The Irish Pub has been the cornerstone of life in Ireland for centuries. One pub, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, has been in operation since 900 AD! Irish pubs are known for their unique culture, casual and friendly atmosphere, hearty food and drink, and oftentimes music. 

 

The word Burren comes from the Irish word “Boirinn” which translates to “rocky district,” and the Burren’s stark, compelling landscape has often been compared to the moon. The rocks of the Burren were all formed during the carboniferous period 259-299 million years ago. As you enter the pub, you will walk on fossilized Liscannor stone imported from the Burren itself.

 

The pub not only takes inspiration from the land, but also the sea, through murals, paintings, and photographs. This includes celebrating the traditional boat of the area called the Galway Hooker, a fine vessel made of strong and hardy oak, painted black with eye-catching red sails. The Galway Hooker was central to commerce in the area, ferrying much-needed turf across Galway Bay to the town of Kinvara, and then returning with grain and produce. When the age of motorized vehicles came along, it was the beginning of the demise of the Galway Hooker as a “workhorse.”

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In addition to the use of Liscannor stone in the entry, all the furniture, millwork, photography, and original art was made by artisans in Ireland. The bar was built with handcrafted joinery with a nod to the Galway Hooker. The color palette of the fabrics and finishes all reach back to the homeland. Darren Fagan and the Irish Pub Company were an intrinsic part in creating this pub, from preliminary design to the placing of the knick knacks.

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The founder of The Burren House, Alan Hynes, is a 30-year resident of San Rafael, where he lives with his wife Jennifer and children Jack and Fiona. Alan is proud to give San Rafael and Marin County its first authentic Irish Pub! Alan grew up on his family farm with his parents and nine of his older siblings that had many of the characteristics of the Burren in the parish of Ballinderreen that is next to the parish of Kinvara, and he sincerely hopes that fellow Irish people, those who have traveled to Ireland as well as those who have never been, will feel like they have been transported to a pub back in the old country, where he hopes you will all have a bit of Craic!