Things may look a little different this year, but The Snug Project is keeping the festive spirit alive and raising vital funds for those in need ahead of Christmas.
Perching on a bar stool. Meeting friends. The smug generosity of standing up to get a round. The waiting for what seems to be hours to be served. The glimmer of hope as you catch the bar man's eye. The sticky spill of beer running down your arm as you try to carry three pints back to the table. That perfect cold sip of creamy Guinness. A packet of cheese and onion crisps opened wide for the table to share. Live music. Last orders. Lock-ins.
It's safe to say, we miss the pub.
Yes, we know - there are more important things than the pub and there is a worldwide pandemic happening (as if we could forget) yet the pub is probably the place that all of our minds go to when we think of what we're missing most about the outside world. Sure, you can get takeaway pints but there's something about drinking a pint out of a plastic cup and not being at a concert that just doesn't feel right.
And while we wait for the current lockdown restriction to lift, it's not looking hopeful that our beloved pubs will open again anytime soon. But now you can remind yourself what it’s like while helping out a brilliant charity this Christmas.
'The Snug Project' is a charity calendar and limited edition prints sale celebrating pub snugs across Ireland. Proceeds from sales will go to ALONE, a national organisation that strives to enable older people to age at home, safely and securely, for as long as they wish.
Featuring photography from Finn Richards of the likes Mulligan’s in Poolbeg Street and The Greyhound in Cork, the project captures Ireland’s favourite drinking spot – the snug. The photo series took Richards to almost every county in Ireland and the result is an extensive documentation featuring over 100 snugs. "The experience of photographing these snugs was a great opportunity made possible by a commercial commission that took place a decade ago," Richards tells FOOD&WINE. "I’ve long been a fan of a good snug, and being able to spend time slowly documenting them was such an interesting experience, and led to a lot of meaningful conversations about peoples’ favourite snugs." All of the snugs were photographed empty, which feels poignant right now given the pubs of Ireland were forced to close on March 15.
Partnering with graphic designer Paul Guinan, the thoughtfully designed calendar features 12 images from the ‘Snugs of Ireland’ series and includes the location of each snug. Limited edition certified A3 prints of the 12 images are also available to buy. The calendar features serene shots of Michael Fawl's of Ennis, Garavan's of Galway, Kehoe's of Dublin, Tigh Neachtain of Galway, The Greyhound of Cork and more.
The full list of locations include:
- Michael Fawl, Ennis, Co. Clare (January and cover)
- Kehoe's, South Anne St, Dublin (February)
- Garavan's, William St, Galway (March)
- Mulligan’s, Poolbeg St, Dublin (April)
- Dick Mack's, Dingle, Co. Kerry (May)
- J. Coffey, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary (June)
- Tigh Neachtain, Cross St, Galway (July)
- O'Flaherty's, Dingle, Co. Kerry (August)
- Thomas Connolly, Sligo, Co. Sligo (September)
- O'Connor's Bar and Lounge, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo (October)
- The Palace Bar, Fleet St, Dublin (November)
- The Greyhound, Kinsale, Co. Cork (December)
The Calendars are priced at €20 and Limited Edition A3 Prints are priced at €60. Both are currently on sale from thesnugproject.com. We can’t think of a better stocking filler or a treat for your Dad or Grandad this Christmas.
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