An Irish pub is...?

Subject: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: skarpi
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:38 PM

Hallo all , to become an Irish pub, the owner need to ???? do what .

Here in Iceland we have maybe three pubs that you can tell " Celtic "
but , there are Life music , but not folk music , just pop music and
rock and music like that .

So if I would like to have a Irish pub witch I would call " Anam Cara "
how should it be like , what should I have to do to be able calling it
" Irish " ???? pub ...

All the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: mandotim
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:41 PM

In Ireland.
Tim ;)

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: skarpi
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:44 PM

I wish :>)) I could

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: alanabit
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:44 PM

I have played dozens of IPs, but I don't really know Skarpi. There is just one observation, which I would like to offer. When a group of Irish guys (and gals) gets together, they sing. They don't give a bugger's about "what is folk?" or any of that stuff. They simply sing the songs they know and like. Some of the songs are undoubtedly folk songs by any definition, others are not. I have often wondered whether that might not be the reason why traditional music is probably better preserved in Ireland than it is in most other countries.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:52 PM

Good thread subject, skarpi. I don't buy into mandotim's quip though. I always make the distinction between theme bars which are little more than movie sets. You know the places, they are filled with all kinds of props and pictures, and look nice. They usually have a really nice menu, sell Guinness, Smithwicks, etc. But they are nothing more than theme bars. I make a lot of money in these places, but the lack the feel.

Let me give you a contrast, and actual example. In my hometown there is a pub named Quinn & Tuite's. This is a gathering place for the Irish community. The week before St Pat's, March 8, on a Saturday afternoon, had you walked in, you would have found families, kids playing with the pool tables and running around, the adults were at the tables and in the snugs solving the problems of the world (did you notice a difference?), down in the lower area there were musicians playing music. After a bit, Chris Gibbons sits down with his 4 kids, and plays jigs, reels, hornpipes, sings songs. Each kid plays an instrument, with Daddy Chris playing banjo. The littlest is 6 year old Patrick who wears a flop newsboy hat and plays bodhran. The lad is all hat and drum

In short, you can have an Irish themed bar and probably do fine. But if you want it to be what it should be, you need the music, a decent jar, and it should be a place where families might gather and getting drunk is not the first priority. No one should ever feel out of place, or alone, in a decent pub.

Might be vague, but it's the best I can do.

Mick

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: mandotim
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 06:14 PM

Good enough Mick. If I had to define the characteristics of a good pub in Ireland, that would be about it. I guess I'm a bit skeptical about trying to recreate something like an Irish pub anywhere else. I've seen so many pale imitations, and too many trying much too hard.
My local in England doesn't try to be Irish at all; but the landlord used to live in Templemore, and the pub you describe sounds a lot like his. It's not about decor, or a 'theme'. It's about the people, and the community that builds up around a good pub. Good music doesn't hurt either, especially when it's encouraged.
Very best.
Tim

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 06:28 PM

Yep, Tim, I am right there with you. I remember playing on a Sunday afternoon at that pub I described. As I was sitting on stage, I looked out at the families, the old men chewing on each others ears, the staff engaging folks, the kids playing with each other, .... and I stopped the crowd and asked them to look around them. I told them that what they saw, outside of the decorations, is what makes it truly a public house. It is, indeed, the people, and the atmosphere that allows folks to relate. And music, can't be a decent joint without the tinkly bits.

All the best right back,

Mick

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Peace
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 06:35 PM

"An Irish pub is ............... ???"

an establishment filled with people who--when not in the pub--talk just like Canadians.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Val
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 07:26 PM

I'll admit to being a Yank who likely has never seen a proper Irish pub in his life, and therefore can't give good advice. But it seems to me that Skarpi is not so much asking "what things do you find in a good pub?" as asking "how do you go about creating a good pub?"

If you in-the-know folks wanted to try and build a new pub, what would you do to ensure that it became known as a good Irish pub? Any advice on the trappings (chairs vs. stools vs. booths, preferred lighting, is a pool table required, etc.), the food & drink offerings (how elegant, how expensive, what's the minimum # of beers that should be on tap, etc), attitude of the staff, any efforts to attract particular entertainment and/or clientele, etc.

Certainly a lot of what makes a good pub special is the community of people - and that may be different in various other parts of the world. Hard to define, even harder to create. But surely all the collected wit and wisdom of 'Catters could come up with a few specific suggestions for Skarpi?

