The History of Irish Pubs: From Public Houses to Today
The Irish pub grew out of the medieval "public houses" where the whole parish would gather. The oldest pub in Ireland, Sean's Bar in Athlone, is said to have been trading since the year 900. The pub was always more than a taproom: it was the living room of the entire community.
Where does the word pub come from?
The word "pub" is short for "public house". Unlike a private home, anyone could get food, drink and a bed for the night there. In Ireland, pubs often evolved out of shops: the owner sold groceries by day and pulled pints in the evening. That is why so many Dublin pubs still look from the outside like old shopfronts with a hand-painted sign.
Key milestones in the history of Irish pubs
- Around 900 - Sean's Bar opens in Athlone, recorded as Ireland's oldest pub
- 1635 - the first licensing act regulates the number of taprooms
- 1759 - Arthur Guinness signs his famous 9,000-year lease on the brewery at St. James's Gate
- 19th century - the golden age of the "spirit grocers", part shop, part bar
- 20th century - the Irish pub becomes an export in its own right; today thousands operate around the world
What makes an Irish pub different from an ordinary boozer?
An Irish pub has its unwritten rules. Dark wood, stained glass, little nooks called "snugs" for a private chat, live music, and a barman who remembers your name. The beer is poured slowly: a proper Guinness needs a two-stage pour and roughly two minutes of patience. And above all, you don't go to the pub just to drink. You go to talk.
Where can you find an Irish pub in Frydek-Mistek?
Little Island Irish Pub at tr. T. G. Masaryka 1129 brought this tradition to Frydek-Mistek in July 2009. The interior is inspired by genuine Irish pubs, with wood, cosy corners and an Irish function room seating up to 40 guests. Guinness and Magners cider are on tap, there are more than 50 whiskeys behind the bar, and live music plays at weekends from 8pm.
Fancy experiencing a piece of Irish history first-hand? Drop in and see us. We are open Monday to Saturday, and until four in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays.