Brewing company Heineken has launched a new “pub museums” augmented reality (AR) experience in a bid to safeguard historical Irish pubs.
Heineken has teamed up with three Irish pubs on the new experience, developed to highlight the importance of the country’s drinking establishments.
Customers at Toners Pub in Dublin, Mother Macs Public House in Limerick, and Sean’s Bar in Athlone can scan a QR code on historical artefacts to unlock facts and stories.
Heineken Ireland’s Rachael Crawley said: “Pubs in Ireland play a pivotal role in Irish society and culture, and have done for generations.
“As a partner of pubs across the country, we’ve launched the pub museums initiative as a way to highlight the historical importance of Irish pubs, and act as a reminder of the importance of these establishments in the fabric of Irish society.”
In addition to the AR experience, Heineken is exploring how Irish pubs can apply for official museum accreditation via the Heritage Council.
Dublin-based historian Gerry Farrell said: “A visit to a historic public house is a connection back to our own past where generations before, people gathered to talk, drink, eat, sing and play, to flirt and romance, to discuss the great events of the day and set the world to right, to cheer sporting triumph or to drown their sorrows.
Protecting historical Irish pubs
“Irish pubs have been the site for rebellion and betrayal, settings for great literature and places of very real drama. It’s important to protect and preserve our historic pubs so that they can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Gina O’Kelly, director of the Irish Museums Association added: “One of the most interesting aspects of collections is the stories they tell.
“Objects found within commercial environments, such as our heritage bars and shops, often provide fascinating insights into the daily lives of those from our recent past and their environment: they can reveal information around societal norms, trade activities, the socioeconomic landscape and development of an area, as well as local rituals and cultural practices.”
Images courtesy of Heineken