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: skarpi
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 07:31 PM

yes this is what I was thinkin of, but its also good to know that
you can bring your family , but in Iceland we have law that say,you cant
bring child into a pub ?

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 07:45 PM

We have the same law in Ireland - but, as with many other laws, we ignore it when it suits us!

Regards

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Peace
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 07:53 PM

Used to be able to do that in Canada, but I guess those days are gone now, Ryan.

Mick summed it up pretty well. I think it has more to do with the 'feeling' in the room and the music than any specific songs or instruments.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 07:58 PM

Are there a lot of Irish people in Iceland?

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 08 - 11:29 PM

No TV on, unless it's the All-Ireland Hurling or Football Final.

Where conversation takes precedence over canned music, jukebox and television.

Where you can read a newspaper or book over a pint (or a cup of tea and sandwich) without high-decibel garbage around you.

Where the staff and bartenders will engage you in conversation without being surly or snotty.

Where musicians can come in, sit down round a table, take out their instruments and have a few tunes for the music's sake.

Where your dog is welcome to lie at your feet beneath the table while you have a pint/conversation/tune.

Where well-behaved children are welcome to have a pop and a song with the big people.

Where you feel at home in front of a fire on a cold, wet day.

Where you meet your neighbors for a bit of craic.

Good luck, Skarpi.

Let me know if you ever open it!

Seamus

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Ernest
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:47 AM

...all said above plus performers like Big Mick and Seamus Kennedy...

Good luck

Ernest

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: mandotim
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 04:14 AM

One thing that seems to help is a supply of battered but serviceable musical instruments dotted around the place. (In case Christy comes in without his guitar????) One of my favourite bars is in Schull, West Cork. I was in there sans instruments, and was invited to play the 'house' mandolin in the session that was just starting. It was a well-used 1923 Gibson A3, and one of the sweetest mandolins I've ever played.
Tim

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 04:31 AM

- a pub in Ireland
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 04:52 AM

The Exile of Erin, in Manchester, just off Oldham Road... that definitely was Irish, back in the 70s. Long demolished. The Manchester Irish pubs, like those in Camden Town, catered for those working over here, hence they were usually deserted during the week- most of the clientele being too knackered after a 14 hour day shifting concrete to go for a drink. But at weekends, the ceack was fast, long and hard. A 3 o'clock Sunday morning finish was normal.

As for the chain Irish pubs that sprang up in the 90s, they are thankfully mostly gone now, being Seltic is out of fashion again.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: skarpi
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 06:03 AM

We have the same law in Ireland - but, as with many other laws, we ignore it when it suits us!    I like ignoring up to a point :>)

how many Irish in Iceland apart from those who have been here
last 50 yers or so , it should be like 150,000 half of the Icelandic nation comes from the agent Irish people who came here as viking slave
the other half is Norse,.

Seamus , I will let you know :>) today its not donneble, our econemy
is goin down very fast , our kr has fallin most of all money in the world
yesterday :>) so if you worry about $ dont it will be fine , Iceland
in the other hand is going to apply for Europian Union soon in next few
years and hoppefully we will have euros here.

Jim , jabb but not all pub in Ireland are good are they ???



All the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Ernest
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 08:03 AM

before I forget(sorry, I couldn`t resist):












An Irish Pub is.......not furnished by IKEA



Getting my coat from the nearest LOGGA, BODÖ, Sväng or whatever...

Ernest

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: LesB
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 08:08 AM

An Irish pub is ............... ???
usually to be avoided.
Chers
les

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: ard mhacha
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 09:53 AM

Seamus spot on.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:31 PM

In addition to Seamus:

Where the doors are locked some time after the official Closing Time; except for those who know the special knock, and can then join those already inside.

Where the most visible sign that it's time for such a lock-in is the bartender placing ashtrays on the tables and bar, having spent the hours previously taking regular smoking-breaks amidst the group around the door (or in the yard at the back), and then lighting-up indoors and illegally.

Where the Parish Priest is as welcome as any other regular; and the fact that he never drinks during Lent, or Holy Month, is known and respected. The fact that he drinks like a fish the rest of the time is also known and respected.

Where every singer is treated with courtesy and appreciative silence, except when everyone joins in with a familiar song. Where every regular's favourite songs are known, and no-one will "steal" another's, except as a friendly competition. And the Priest will do this as well.

