history of the snug

The Irish Pub

Is an important institution and part of Irish culture - a place to come in out of the cold, a living room and hall for social events and an office in which to do business. It is also a stage for performances and for public announcements of all kinds. It serves its most valuable function as it brings together people on common ground for friendly conversation, Ri Ra and Rula Bula.

The Irish Snug

What is a Snug? The history of the "snug" began in Ireland in the late 19th century. It was typically a small, very private room that had a frosted glass window, set above head height, accessing the bar. You paid a higher price for your beer in the Snug, but nobody could see you. It was not only the well off visitors who would use these rooms. The snug was for patrons who preferred not to be seen in the public bar. Ladies would often enjoy a private drink in the snug in a time when it was frowned upon for ladies to be in a pub. The local police officer would nip in for a quiet pint, the parish priest for his evening whiskey, and lovers would use the snug for their clandestine visits.

Your hosts at the Irish Snug, Jim and Frank McLoughlin