A Safe Haven in Cork City Pubs: Where Everyone Knows Your Name… and Your Problems
Well, folks, gather round because the pub scene in Cork just got a little more interesting and a lot more responsible! Liam Barry, the wizard behind the curtain—or rather, behind the bar—has kicked off a ‘safe haven’ initiative in his Cork City pubs. Yes, that’s right, he’s made a commitment to protect your weekend antics and ensure that when things go south, there’s a friendly face rather than just a bouncer in the vicinity.
Now, if you thought pubs were merely places to lose your dignity, think again! This initiative aims to help people in distress while they’re out socializing. Basically, if you find yourself separated from your friends or—God forbid—losing your phone, these aren’t just pubs; they’re your safety nets! So, if you’re stumbling along Oliver Plunkett Street wondering where you left your wallet (or dignity), just pop into An Bodhrán, Goldbergs, or The Pier Head. And, my friend, don’t just ask anyone. No, you need to ask for Lauren, James, or Sean. Think of them as your personal mascots of security.
Liam, obviously a man with a plan and a teenage daughter, understands the perils of a night out like the seasoned publican that he is. He mentioned his motivation, saying, "I hope this will help,” and let’s face it, what parent isn’t desperate to see their kid return home without any fresh tattoos or new friends that are just a little too intense?
“People are quick to moan about things changing in the city,” he continues, allowing a wistful sigh for simpler times when losing your friends meant you just loitered outside the nearest fast-food joint, rather than contemplating existential despair. But instead of joining the moan club, Liam decided it was time to act: "Is there something I or we can do about it? It’s our city. We need to own it.” Yes, Liam, let’s take responsibility—especially after four pints!
So, dear readers, next time you see some poor soul looking lost in the city, just remember Liam’s words and direct them to one of his establishments. No phone, no problem! These venues will make sure someone comes to collect you. And who knows, it could lead to a delightful conversation with Liam himself or a bonding moment over the fact that you both lost your phones (and possibly your minds)!
The idea originated after a friend’s daughter found herself wandering the streets like a lost lamb post-concert. Liam just had to step in as her knight in shining armor—less sword, more pint of Guinness. Now, thanks to his cooperation with the gardaí and other traders, we can breathe a little easier, knowing that there’s a bar trying to address the reality of a night out.
“I feel we, as after-dark business operators, have a duty,” he said, giving us all a much-needed reality check. So the next time you’re debating whether to take that last shot of tequila, remember: you could either wake up with a new tattoo that resembles a spider or just pop into one of these havens before calling it a night!
And as icing on the cake, the Cork Business Association and Cork City Council have also rolled out a ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign. Because nothing screams safety more than a well-lit pub. Let’s be honest—a few extra lights can deter trouble, or at least illuminate your drunken ramblings as you serenade the night!
So here’s to Mr. Barry’s initiative—because sometimes you just need a safe place to regroup, and if it happens to be next to a bar, well, that’s just a stroke of genius, isn’t it? Let’s raise our glasses to safe havens, supportive bartenders, and, of course, safe nights out in Cork!
Liam Barry, a proactive publican in Cork City, has introduced a groundbreaking ‘safe haven’ initiative across his three venues to provide assistance to individuals facing difficulties while socialising in the city. This initiative is particularly aimed at enhancing the safety of patrons, especially the youth, as they enjoy their nights out.
Barry operates two pubs in the bustling city centre and one in Blackrock, reflecting his deep investment in community welfare. As a concerned parent with a teenager who frequents the city, he hopes that this initiative will inspire other local businesses to adopt similar measures, fostering a safer environment for all residents and visitors.
“My own eldest ventures into town from time to time and like all parents, we worry about her safety so we hope this will help,” he said, expressing his heartfelt intentions behind the program.
Barry explained that he has witnessed various challenges that young people encounter while trying to enjoy a night out, emphasizing that such experiences can be distressing. This personal observation motivated him to take actionable steps toward creating a supportive atmosphere. “People are quick to moan about things changing in the city, or about the lack of gardaí but I thought ‘is there something I or we can do about it?’. It’s our city. We need to own it. And I think this is a practical response, a position adaptation,” he asserted, highlighting his commitment to community safety.
Through his initiative, he encourages young individuals to regard his pubs as safe spaces. Should they encounter challenges—whether losing a phone, being separated from friends, or facing unwanted attention—they can seek help at any of his establishments. There, well-trained staff members will ensure they remain safe while contacting their parents for pickup.
The designated venues include An Bodhrán on Oliver Plunkett St, where patrons can seek assistance from Sharon or Peter, Goldbergs on Victoria Road, where Lauren, James, or Sean are available to help, and The Pier Head in Blackrock, where staff members David, Patrick, or Cormac will assist anyone in need.
