Pop-up pubs already booked up for Good Friday and requested in Dubai.
A Donegal mother-of-two is set to quit her day job to officially launch her inflatable Irish pub business.
The official launch of the company will take place on St. Patrick’s Day, fittingly when most the world will be in an Irish pub!
Caitriona Mulhern (40), originally from Ballybofey but now living in Milford, has worked for Heineken for 12 years but plans to leave her position to run her pop-up pub company. The idea is that for $343 (€300) customers could rent the inflatable Irish pub for their own back garden. The party hosts will provide the booze though. Mulhern and her partner Paul hope the idea will catch on.
The mother-of-two told the Irish Examiner she’s already been inundated with inquiries but what she’s also excited about in a work and family life balance.
She said “I have been on the road since I was 18 years old and I now want to be there for my kids and step out of the rat race. Paul and I spotted an opportunity and went for it.
“The reaction has been amazing but we know the hard work only begins now.”
Mulhern said the company will work provide “the unit, with a standing capacity of 80, along with the flooring, lighting, bar, optics, taps, and furniture for 20 sitting.
“Customers can then add to the package by including extra seating, refrigeration, extra marquee, lighting, a DJ or a dance floor.
“We will also begin catering for children’s parties with a ‘party hut’ where houses are spared mess and kids have their own party venue in their back garden.”
Mulhern recognized that the Irish pub trade has been under stress since the recession and drink driving bans as well as other factors have seen their trade fall off. However this Donegal mother simply saw a hole in the market.
“I know from working within the industry how difficult things are for publicans and I think about that a lot.
“But I feel people who want to drink or have a party at home are going to do that anyway. The pop-up pub will give them the luxury of thinking they are in a pub but being able to drink at supermarket prices.”
The plan is to cater for after-wedding parties, birthdays, and even pubs who need extra space or want to hire it for festivals.
For more information visit their Facebook page.
Would you hire this product for your party?