Where there's always a lift for those who live too far for safe walking in the dark nights.

Where I haven't been for too long.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Emma B
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:36 PM

Thanks An Buachaill Caol Dubh I recognize your desciption:)

What an Irish Pub is NOT!

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:43 PM

I'll probably get into trouble here but...

In the 1970s a certain pub across from my place of work in London NW10, much frequented by the N London Irish diaspora, featured:

Instant service

Very large gentlemen behind the bar

Very large sticks kept handy behind the bar

Guinness left to settle and the head tidied up with a knife before serving

Thur/Fri nights, the staff would keep customers' wages behind the bar for them

Sat. nights, collectors for the Sally Army AND the Provos (honest!)

None of yer ersatz leprechaunery there then......

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:44 PM

And I, alas, recognize that "link" (or the commercial simulacra described therein). My own characterization above is indeed largely based on one place in Ireland, though with elements of others - known not by the names painted outside, but by the owner's - not that far away from the first. If we only had "old" Ireland over here.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 01:01 PM

No question about it, Ye have defined the quintessential Irish Pub right enough, now, how do we continue to patronise it, if we live more than a few miles from it !!!??
(Seamus, don't forget the 1980s and 90s when "The Boys in Green" were driving the bus and Jack was made an honorary citizen, could it happen again ?)

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Colin Randall
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 01:25 PM

............a great place for drink and craic in Ireland, or a pub with live English football if you're abroad (and since I support Sunderland, also known these days as SundIreland in honour of ownership/management, that seems fitting)

That's one answer. Another, from a man I used to meet for a drink on trips to Belfast, would be:
    the place in Donegal he fell in love with on his first visit. The publican took so much time pulling and scraping his pint of stout that he paused at one point, reached behind him for a bottled version of Guinness and said: "So would you care for to be taking a glass while you wait?"

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 01:47 PM

An Buachaill Caol Dubh - I like your additions, with one more: the local cop gives the pub a 'heads-up' before coming to check on after-hours drinking. Then after a peremptory look-round, he comes back and joins the after-hours drinkers for one or two before continuing his appointed rounds.

Beachcomber - the pub-owner invests in a van/shuttle bus to ferry his drinking customers home for a small fee? Or push the designated-driver concept harder.

But the pub-in-a-box doesn't work for me.

When I had my tour group of Yanks home in Ireland a few years ago, I brought them into a lovely, well-appointed chain pub. We'd bought quite a few drinks and some grub, and they asked me to sing a few songs. So I pulled out the guitar and started to play when the manager came over and told me to quit, or we'd have to leave.

Now, the place wasn't very busy when we came in, with just some soap-opera on telly, and here's 45 Yanks eating and drinking and spending money, and the locals/regulars were enjoying the singing too.

I tried reasoning with the manager, "Look I brought these American visitors in here for a bite and a bit of craic. They're dropping a lot of money here. can I just do a few more tunes for them?"

'Absolutely not." says he. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave."

The locals began to boo, the Americans began to mutter darkly, and he became apoplectic. I put my guitar away, and got them to hell out of there. They mustn't have needed the business.

So now, no more chains or pubs-in-boxes for me.

Seamus

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 01:56 PM

Seamus, I was singing in a pub in a box, and I recieved a request for "Boys of the Old Brigade". So I start singing the song, and during the instrumental bit while Tommy was playing the pub owner comes up and tells me "we don't allow that kind of music here", and wants to have a discussion. I asked if he wouldn't mind if we had this discussion WHEN I WASN'T IN THE MIDDLE OF A FRIGGIN' SONG. We finished our set, and then I told him that I am the only person that determines what we play. I also told him that our band puts more behinds in the seats than any other band around, and they stay and drink, and would he like me to let them know about his request. Long and short of it, at the end of the night I made the determination that I wouldn't be back. He tries a couple times a year, but we have plenty of work.

Mick

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Geoff Wallis
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:17 PM

Some years ago I wrote an article for Glasgow's 'Sunday Herald' on the 50 best pubs in Ireland. It was graced by an introduction by the late Pete McCarthy whom I sadly never met. If you've not read it, Skarpi, I'd strongly suggest acquiring a copy of his book 'McCarthy's Bar'.

