Time at the bar
Museums plan to preserve historic pubs
WORLD famous brewer Heineken is working with Irish pubs to have them formally recognised as museums by the Heritage Council.
Their campaign is to be launched today from a traditional bar in Dublin and will spread out across the country in the coming weeks.
Punters in for a pint will be able to scan a QR code on historical artefacts with their phone to learn all about the rich history of the boozer in which they are sitting.
The roadshow will move from Toner’s of Baggot Street in the capital, to Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Co Westmeath – recognised as the oldest pub in the world – next Thursday, then to Mother Mac’s in Limerick on April 18.
Mother Mac’s co-owner Michael Mcmahon, who has the pub with his brother James, told the Irish Mirror that the project is exciting.
CULTURE
The Limerick premises has been open since 1787.
He said: “For me, Irish pubs are custodians of local history and also nationally.
“You can walk into any pub and there will be elements of our local history and culture there, never mind the people there who will tell the stories about that.
“It’s a wonderful thing, this pub museum initiative from Heineken. It’s like a living history, a living museum. It’ll be great.
“They’re putting it onto a digital platform, which will make it accessible for tourists to come in and learn about the pub and the locality.
“They will hear great stories. The ladies and gents who sit at our bar counters, they are the true storytellers; they are the keepers of history, locally and in the community.
“They will encourage this initiative, they will be fascinated by it. It’s capturing history and preserving it for the next generation.”
Toners has been open on Dublin’s Baggot St since 1818.
Its manager Paul Corcoran said: “As publicans, we understand the profound role Irish pubs play in
society and socialising in Ireland and internationally.
“These are hubs of community, storytelling, and camaraderie.
“We remain steadfast in preserving our establishments, for they are not just places to drink, but sanctuaries where traditions are upheld, friendships are forged, and memories are made.”
Meanwhile, Sean’s Bar in Athlone is certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest boozer on the planet, with walls dating to 900AD.
It was established by
a man named Luain at a crossing point on the River Shannon, facilitating safe passage for both people and animals.
Luain later gave his name to Athlone, the Anglicised name of Ath Luain – Luain’s Ford.
There will be many artefacts to scan here including the old walls made of wattle and daub, consisting of hazel sticks interwoven with horizontal twigs and clay. Guests will also be able to learn about the history of the sloped floors which was the original form of drainage in the pub and the tradition of using sawdust on the floor.
Manager Timmy Donovan said: “As the world’s oldest bar, our commitment to keeping the spirit of the Irish pub alive is unwavering.
We’re hugely proud of what we have preserved here. We’re looking forward to welcoming our customers in to have a go of this digital museum and learn even more about Sean’s Bar and all of the stories here.”
Heineken marketing manager Mark Nobel claimed it is time to celebrate the Irish pub.
He said: “We have such a rich heritage. They are more than just somewhere where you go to have a beer.
“They are places where you go to tell stories, to connect.”