Client Description
Grace Neills is considered to be one of Ireland’s oldest pubs. It was established in 1611 as the King's Arms, a name it held for over 400 years. According to family tradition, Grace Neill was given the pub as a wedding gift from her father. Neill was a well-known figure in Donaghadee and owned the bar until her death in 1916. The pub was then renamed in her honour.
The Project
Donaghadee, seen as Ireland’s Dover, was one of the main ports for trade. Over the years, the bar has become a major tourist destination for visitors. County Down’s picturesque views, excellent weather and near-perfect location will take your breath away.
Lightsource Studio were approached and asked to find suitable decorative fittings inline with the client’s budget and tight deadline.
Due to the age and celebrated history of the pub, Lightsource Studio were keen to use traditional style fittings that would complement the original architectural details, while still in keeping with the updated interiors.
The Lighting
Antique brass fittings from various suppliers were selected due to the warmth and depth of tone provided by this antiqued finish.
The main bar area features the Rome 5 Light Chandelier by Mullan Lighting, hung in between exposed timber beams to draw the eye upward to the large skylight above. The prismatic glass of the globes helps to diffuse the light and creates a more traditional look. This is echoed in the Astro Avignon Wall Lights, fitted onto new timber panels above the banquette seating in the bar.
The dining area has been completely redecorated, complete with artwork adorning panels on the perimeter walls. To enhance these pieces, Lightsource Studio incorporated the Dublin Picture Lights from Mullan in Polished Brass to complete the look. The Totie Table Lamp from Visual Comfort provides another layer of light on top of the partition walls that separate the dining room into three areas.
