An Irish businesswoman who quit her job to open a pop up Irish pub business has been inundated with requests from across the world.
Caitriona Mulhern spent years working in the drinks industry before deciding to go it alone so she could spend more time with her family. She created the business called Pop Up Pubs.
Her novel idea of the pop up Irish pub has turned out to be inspired and has created plenty of buzz. So much so that she has had to order three more pubs to cope with the demand.
Caitriona said: “I’ve been on the road for Heineken for the past 12 years and with two young children it was getting harder and harder.
“I came up with this idea and it’s already attracting interest all over Ireland and in New York and Dubai.
“One customer wanted it flown to Dubai this week but we couldn’t get it over in time. Drinks laws there mean you can drink at home and this fits perfectly into that.
“It’s a bit of fun and people seem to like the idea. I have weekend bookings already through until December so that’s why I have commissioned three more to meet the demand.
“I have a booking from a retirement home who want to have it for an afternoon and book a traditional music group to play.”
The pubs come with counters, a fake fire and other items including optics, taps, a fake mantelpiece and novelty decorations such as an inflatable salmon. Customers have to provide the drinks that are served in the bar.
The business currently has two inflatable bars – The Pub and The Barrel – which were made by a specialist company in the UK.
It launched in March 2015 at the Travellers Inn, a pub in Milford, Co Donegal. Travellers Inn owner Michael McBride said: “It gives us a fun addition on busy weekends and for festivals. I know people will order this for their homes but it’s also fun at a real pub too.”
Pop Up Pubs is fully booked up for Good Friday with one pub heading to Oranmore, Co Galway and the other in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal.
For more information about Pop Up Pubs visit their Facebook page
Take a look at the promo video for Pop Up Pubs