Irish pub

[1] Irish pubs or public houses were the working man's alternative to the private drinking establishments frequented by those who could pay for entry.

[1] Irish pubs underwent a major transformation during the 19th century when a growing temperance movement in Ireland forced publicans to diversify their businesses to compensate for declining spirit sales.

This seemingly counter-productive arrangement is a design artefact dating from earlier operation as a spirit grocery and also accounts for the differing external appearance of British and Irish pubs.

[2] Unlike their British counterparts, Irish pubs are usually named after the current or previous owner or the street they are located on.

Elaborate exterior decoration is rare, but was typified by The Irish House on Wood Quay in Dublin, which was surrounded in 1870 by coloured friezes of nationalist heroes, and with iconic traditional themes such as round towers.

[8] Traditionally, an Irish snug was meant for women who wanted to drink in secrecy, but then the use expanded to other patrons expecting some privacy.

Pubs in Northern Ireland are largely identical to their counterparts in the Republic except for the aforementioned lack of spirit grocers.

Traditional pubs in Belfast include The Crown Liquor Saloon (owned by the National Trust) and the city's oldest bar, White's Tavern, which was established in 1630 as a wine shop.

[2][7] That warm and friendly atmosphere extends to outsiders as well and it is not uncommon for strangers or tourists to be drawn into conversations with locals.

In addition to the casual social atmosphere, hearty food and drink, sports, and traditional Irish music are hallmarks of pub culture.

[7] Drinks include a variety of spirits and beers on tap but one can certainly expect Guinness and Irish whiskey such as Bushmills or Jameson.

[7] Musicians play jigs, reels and other folk songs with Uilleann pipes, fiddles, bodhráns (traditional drums), and flutes.

However, as the cost of importing woodwork and fittings for an Irish pub became prohibitive, prospective owners looked more locally and nearly all of the required material is now more than adequately supplied from within the United States or Canada.

[citation needed] While many pubs are still owned by individuals of Irish origin, the vast majority of new Irish pubs being opened are owned by American or Canadian restaurant operators who recognise the very attractive business model and the potential return on investment.

Examples of the "Irish pub" concept translating to American casual dining include O'Charley's and Bennigan's.

[16] Irish pubs in North America that try to be authentic usually ensure that food is 'made from scratch', from fresh ingredients and using local produce where possible.