Irish-American Laura Murphy Challenges Stereotypes with Guinness

An Irish-American woman is reshaping perceptions of women in pub culture through her Instagram page, “That Guinness Girl.” Laura Murphy, who grew up in Boston, is challenging stereotypes associated with women drinking pints of Guinness. She emphasizes that her mission is not about influencing others but about celebrating a modern Irish identity.

Laura Murphy, the daughter of an Inverin native and a Castlebar man, has deep roots in Irish culture. Although she spent her childhood in the United States, her summers in the Republic of Ireland imbued her with a strong understanding of its traditions. At 18, she relocated to Ireland for university, where she discovered a vibrant pub scene that sparked her interest in Guinness.

In March 2021, Murphy launched “That Guinness Girl” as a playful persona aimed at reviewing Guinness pints across the country. She considers herself a pioneer in this niche, believing she was the first woman to create a Guinness review page in Ireland. “I was in finance for a good few years and I was just like, I have no creative outlet,” Murphy explained. Her project began as a light-hearted venture with friends but quickly gained traction as people resonated with her reviews.

From Finance to Fun: The Birth of a New Identity

Murphy recalls her first pint of Guinness at Leonard’s pub in Lahardane, County Mayo. It was a defining moment that connected her to the rich pub culture of Ireland. “I had my first pint when I was 18 there, I had it with blackcurrant,” she stated. This early experience highlighted a shift in societal norms, as she noted that historically, Guinness was perceived as a male beverage. “At one stage, women weren’t allowed in pubs, and now I can sit openly and just have a pint,” she added, emphasizing the importance of this cultural evolution.

The playful nature of “That Guinness Girl” allows Murphy to poke fun at outdated ideas while celebrating a modern Ireland. She described her reviews as a blend of seriousness and spontaneity, often capturing pints during nights out with friends. “Whenever I’m out for a pint, I just go with the crowd,” she said, noting that many of her most engaging posts are spontaneous.

The Craft of the Pint: Learning from Tradition

Murphy takes her reviews seriously, considering various factors such as temperature and pouring technique. She learned much about Guinness by immersing herself in the pub scene and engaging with locals. “I learned so much just by hanging out there every weekend, basically,” she remarked, reflecting on her time spent in rural pubs, where she conversed with older patrons and bartenders.

Despite the potential for her platform to elevate her status, Murphy is adamant about not being labeled as an influencer. “I don’t want to be an influencer,” she stated firmly. Instead, she aims to promote the enjoyment of local pubs and the culture surrounding them.

Her favorite pint is found at Johnny O’Loughlin’s pub in Connemara, which she claims offers “the cheapest pint in Ireland.” The scenic rural setting and the unique characters at the pub contribute to its charm. Murphy believes that country pubs often serve the best pints, embodying a sense of community.

Murphy has observed a shift in the Irish pub culture, noting that younger generations may not frequent pubs as much. “Ireland is getting more expansive in general,” she said, adding that this could affect traditional pub culture. Despite this, she noted that Guinness is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially among younger drinkers.

As her following continues to grow, Murphy enjoys fostering a sense of community among her audience. “People are engaging more, they’d send me a picture of their pint,” she explained, adding that her platform has become a space for sharing experiences related to Guinness.

While most feedback she receives is positive, Murphy has faced some misogynistic comments, highlighting the ongoing challenges surrounding gender equality in society. “Every once in a while, I get comments like, ‘so rotten that you’re a woman drinking a pint,’” she shared. Such remarks serve as a reminder of the work still needed to challenge outdated attitudes.

Through her engaging content and commitment to celebrating Irish culture, Laura Murphy is not just reviewing pints of Guinness; she is redefining what it means to be a woman in the world of pubs. As her platform continues to thrive, she remains dedicated to supporting local establishments and fostering connections within the Guinness community.