About Overview
The Irish Pub Company specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of hospitality concepts worldwide.
We are the original creators of the authentic Irish Pub Concept and are the official partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept.
Our Story
The Irish Pub Company was founded in 1990 by Mel McNally who has been creating the worlds best Irish Pubs since 1979 – to this day Mel and the team at the Irish Pub Company remain dedicated to providing the best Irish Pub Concepts throughout the world.
We are the Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept and were audited by Guinness to achieve this status.
1973
Best Designs within Dublin Pubs
In 1973, Mel studied Dublin pub design for a college project, documenting exceptional craftsmanship in glass and metalwork. The work was exhibited at the Mansion House, Dublin, attracting significant attention and establishing the foundation for his design philosophy.
1980's
Classical Designs throughout Ireland and the UK
In the 1980’s, the team created many Classical Designs for pubs throughout Ireland & the UK.
From the success of those pubs we realised that the styles we were creating had the same values as the original Great Old Irish Pubs that Mel had studied in the 1970’s.
1990
The formation of the Irish Pub Company
By 1990, Mel and Guinness recognised Irish pubs as historically valuable and a global business opportunity. The Irish Pub Company launched nationwide research to understand what made Irish pubs unique, aiming to expand Guinness’s connection to authentic Irish heritage through thoughtful pub design.
1990's
The Irish Pub Expansion
We packaged the Irish Pub for export – This became the Guinness Irish Pub Concept – the same concept that every Irish pub Designer uses today.
In the early 1990’s the Irish Pub expanded into Europe and from 1995 onwards, it expanded into the USA and throughout the rest of the world. To this day – The Irish Pub Company remains the leader in Irish Pub Design.
2010
Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2010 Mel McNally was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his lifetime of work developing the concept of the Irish pub abroad.
BUT Mel isn’t finished yet!
Today
The Future of Tradition
In recent years, Mel and his team in Dublin, USA and UAE have been working to define what the next generation of Irish Hospitality venues are.
We take the best of Irish Hospitality and the best of Irish Tradition, expressing them in more modern ways. We create spaces in which people want to socialise.
The People Behind the Pubs
A small Irish team with a passion for craftsmanship, hospitality, and creating spaces people love to gather in.
Dublin Head Office Team
Our Dublin head office team creates the initial concepts, sketches, and experiences for our global builds, providing a full turnkey service from raw idea to completed fit-out.
Dublin, Ireland
Mel McNally
Mel is the founder of Irish Pub Company and visionary behind the original Guinness Irish Pub Concept, developed with Guinness Brewing Worldwide in 1990. He has shaped Irish hospitality venues worldwide through creativity, craftsmanship, and concept design.
Mel built the company on creating memorable customer experiences and pioneering a full turnkey service combining design, branding, and concept development. His passion for Irish design and international growth has expanded Irish Pub Company across Dublin, the USA, and the Middle East.
Dublin, Ireland
Anna McNally
Anna is the creative mind shaping the look and feel of every space Irish Pub Company brings to life. From sketch to fit-out, Anna leads the brand direction and concept work that makes each project distinctly its own. With an MBA in Project Management, she ensures projects run smoothly, balancing creativity with practical delivery.
Anna works closely with clients across European, African, and UK markets, bringing new pub concepts and hospitality spaces to life. Known for her warm, approachable style, she guides projects from initial ideas through to completed venues.
Overseas Team
Our overseas team manages international project delivery, logistics, and on-site installations around the world, ensuring every venue is executed to the highest local standards.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Simon McNally
Simon oversees installations and fit-outs worldwide, ensuring venues meet the highest standard. His hands-on approach, problem-solving mindset, and calm presence make him trusted by clients and teams. He also owns and operates hospitality businesses in Sri Lanka, bringing industry experience and practical solutions to every project.
United States of America (USA)
Darren Fagan
Darren is based in Atlanta and has led Irish Pub Company’s North American team since 1997, overseeing projects and operations across the USA. He manages project delivery, logistics, and client relationships, ensuring smooth execution from planning through completion while coordinating standards across the region.
Darren works closely with clients, architects, engineers, and site teams to ensure projects meet all US building, safety, and regulatory requirements. Outside of work, he lives in Atlanta with his family and competes in marathons and triathlons, volunteering as a certified coach with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training programme.
Who We Are and What we do Best
Some of our Work
The Irish Pub Company and McNally Design team have created, developed, designed, built and operated world authentic Irish Pubs and entertainment chains worldwide.
As seen on
The Irish Pub Company on NPR
The story of how Mel McNally created the Irish Pub for export – Like you’ve never seen it before!
A light hearted look at our story!
Testimonials
What our customers are saying about our services
“I am delighted with The Willow Yard. It has been an exciting project from the start. When you’re working with brave clients like this, who are willing to embrace true Irish Pub culture it is always a positive. The Willow Yard will be a destination concept and I look forward to witnessing it fast- becoming one of the best Irish Pubs in Switzerland that will only get better with age!“
Get in touch
Experience Matters: Trust the Experts in Pub and Restaurant Development
When it comes to pub and restaurant design, experience matters. With over 2,000 projects and counting completed worldwide, the Irish Pub Company brings unparalleled expertise to every build. From innovative layouts to stunning interiors, our team will ensure your establishment not only meets but exceeds your expectations and will stand for generations to come.
Creating Exceptional Hospitality Concepts Worldwide Since 1979
Location
1st Floor, The Courtyard,
Carmanhall Road,
Sandyford Business Park,
Dublin, Ireland