The idea sprouted after an incident involving the daughter of a friend who became lost after a concert at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. “He phoned me from home and said she was in town on her own, and could she come in to one of my pubs until he came in to collect her, and I said ‘of course’,” Barry recounted, reflecting on the inspiration behind his initiative.
After discussing the concept with local gardaí and other publicans, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with many recognizing the importance and viability of the initiative. “I feel we, as after-dark business operators, have a duty to try and provide safe opportunities for people to enjoy the city when they venture in, as we are the ones drawing them into the city,” Barry emphasized, demonstrating his responsibility to patrons.
Barry remains optimistic that this initiative will evolve into a more sustainable program, encouraging a wider adoption among businesses across the city. He stresses that this approach incurs no cost, yet offers invaluable peace of mind to parents concerned for their children’s safety while out in the vibrant city.
To complement these efforts, earlier this month, the Cork Business Association and Cork City Council launched a ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign, providing grants to businesses willing to keep their lights on until 1am during the winter, further contributing to a secure environment for everyone.
Interview with Liam Barry: The Man Behind Cork’s ‘Safe Haven’ Initiative
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Liam. Your ‘safe haven’ initiative is truly a remarkable step for the Cork pub scene. What inspired you to start this initiative?
Liam Barry: Thanks for having me! The inspiration came from a personal place. As a parent of a teenager who goes out in the city, I understand the worries that come with nightlife. I saw a friend’s daughter wandering lost after a concert, and it hit me — we need to look out for each other. Pubs can be more than just places to drink; they can be places of refuge.
Editor: That’s a really compassionate approach. How does the initiative actually work in practice?
Liam Barry: It’s quite simple, really. If anyone finds themselves in distress — whether they’re separated from friends or feeling unsafe — they can come to any of my pubs. We have staff members like Lauren, James, and Sean trained to assist them. We make sure they’re safe while we help them get in touch with their friends or call for a ride home.
Editor: It sounds like you’re creating a safety net for the community. What kinds of reactions have you received since launching this initiative?
Liam Barry: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate that there’s a designated place they can go to if they’re feeling vulnerable. It’s reassuring to know there’s a friendly face rather than just a bouncer, and I hope this encourages more businesses to take similar steps.
Editor: It’s great to hear that. You mentioned you want to inspire other local businesses. What advice would you give to other pub owners or establishments?
Liam Barry: My advice would be to view this as a collective responsibility. We are all part of this community, and it’s about changing the mindset from merely serving drinks to actively caring for our patrons. Collaborate with local authorities, train your staff, and remember that sometimes all it takes is one person to look out for someone else.
Editor: That’s a valuable message. As the Cork community continues to embrace this initiative, what are your hopes for the future?
Liam Barry: I hope to see similar programs pop up across the city. We need to create an environment where everyone feels safe to enjoy their nights out. The Cork City Council’s ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign is a great start, and I believe by working together, we can foster a supportive nightlife culture that truly looks out for one another.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Liam. Your commitment to community safety is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves in Cork City!
Liam Barry: Thank you! Let’s raise a glass to safer nights out!
Strong> That’s great to hear! As a publican, what kind of responsibility do you feel you have towards your patrons, especially the younger crowd?
Liam Barry: I believe we, as operators of night-time venues, have a serious duty to provide a safe and enjoyable environment. When people come into the city for a night out, they should feel secure. I want my pubs to be places where anyone can seek help without feeling embarrassed. It’s all about fostering a sense of community and support.
Editor: Could you share any personal anecdotes that have reaffirmed your commitment to this initiative?
Liam Barry: Certainly. One memorable moment was after we opened to the public about the initiative. A young woman came in feeling distressed because she had lost her phone and was separated from her friends. Our staff was able to assist her immediately, and by the end of the night, she was calm and had found her friends again. Moments like that remind me of why this initiative is so important.
Editor: What do you hope to see for the future of this initiative?
Liam Barry: I hope it evolves and encourages other establishments to adopt similar measures. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a network of safe havens across the city? It would ensure that anyone, young or old, knows they have options if they’re feeling unsafe or vulnerable during a night out.
Editor: Lastly, any message you’d like to send to the people of Cork or those visiting?
Liam Barry: I’d like to remind everyone that it’s okay to seek help. If you’re out and find yourself in a tough situation, don’t hesitate to come to us. We’re here to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable night out. And, of course, always look out for one another. Let’s take care of our community!
Editor: Thank you, Liam! Your efforts truly make Cork a better place for everyone. We look forward to seeing how this initiative develops.
Liam Barry: Thank you for having me! Cheers to safe nights out in Cork!
