Ireland’s traditional pubs “all have a story to tell” and should be celebrated, according to the owner of the Athlone pub that claims to be the oldest in the world.

It comes as drinks giant Heineken launches a ‘Pub Museum’ plan aimed at turning Irish pubs into digital museums.

The plan will see customers scanning a QR code to hear about the history of the venue while enjoying their pint.

It is launching in three pubs this month – toners in Dublin, Seán’s Bar in Athlone and Mother Mac’s in Limerick.

Interior view of Sean's Bar in Athlone, County Westmeath. Image: Nick Scott / Alamy

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Seán’s Bar owner Declan Delaney said Ireland’s pubs are full of history.

“I think a lot of pubs in little towns and villages right around the country, they all have a story to tell,” he said.

“Obviously, it means more to people from that locality, whether it be the history of the area and so on but I think a lot of pubs have great history.

“There's nothing I like better, I suppose, than travelling the country and finding an old bar.

“You often find yourself wandering around the pub and, you know, looking at the memorabilia or the old photographs and everything else you know?

“I think a pub is more than just going to a place, going for a pint, I think there's a lot more to it.”

Oldest pub in the world?

He said he can “absolutely” back up his bar’s claim to be the oldest pub in the world.

“The story of Sean's Bar is a fascinating tale,” he said.

“We've a detailed and documented history dating right back to 900 AD.

“We’re listed by Lonely Planet in both the top 50 bars to blow your mind and the top 25 most incredible bars in the world.

“But you know, to understand the history of the pub you have to go back to the very origin of the town of Athlone and how it got its name.

“Our location here in Athlone on the River Shannon was known as the Great Ford or the Ancient Ford of Antiquity.

“It was here where a man called Luain - Luain Mac Luighdeach was his name - and he set up a pub and an inn right here at the crossing point in Athlone.”

The Irish pub

He said the bar attracts customers from home and abroad and while some simply want a quiet pint, others are fascinated with the history.

It comes amid calls for Irish pubs to get UNESCO World Heritage status to see them protected on the list of intangible cultural heritage.

Ireland has already added traditions like uilleann piping, hurling and harping to the list in recent years.