Fasano.
“Pioneers on LI for sure, great beer, great vibes, great people! I’m so sorry this [is] the end, I had hoped for a different outcome. Thank you for years of support,” wrote Paul Leone, executive director of New York State Brewers Association.
Many people posted thanks not only for the “good times and great beer” but for the support the brewery provided to their organizations, such as the N.Y. Marine Rescue Center and Suffolk County Homefront, which held fundraisers and other events at Long Ireland.
“I can truly say, without your fundraising efforts through the golf outings and …auctions, we would not have been able to carry out our mission of supporting Suffolk County’s service members and veterans,” wrote Cindy Dickson of Suffolk County Homefront. “The times you allowed us to utilize your space to do our holiday pack outs was also invaluable.”
New Year’s Eve will be Long Ireland’s “final hurrah,” the brewery said.
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