The Irish pub is a timeless classic. Often seen as a home from home for travelling Irish and Brits, and equally seen as a sign of a great place to experience ‘the craic‘ by people from around the world. So it’s no wonder that the Irish pub design is often one that is embraced by pub owners.

You’ll find Irish pubs everywhere from Bordeaux to Bangkok, and from Cancun to Cork (of course). But what are the classic features of an Irish pub?

As a carpenter and barfitter designing an Irish pub, you should focus on incorporating elements that create an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that is characteristic of a traditional Irish pub.

Here are the key interior features you might want to consider adding when designing a Irish style pub.

1. Woodwork

Woodwork is a significant part of Irish pub design, and it is essential to use high-quality wood to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use wood for the floors, walls, and ceilings. Dark-stained wood with a polished finish is a common choice for Irish pubs.

This usually means the bar and most of the fittings will be made from dark stained wood. Many Irish pubs are also quite ornate, with corbels supporting the bar, celtic mouldings around the snugs or seating and a heavy reliance on reclaimed wood.

2. Lighting

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of Irish pub design. Soft, warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere and sets the mood for patrons. In short, avoid harsh lighting and think of warm toned downlighting, especially above the bar and with a focus on the snugs and seating areas.

You can use pendant lights, chandeliers, or wall sconces to achieve this effect. Avoid strip lights or any blue style lighting as this will be too harsh and spoil the ambiance.

3. Bar

The bar is the centerpiece of an Irish pub. It should be large, sturdy, and made from high-quality wood. You can add brass or copper accents to the bar to give it a classic look.

As well as being supported by heavy wooden brackets and corbels, you may also find coat hooks along the bar.

While the drinks are chosen by the proprietor, you should obviously leave ample room on the bar side for storage of glasses and beer pumps.

4. Seating

Seating is a crucial aspect of Irish pub design. You should aim to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for patrons. You can use high-quality wooden chairs and tables, or you can opt for upholstered seating with leather or fabric.

In Irish pubs you will usually find a ‘snug’ area, which is an area with semi-boxed off seating. While this isn’t a necessity, it does add a nice touch and is a very authentic Irish pub design feature.

For modern Irish pub design, you could incorporate a German beer hall style communal table with benches and chairs. While not common in Ireland, this is a trend that is largely being embraced by pub owners around the world and is one that punters often enjoy.

5. Decorations

Decorations are an essential part of Irish pub design and are often a feature that is heavily relied upon by Irish pub owners.

As part of the design, use vintage Irish memorabilia such as old Guinness posters, Irish flags and Gaelic signs. Add mirrors, artwork and other decorative items to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

6. Fireplace

A fireplace is a common feature of Irish pubs. It creates a warm and cozy atmosphere and adds to the overall ambiance of the pub. If your venue doesn’t have a fireplace in-situ, use a reclaimed stone or wooden fireplace, Or create a new wooden fire surround. Be sure to use either tiles or corbels or, better still, both.

Having a roaring fire is obviously a great feature for a classic pub. But if it isn’t appropriate for your Irish pub design, perhaps due to location or local laws, you could use an electric fire to add that glow in the corner.

7. Music

Irish pubs are known for their live music, a key part of ‘the craic’. Typically a band will make space in a corner of the pub and play their set to a raucous audience.

Ideally you would install a stage area for musicians and create a sound system that is high-quality and suitable for live performances.

If this isn’t appropriate to your bar refit, you could simply ensure there is a decent sound system and acoustics.

8. Restrooms

Restrooms are an often-overlooked aspect of pub design, but they are essential for customers’ comfort. You should aim to create clean, functional and well-maintained restrooms that are easily accessible to patrons.

The design of the restrooms will likely be secondary to the design of your main Irish bar but focus on the basics of a clean modern bathroom and your punters will be happy!

In summary

When designing an Irish pub, you should focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is authentic and characteristic of traditional Irish pubs.

Incorporating high-quality woodwork, soft lighting, a well-stocked bar, comfortable seating, vintage Irish memorabilia, a fireplace, live music and clean restrooms are all key components of Irish pub design.

Browse our range of fire surround corbels, bar corbels and Celtic designs for your Irish bar refit.