Here’s a question for the Irish people reading this:
I’ve noticed that some Irish pubs, etc. may have crests on the outside saying “Ulster”, “Munster”, “Leister” (sp? – it has a picture of a harp), etc.
I was just wondering what those signify (eg. the bar’s clientele?), and if it’s anything relevant to visitors with no Irish affiliation.
Thanks!
They are the provinces into which Ireland was once divided. Each had its own high-king, once upon a time, and these high-kings would be the source of the king over all Ireland.
The names of the provinces are Ulster (north), Leinster (east), Connaught (west), and Munster (south). [The directions I give are general.] The symbols you see are associated with the coat of arms of Ireland, which includes charges for the four provinces.
Another context is the Rebel/IRA song “Four Green Field” in which poor old Mother Ireland laments that strangers have stolen one of her three green fields (Ulster) but her sons who are as strong and brave as their fathers will get it back for her. This one should be on every body’s crying-in-the-beer song book.
What do I have? said the fine old woman
What do I have? this find old woman did say
I have four green fields
each one was a jewel
but strangers came
and tried to take them from me
I have fine strong sons
they fought to save my jewels
they fought and died
and that was my grief said she.
It goes on a bit about suffering, and then:
but my sons have sons
as brave as were their fathers
and my four green fields
will bloom once again someday.
There was actually a fifth historical province, Meath. It was absorbed into Leinster long ago, though (well, mostly - parts of it were absorbed into Ulster).
A slight nitpick I know, but Ireland is still divided that way.
nitpick of the nitpick…
They are only divided in name really, and by the GAA.
Nitpick of the nitpick of the nitpick…
And the FAI, IRFU, BLE and most national sporting bodies.
Without wishing to debate the history of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Troubles and Britain’s less-than-glorious involvement, part of me is cringing at the idea of supporting ‘Rebel/IRA’ songs.
This has been answered but heres a link.
I assume the original post was referring to Irish pub’s in America. In which case, the crest or celtic designs or whatever mean nothing. It’s all just camp. Granted, some of the designs may be authentic, but they rarely, if ever, have any signifigance to the pub-goers or even the publican.
If you have $50 and an Irish name, there are plenty of people who will furnish you with your families ‘authentic’ Irish coat of arms.
Most pubs in Ireland, or in Dublin at any rate, are beginning to replace those old decorations with the slick new look of the E.U. generation. And the drink of choice is Budweiser.
Not in the Dublin I live in. Then again maybe I’m not in the “E.U. generation” (30 years old).
Most of the people I know prefer the black stuff or at the very least a nice lager.
Red bull and vodka is the drink I mostly associate with pesky youngsters 
Duly noted. Red Bull & vodka is insidious. There are bastions of the true pub left, such as the Stag’s Head. But every time a pub license is sold (there are a limited number) it makes me shudder to think that when the old pub closes its doors, what will take its place is just a plain old bar with cheesey electronic music and some thug in all black at the door saying ‘members only tonight.’
As evidence of the change in Ireland, I point to a beer made by Guinness called Breo(sp?) - it is a white beer with a vauge citrus flavor and it is god awful.
We’ve gotten away from Irish insignias, so I’ll shut up now.
Thanks Saltire, b-side, and others. Yeah, I was referring to pubs & restaurants, and I take it from your replies that
the symbols don’t have any contemporary meaning, like a political viewpoint.
The reason I brought this up is because I might be visiting Ireland sometime. Is there anything the traveller should know about pub hunting (etiquette, etc.)? I’ve got no Irish background myself, so I might be pretty clueless!
Thanks guys…
Stand your round and hate the Brits and you should do fine.