How do you attract patrons to an Irish pub?

How do you attract patrons to an Irish pub?
I think the first thing to do would be to figure out what kind of patron you want to attract. Do you want to have a strictly older crowd, younger crowd, or a mix of the two? Is it a high class place where you can get food, and high-end drinks, with a peaceful atmosphere? Or is it more of a average Joe kind of place, where you come after work for a beer and to watch the game? Determining "who" your crowd is will be the important first step before you begin attracting customers.

Having worked in the "bar" scene for a few years, I've noticed that advertisement can be the make-or-break area of getting the customers into your joint, but getting them to come back will be all about their experience there. Putting an ad in a local paper can be a great way to bring in people to your place. For instance, I live by Ohio State University, and the free papers that are put out around campus by various organizations get more attention than any of the super market "coupon" cutter newspapers. The bars know that and plaster these papers with drink specials and unique events, and that is because those bars are appealing to the college crowd, who are often a big money market with deep pockets and free weekends.

So figure out your "who," then focus on:
1. Advertisement
2. Drink Specials/Food Specials(if applicable)/Happy Hour/Event Specials(Games, Holidays, etc.)
3. Your Staff!!! A good staff can turn a dump into a popular watering hole. Smiling faces, upbeat attitudes, and good hygiene, yea that's right hygiene. Make sure the staff is clean, well dressed, and groomed nicely. No one wants to be served by a smelly, dirty, angry bartender!
4. Play up your Irish theme. Everyday can be St. Patty's day, people love a good excuse to get drunk!

I hope that helped some!
Boogie