The Popularity of Irish Theme Pubs in Contemporary Australia: A Legacy of Irish Migration

Abstract

With increasing flows of economic, social, and cultural migration an understanding of the contribution of migrants to host societies is central to social stability. This study uses a series of qualitative research techniques to uncover a connection between the popularity of contemporary Irish theme pubs in Melbourne and early Irish migration to Australia. The history of Irish migrants within the hospitality industry in Melbourne and Victoria during the mid- to late 1800s is reported upon and the study concludes that the recent popularity of Irish theme pubs within the Australian community is supported by a cultural resonance based on familiar themes and deeply ingrained notions of Irishness and the Irish Australian colonial experience.