The Disappearing Irish Pub

Michele Erdvig · Host

The Disappearing Irish Pub

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I saw this a short time ago and found it deeply disturbing. The newly instated No smoking and Drink Drive Laws have noticeably changed Irish Culture -- for Better AND for worse.

We had an interesting chat with a young waitress in Greystones, back in April of 2012 about that very subject. She related as to how her parents GREATLY curtailed their love of visiting pubs once she had moved out and ceased to be available as a Designated Driver. She emphasized that neither were heavy drinkers -- but the lower limit had been set SO low (and enforcement had been 'Stepped Up' so much) that going out just became 'Too Much Like Work' ...

FYI: I know the area surrounding the old pub pointed out in the video quite well. To the best of MY knowledge the Castle is 'Real' -- having been built in the 15th Century -- BUT, the Round Tower is NOT -- It is a relatively 'New' replica -- built around 1858. I have not visited the nearby Irish Heritage Park, but I have it on good authority that it is of limited appeal.

I am a BIG fan of the Wexford area, though. I think it is an under-visited and under-appreciated place that deserves closer scrutiny.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Saturday 24th of August 2013 02:58:42 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

I think Irish pubs were the original "man caves". Men could escape for a drink, a chat, a smoke and a look at the game on TV. Decades ago women were only welcome in the snugs and could only have a "glass" not a pint. They were basically men's clubs. Slowly women and families worked their way in, then came the decline - as you say - because of no smoking and the strict drink driving laws. Too bad they can't come up with some sort of a shuttle system to bring people to and from the pubs.

I know that area too. Yeah, I was not too impressed with the Irish National Heritage Park. I thought it was rather run-down and more suited to kids. Bunratty Folk Park, Ulster American Folk Park and Ulster Folk & Transport Museum do it so much better. But I really should have another look at it next time I'm in Wexford - just to give it another chance. Maybe they have polished it up recently. I hope so.

Judy · Guru

Perhaps as Michele stated, the use of Pubs has changed over the years. Long ago, very long ago, the Public House was used for more social gathering (craic) than just drinking. And if you did drink too much you could just climb into the trap and the horse would find its way home, no DUI there. That was your shuttle system.

Another noticeable change in Ireland in the last 40 years has been shopkeepers not using their family names for businesses. In the 1960s you could stroll down a towns main street and possibly find your family name on the shop if your ancestors were from that part of Ireland. On my last trip to Killarney I noticed storefront names like The X Factor, Feet First, The Flesk and Salvadors, now thats a real Irish name.

Well, time marches on and nothing stays the same. At least there is still the beautiful scenery of Ireland, the warm welcome from the Irish people and all those Round Towers for Bob to explore.

-- Edited by Judy on Sunday 25th of August 2013 09:50:32 AM

CowboyCraic · Guru

Mo Chairde,

I had the pleasure, in April, of meeting the director of The Irish Pub. He is one of three Irish film production companies who are in consideration for my documentary project.

Alex Fegan said that after our conversation, he now has enough background to do an Irish Pubs II.

I thought you might enjoy a trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9uaboCF1N4

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 26th of August 2013 11:27:55 AM

-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 26th of August 2013 11:28:15 AM