The article's now very out of date and more than a few of the pubs have closed, but I'd be happy to send a copy to anyone who wants one - just send me a PM. I'll add Pete's introduction to the text.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Winger
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:19 PM

Where can I find this pub in Belfast, Seamus?

Seems that some of you are looking through rose-tinted pint glasses.

An Irish pub is dirty glasses, toilets without toilet roll, a micro-wave oven (if you're lucky), cell phones going off, TV constantly turned on, plastic tables, a weekly karaoke night, a police breathalyzer check-point just up the road, an open ice-bucket on the counter-top containing 95 per cent of all germs known to man …

But it's as close to heaven as I'll ever get.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Gulliver
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:46 PM

I used to own an Irish pub, in Germany, so have first-hand knowledge of both sides of the counter. I never worked so hard in my life as I did there (we had live music twice a week and a "disco"-type affair on Sunday nights which I ran as well), but the craic was great too.

I wouldn't be too hard on the Irish Pub Company--they only provide the cosmetics. It's then up to the owner/manager/staff and customers to make it into a good pub.

On the subject of music in the pubs in Ireland, there are some pubs that traditionally have never had music (for example, the well-known and excellent Mulligans in Poolbeg Street in Dublin, but I could name others) and will not have music on any account. Mulligans used to have (and might still have!) a large sign on the wall: No Singing Allowed.

Some great comments above--keep them coming!

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:53 PM

After the week-end playing in an Irish Pub I feel qualified to describe it. Saturday night was a jam session with guitar players, banjoists, fiddlers and a few women doing some ceili dancing. Nothing planned or arranged/ On Sunday after the parade we all ended up in the same pub with laughing, talking people, kids running around all over the place, lots of good food and another jam session. The kids all went home about 7.30 pm. The rest of the night was filled with jokes, music and some patrons getting up to do their party piece. Everything was impromptu and not all patrons or singers were Irish, but they are regulars because there is no where else in the vicinity where they can enjoy Ceol agus craic. The owners are Irish, there is no music or songs that are not allowed but we do try to not insult anybody if possible. And it like this on the 3rd Sunday of every month year round. The other Sundays are just as busy but the entertainers range from soft rockers, blue grass, crooners etc., but you can still feel the Irishness as soon as you walk through the door and anybody is welcome to get up and sing at any time, just like back home.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 03:34 PM

What a decorous race are our Irish cousins!

These rough dumps that I used to play - I suppose they were phantasms of my imagination. Or perhaps I brought my own ambience with me.

I've got to admit the dodgier they were, the more I loved 'em! If you saw that sign behind the bar - 'Get your jumbo sausage here!' - I figured I was in for a good night.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 03:52 PM

A friend of mine once asked the manager of an O'Neills (genuine Oirish chain pub) to see if they'd consider having a traditional Irish music session on a quiet night.

His answer: "a what?"

You couldn't make it up.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 05:38 PM

Non-smoking!

Kitty

(I'll get my coat....)

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: MartinRyan
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 05:41 PM

You'll need it if you're going out for a fag!

Regards

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 08:11 PM

Winger, rose-tinted specs it is!

We can but hope....

Attaboy Mick.

Seamus

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: ard mhacha
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 07:39 AM

Geoff Wallis mentions the book, `McCarthy`s Bar`, anyone who hasn`t read it buy or borrow it and you are in for a treat.
The late Pete McCarty produced one of the funniest books I have ever read.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 01:12 PM

My cousin went to the same school Pete McCarthy mentions in that book. When I was about eleven, I used to go on holiday with the school outings - they used to let me tag along cos I really got on with my cousin - even though I wasn't a Catholic they'd let me go, and we'd wind up at Eucharistic Congresses and the like. I'd be genuflecting like a good 'un, just to get in the swim of things.

When I read the book, I sent it off to my cousin along with a note saying - I don't remember the De La Salle teaching brothers being the sort of cane wielding psychos that McCarthy describes.

My cousin wrote back saying, 'Actually Al, they were much worse - you only saw them in a holiday mood. The Headmaster would have been thrown out of the Gestapo for excessive cruelty. Other pupils I kept in contact with, had nightmares about the place into their thirties.'

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 01:22 PM

'A friend of mine once asked the manager of an O'Neills (genuine Oirish chain pub) to see if they'd consider having a traditional Irish music session on a quiet night.

