Irish pub and the children

When you travel with your family in Ireland, you are quickly tempted to go and push the door of an irish pub, and enjoy its festive and warm atmosphere… However, if you are travelling with underage children, there is some information to consider.  Because in Ireland, we don’t really joke about the protection of minors. Many pubs refuse children under the age of 18 after 9pm. The same goes for young children…

Irish pubs in Ireland: clear rules to follow

Rather strict establishments on the presence of minors after 9 p.m.

If you fancy a pint, and you are accompanied by children, we advise you to ask the barman if they are allowed, before you go and sit on their benches.

Generally, children are allowed during the day… on condition that they are served only non-alcoholic drinks (this goes without saying), and that they leave the premises before 9pm.

It’s good to know that alcohol consumption is forbidden for those under 18 years of age… and that this may apply to those under 21 years of age in some areas. Also, do not hesitate to inquire before ordering.

Finally, you should know that as of 9 p.m., minors are required to leave the premises. This is Irish law, and the authorities are far from joking about it. Regular checks can be carried out, and it will be necessary to be able to provide identification to the barman and the controllers. This decision was put in place to combat the early drinking of young people, but also to protect them from the hustle and bustle of the place: it must be said that in the evening, an Irish pub can be crowded: people dance, drink, laugh… It’s not really the place for a child.

However, this rule can be more flexible in irish pubs in the middle of the Irish countryside. It can happen that some pubs, located in a little lost corners, tolerate the presence of minors (especially if there are traditional music concerts at that time). Be careful however: their presence is allowed, but the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden (which is obvious and quite normal).

Last good info to know: teenagers are generally more easily accepted than young children. Don’t hesitate to ask beforehand, but the irish pub is a noisy place, which is not necessarily suitable for younger people.

Going to the irish pub with your children

Things to remember

• always ask the bartender’s permission to bring your kids in…
• always show up at the pub with their ID cards…
• prefer the day to go to the pub
• leave the premises by 9:00 pm, except in rare cases.
• Prohibit the consumption of alcohol with your underage children.

L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé. A consommer avec modération.

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