Introduction
If you've ever entered a traditional Irish pub, you may have noticed small, private spaces, with wooden walls and decorated glass, set back from the main hustle and bustle. These are the snugs: corners full of history that were born for very different reasons than those that make them so popular today.
Origins: Privacy and Victorian Morality
Before the Great Famine (1845–1849), men and women drank together in informal establishments known as shebeens and grog housesBut towards the end of the 19th century, the Catholic church and the Temperance Movement (Temperance Movement) imposed strict social norms:
- The idea of men and women drinking together was considered indecent.
- Women were relegated to snugs, small areas near the entrance where they could be served without entering the main hall.
At the time, pubs were almost exclusively male spaces, and snugs offered a “respectable” alternative for women to drink in public without being exposed to stares or judgment.
Design and atmosphere of the snug
A typical snug was furnished with:
- A small table and classic-style chairs.
- Wood paneling, frosted glass, mirrors, and old photos.
- Doors or windows that allowed drinks to be passed around without direct contact with the main room.
Each snug reflected the personality of the pub that housed it, becoming a small world within the bar.
The snug today
Today, snugs have lost their exclusive character and have become favorite spots for:
- Couples who are looking for a more intimate atmosphere.
- Small groups of friends who prefer to chat without the noise of the rest of the bar.
Some interesting details:
- In some pubs, drinks are still served through small windows or hatches, as in the past.
- The decor retains original mirrors, photos, and glass, especially in Victorian-style pubs.
Although many snugs were removed in the 1970s, there are still historic bars that maintain theirs intact: Kehoe's, Doheny & Nesbitt, Ryan's, Slattery's and Toners are iconic examples in Dublin.
The Temperance Movement: Historical Context
He Temperance Movement It was a social movement between 1800 and 1900 against alcohol consumption, which spread throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Reason: It was believed that excessive consumption caused work accidents and impoverished families.
- Support: churches, businessmen and especially women's groups that linked alcohol with domestic violence.
- Actions: public meetings, use of “teetotal” badges and political pressure to reduce pub hours or ban them.
In the US, it culminated in the Prohibition (1920–1933), a prohibition that ironically fostered black markets and increased violence.
Conclusion
The snug has evolved from a moralistic refuge for women to a symbol of the most welcoming and authentic Irish pub. Sitting in one of these nooks today is like taking a trip back in time, enjoying the warmth and history that have shaped Irish social life for over a century.
