Irish pubs are globally recognized cultural icons and significant pieces of local history, many of which treasure priceless stories and valuable heirlooms. They play a fundamental role in the communities they serve and deserve to be preserved to safeguard both their heritage and future generations.
To do so, Heineken turned three Irish pubs into virtual Pub Museums. They allow visitors to scan QR codes to unlock narratives on local legends.
Toners Pub
Dublin’s history is full of iconic pubs that can take you back to a time when the bar taps flowed like the River Liffey and flagged floors echoed with stories of leprechauns. From cozy nooks where poets and playwrights would linger to sports bars that really get going when rugby games are on, the Irish capital has some seriously tempting places to grab a pint and chat the night away.
One such historic pub is Toners of Baggot Street Lower, a place that’s been in operation since 1818. It’s been home to many a pint and has even been a location for a few scenes in Sergio Leone films including Duck, You Sucker!
The pub has a charming rustic interior featuring wooden high stools and original stock drawers. It’s a great spot to sit and watch the world go by with a glass of Guinness in hand. It’s also a popular place to eat as it offers an extensive menu of pizzas and other Italian dishes that are made in a traditional Neapolitan style.
In addition to serving beer, Toners offers wine and spirits. The staff is always happy to recommend the best options based on your tastes and preferences. The restaurant serves a wide variety of classic Irish dishes as well. It is also known for its live music and storytelling.
It’s hard to describe the special feeling you get when you step into a genuinely old pub. The worn walls and weathered floor are a testament to years of spirited drinking and laughter. The knowledge that so many footsteps have walked those same floors gives the place a special ambiance that you just can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, try pairing a pint of Guinness with a delicious slice of Diavola pizza. The combination may sound strange, but it’s a match made in heaven. Both establishments offer excellent service and an atmosphere that will make you feel at home. The next time you’re in town, make sure to stop by to see what all the fuss is about.
Mother Macs Public House
Irish pubs are globally recognised cultural icons revered locally for their unparalleled social atmospheres. They are also significant pieces of local history, with a rich tradition that continues to play a key role in their communities and beyond. To celebrate this heritage, Heineken is turning iconic Irish pubs into virtual museum experiences using augmented reality. Known as ‘Pub Museums,’ the experience allows visitors to Toners Pub in Dublin, Sean’s Bar in Athlone and Limerick’s Mother Macs Public House to scan QR codes on historical artifacts within the pub to unlock narratives of local legends.
Located on High Street and Upper Denmark Street, Mother Macs is an iconic Limerick city pub with a reputation for whiskey, craft beer and a warm Irish welcome. It was named Traditional Irish Pub of the Year in 2022 and is famous for its whiskey tasting evenings. The pub has been in the business for over a century, and its owners Mike and James McMahon are committed to safeguarding its heritage for generations to come.
Mike and James made the bold decision to ban screens in the bar, so that customers can focus on fostering conversation. They have even turned the WiFi off recently, because they are sick of people staring at their phones. The pub is all about getting people to talk to each other and it’s a wonderful example of a place that’s not afraid to embrace its past.
As a nod to the pub’s gruesome past, there are several framed newspaper clippings in the bar detailing the 1976 massacre when then-landlord Arthur Bradbury killed his wife, three children and their cleaner before committing suicide himself. The back Piccadilly boozer also has some eerie artefacts, such as three iron columns believed to have been carried from the nearby Harrison Lee foundry, which operated from the early 1800s until 1932. As a result of these historic landmarks, the pub’s ambience is both unique and haunting.
Sean’s Bar
As the sun sets and a hush falls over the streets of Athlone, a town located in Ireland’s County Westmeath, the only sounds are the soft clicking of ice cubes and the low murmur of conversation. This is the time of day when locals and tourists alike gather in Sean’s Bar, a pub that has garnered renown around the world for its whiskey.
The bar was originally known as Luain’s Inn, and it is reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. It was established at a crossing point along the River Shannon, and it is believed that the inn’s owner, Luain Mac Luighdeach, used to guide travelers across the treacherous waters. Tavern tokens of an unspecified date have been found at the site, and carbon-dated material indicates that the pub was built in 900 AD or earlier.
A renovation in 1970 uncovered walls made of wattle and wicker, and these were discovered along with old coins that had been minted for trading. Sean’s Bar currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest pub in Ireland, although research is underway to claim it as the oldest pub in the world as well.
The pub has many of the characteristics that are typically associated with Irish bars, including uneven sawdust floors and a roaring fireplace. Its narrow entrance opens up to a cozy back room that extends to a beer garden. The beer selection is extensive and includes a wide variety of Irish whiskeys.
In addition to serving a variety of beer and whiskey, the pub also offers a range of other beverages including wine and coffee. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the pub is a great place to meet new people while enjoying some of Ireland’s best brews, the same as if you were to visit the The Dolly Blue Bar, though in a different location.
If you are in the area, make sure to stop by Sean’s Bar for a pint of Guinness and some of the best music that Ireland has to offer. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. You will soon find yourself chatting away with the locals and getting involved in the craic.
Smugglers Creek Inn
A pub-come-restaurant-and-bed and-breakfast overlooking Rossnowlagh Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Sligo, this is a truly special place to visit. Guests can sit in the beer garden and enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness or a delicious fish dish from the menu while taking in the stunning view.
The pub also serves up some of the best music in Ireland. Many famous Irish musicians such as Christy Moore and Roy Harper have played here in the past. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff are always willing to help with any questions you may have.
If you’re looking for a little adventure while visiting the pub, you can even take a kayak trip with Bray Adventures! They’ll guide you around the beautiful coastline, including a set of rugged sea stacks home to nesting guillemots and cormorants. Then, you can return to the pub for a bite to eat and a few pints.
Sliabh Liag is the highest cliff in Europe and provides breathtaking views of the ocean below. The rocky formation is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The Skelligs Islands, which were featured in the most recent Star Wars movie, have also been a popular tourist attraction.
In the small coastal town of Sligo, there is plenty to do. The area is a hive of activity year-round with numerous arts events, music festivals, and a delightful food scene. There is something for everyone here, from world-class surfing to quaint bars and pubs where you can listen to live music and have some good craic with friends.
For those looking for some peace and quiet, there are plenty of secluded spots in Sligo where you can enjoy a quiet drink or meal. For example, The Rusty is a cozy pub near the Garavogue River in Sligo Town. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and the staff are known for their genuine friendliness and good craic.
This pub is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the history, culture, and cuisine of Ireland. With 13 rooms, this quaint pub is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and adventure. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals prepared by Michelin trained chef Henry Hunt. His philosophy is to use the finest of sustainable seafood and locally grown ingredients to create dishes that are both exciting and innovative.