His answer: "a what?" '

It doesn't surprise me in the least...I mean when someone tries to tell you that How Are Things in Glocca Morra? is a trad. arr Irish song...you have to wonder..

Charlotte (the view from Ma and Pa's piano stool)

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:04 PM

Pardon my indulgence but on the subject of crap pubs, I think a little song is called for..

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT A REAL PUB

Well I went to a tavern I used to frequent
Where many's the merry old evening I'd spent
And I asked for the landlord, but the landlord's "moved on"
And the management's had some ideas of their own...

For they've stripped it all out so the story is told
To make it look rustic, authentic and old
And they've filled it with tat and antiques by the score
Now it's boathooks and bike wheels from ceiling to floor
You can still smell the varnish come fresh from the tub
Now it's I Can't Believe It's Not a Real Pub

A pint of the usual and how are you sir?
Fat chance as you wait for three hours to get served
Three hours I stood waiting, three hours I've been here
All for a pint of Olde I Can't Believe It's Not Beer
Yes the booze is a joke (best don't mention the grub)
Down the I Can't Believe It's Not a Real Pub

Once the locals would drink here at the end of the day
Musicians would gather to sing and to play
But they're no longer welcome and the reason is clear
They take up all the seats and don't drink enough beer
Now the jukebox drowns out all the chat and hubbub
Of the I Can't Believe It's Not a Real Pub

And all round Olde England the story's the same
As pubs become outlets of nationwide chains
Renamed, rebranded, replaced one by one
With some marketing person's idea of "fun"

Now it's time for last orders, ding ding goes the bell
Now we've had all your money, you can all go to hell
And if you don't like it, well ain't that a shame
'Cos the pubs down in hell are exactly the same
And if it makes you feel angry, well join the club
Singing I Can't Believe It's Not a Real Pub

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:32 AM

May not be a trad song, but I've seen it go down well in The Sportman in Long Eaton, one Sunday afternoon - a singer from the floor got up - a young woman and sang it unaccompanied.

It was packed to the rafters with Irish people and me there doing me best (how y'doin') Christy Moore impersonation.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Dave_
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 12:40 PM

Interesting topic this..we play in the larger Irish Bars in our region of Spain, we have an O`Neils, they welcome our trad band every other Friday. A square box new type St James Gate, again we are regulars there on a Sat, The Emerald isle also welcomes the trad scene, and the oldest Irish Pub in the region is Paddys Point which again welcomes Trad, as I type there are a bunch of Holidaymakers over and a hoolie session has been arranged there for Easter Sunday..as to what makes a good Irish Pub outside Ireland

You will know as soon as you walk into it...the feeling...lol

Im going to set up a league table here in Sapin I think..lol

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 12 May 09 - 09:37 AM

Pardon my indulgence but on the subject of crap pubs, I think a little song is called for..

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT A REAL PUB

To the gentleman who posted this message! I heard someone, maybe even you, sing this song at a club in Oxford a few years back and have been rackin my brains more or less ever since trying to find or recreate the song. I owe you tremendous debt of gratitude and if you'll forgive I shall be singing this and Sharpe's this evening!

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Les from Hull
Date: 12 May 09 - 12:04 PM

Not mentioned but should be available:

a decent range of Irish Whiskeys;

a bartender who can serve more than one person at a time - needed when settling Guinness for a busy pub; and

the makings of a hot toddy (whiskey, hot water, slice of lemon and some cloves).

I think that if you have all three of the above, you'll actually be in Iteland.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Les from Hull
Date: 12 May 09 - 02:28 PM

Iteland - where the feck's that? Curse these old, old fingers.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Joe_F
Date: 12 May 09 - 05:38 PM

It's one of the former North Atlantic Snake-Free Archipelago: Iaeland, Ibeland, Iceland, Ideland,..., Izeland. All but two of them sank into the sea for want of conviviality.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 12 May 09 - 05:56 PM

Thanks, Joe. That's the funniest thing I've seen here in a long time.
- Phil

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: Amergin
Date: 12 May 09 - 06:33 PM

Here in Portland, Oregon...we have a few of the themed pubs....most of them are only there where frat boys and sorority girls can get together and get really pissed....and puke in the heads...one of which is Kells...which while there is a good punk band that plays there called Amadan....most of the irish themed bands they have are fairly mild...singing the same crap every one else does....

However, we do have Biddy McGraw's in NE Portland....this pub has a republican feel to it...and they will have some great music there from time to time...

However the most comfortable....neighbourhood friendly pub we have is an English themed one...called the Horse Brass. Kids re welcome accompanied by adults before 9 pm....they have good food lots of good beer...and you don't need to shout so your neighbour can hear you...and the staff are really friendly....you can go in and sit for a few hours...and just read...write...go on your computer...chat with mates...and only hve a couple of drinks or so in all that time...

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: bubblyrat
Date: 12 May 09 - 08:38 PM

An Irish pub is a place where the landlord is called Tom King,and he responds to women who talk during a set of his favourite tunes by going up afterwards and saying " Ladies ! I'd like to remind yez that there's NO TALKIN' while de musicians are playin'! If ye wanna do dat kind of thing,there's another FUCKIN' pub down the FUCKIN'road ! "
                   Well,that's what it's like in Slough, anyway !

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is ............... ???
From: GUEST,Matt yer Hacker
Date: 12 May 09 - 10:58 PM

An Irish pub is...

....grand. Were it not for Irish pubs in New England I'd not have learned to play to a crowd, nor how to learn a song in a chorus or two.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 01:31 PM

times has passed but the TVs are still there in abundance, even when there's good live music being played!! - is it against the Catholic religion to turn them off?

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 01:46 PM

..one to be avoided!!!

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 02:11 PM

About four years ago I was staying in Parnell, an affluent slightly-boho inner suburb of Auckland (comparable to Islington in London or Stockbridge in Edinburgh) and wanted to go out in the evening. An obvious place was an Irish pub I'd spotted earlier in the day.

Closed with the chairs stacked on the tables by 9pm.

NZ doesn't really get it with pub culture.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 02:27 PM

.... omnipresent.

https://youtu.be/obi1NzzK_74

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: meself
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 07:48 PM

So ... did Skarpi ever open his "Irish" pub?

(I know it's been eight years, but my question would be: why, if you are not Irish and not too clear on what an Irish pub is, would you want to open an "Irish" pub? Rather than just open a ... wait for it ... pub?).

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: banjoman
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 06:12 AM

Once went to a pub in county Wexford complete with guitar and a great night of singing was had by all. Afterwards the landlord said to me that it was not often they had an "English Night" in here.
Irish Pubs could better be called Irish Themed Pubs to avoid any confusion

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 10:06 AM

unless they are in Ireland of course

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST,Vicathome
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 02:21 PM

Surely it should be an Icelandic pub that allows people to perform folk music. (of their choice)

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 11:18 AM

don't think Icelandic pubs would catch on- too b... expensive & dried fish instead of wallies and crisps.... no....

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: meself
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 11:41 AM

Hmmm ... that's a bit like "no one goes there anymore - it's too crowded".

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 12:14 PM

In September 2003, Tina and I were in New Orleans and we spent an evening in Pat O'Brien's Irish Bar in St. Peter's Street. Everything about the pub was exactly like all the small town session pubs that we had visited many times in Counties Mayo, Cork, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.
Just like all these west of Irelend pubs, it had a huge outdoor garden with masses of exotic plants that thrived in the oppressively humid sweltering heat. The large garden was dominated by a huge fire and water fountain that was surrounded by multi-coloured floodlights. There were huge koi carp in the pond underneath the fountain. You found a seat and then you were served jugs of beer and a couple of glasses by seriously hip waiters and waitresses. On one side of the garden was a large stage with a first class sound system. A tall black diva crooned cocktail jazz ballads to excellent piano accompaniment.
Everything about it reminded me of the craic that we have enjoyed on our visits to The Emerald Isle.
Click here to see us enjoying this totally authentic experience.

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: meself
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 01:26 PM

Aahh...! I can smell the turf-fire burning ... brings a tear to me oi ....

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 25 Dec 16 - 07:14 AM

Needs to, provide permanent guaranteed seating for musicians and provide their first drink free in exchange for performance. He used to have to provide free accommodation too but not vessential these days. He also needs to provide best quality Irish Whiskey's. Those are the only essentials anything more would be mere window dressing

Subject: RE: An Irish pub is...?
From: GUEST,patriot
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 05:58 AM

except to turn the telly off- it seems impossible- is this the modern equivalent of the winking red Sacred Heart?