Aoife O'Connor Portfolio

O'Sullivan's Gastropub & Bar

O'Sullivan's Gastropub
& Bar

O'Sullivan's Gastropub & Bar

Where Tradition Meets Buzz

Honoring Johno’s legacy with vibrant, modern flair at O'Sullivan’s.

O'Sullivan's Gastropub & Late Bar, nestled in the heart of Douglas, Cork, is a cherished local gem renowned for its inviting atmosphere, diverse menu, and lively nightlife. This gastropub masterfully combines the cosy charm of a traditional Irish pub with contemporary flair, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Established in 1955 by John O'Sullivan, the pub affectionately became known as "Johno's" among the community. As the culinary and nightlife scene in Cork rapidly evolved, O'Sullivan's sought a complete brand revamp to reflect its dynamic atmosphere and enhance its appeal.

Services

Collaborators

Approach

To breathe new life into the O'Sullivan brand, I aimed to strike a harmonious balance between the vibrant energy of its social scene and the rich heritage of its traditional Irish pub roots, while also catering to families. Honouring the legacy of John O'Sullivan was paramount, as the pub remains a family-run business deeply connected to its history. My objective was to craft a brand that not only embraced this legacy but also fostered a stronger connection with the local community.

Approach

Bringing johno to the streets of COrk

After completing the rebrand for O'Sullivan's Pub, I had the exciting opportunity to return every few months to design new large-scale window displays, showcasing their seasonal offerings—from summer specials to festive Christmas themes, and of course, the all-important Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Designing these prominent displays on a bustling retail street in Cork was a thrilling challenge, and it was a privilege to collaborate with renowned beverage brands like Heineken, Guinness, and Orchard Thieves. Together, we brought a touch of Johno's eclectic fun and vibrant energy to the streets of Cork, making O'Sullivan's a standout destination in the city.

Outcome

To authentically capture the essence of O'Sullivan's, I combined a traditional pub logotype with a collage-style visual language. This creative approach enabled us to merge patterns, vintage photographs, and graphic elements that pay homage to the pub's 1950s origins while embracing its vibrant, modern atmosphere. By incorporating the affectionate nickname "Johno's," we cultivated a deeper connection with the local community, reinforcing the pub's identity as a beloved neighbourhood hub. This strategy not only solidified the brand's presence but also led to successful partnerships with prominent companies like Heineken, Orchard Thieves, and Guinness, resulting in impactful advertising campaigns that significantly elevated O'Sullivan's profile in Cork. The transformation has not only revitalised the brand but has also made it a cornerstone of the local dining and social scene, inviting everyone to experience the lively spirit of O'Sullivan's.

Outcome

I paired a more traditional pub logotype with a collage-style visual language, this allowed us to pull together patterns, vintage photos, and more graphic elements that capture both its 50s roots and its modern buzzing atmosphere. We pulled from their history embracing their nickname "Johno's" creating a sense of community with their local customers. From this, we were able to grow the brand collaborating with companies such as Heineken, Orchard Thieves, and Guinness to create adverts promoting the bar.