Popular brewery, Riverhead's Long Ireland Beer Co., to close, owners announce

A beloved Riverhead brewery has announced it will serve its final pour.

Long Ireland Beer Co., which opened in 2011, announced on social media it will close on Dec. 31.

"Sadly we are making this post to let all of our loyal Hooligans know that after almost 17 years in business, we will be closing our doors for good in just a few short weeks," Saturday's post said.

Created by co-workers Dan Burke and Greg Martin, the two went from brewing in Martin’s garage to leaving their jobs at a heating and electric company and opening an 8,800-square-foot building on Pulaski Street.

At its beginning, the brewery produced 400 kegs a month and delivered on average 10 to 15 kegs a day to more than 250 locations across Long Island.

The brewery offered about 60 original beers, including its flagship Celtic Ale, Balor IPA, Hooligan Irish Stout, Pumpkin Ale and Polish Tom Pilsner.

In 2023, Newsday reported the brewery was for sale for $1.4 million. The post did not say if the brewery had sold.

"We have worked endlessly these past years trying to stay afloat, trying to provide a fun & welcoming atmosphere, trying to brew consistently good beer," the post continued. "Even with all of our hard work & dedication — we have come to the reality that it just isn’t enough."

The social media posts garnered reactions from hundreds of followers, many of whom commented on how they had fond memories of the brewery and were sad to see it close.

In addition to beer, the brewery offered community events such as its Pintwood Derby, Oktoberfest beer festival, live music, meetups for book clubs and running clubs, St. Baldrick's gatherings, arts and crafts nights, and most recently a Santa Paws & Pints market for dogs, according to its social media.

"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 post continued. "The community that was created here is nothing short of incredible & we’re all so thankful for that."

The owners could not immediately be reached for comment.