Bringing a Touch of Ireland to the Jersey Shore: The Story of the Emerald Pub Bus
On this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom Mirabella sits down with Mary McGinty, the creative force behind the Emerald Pub Bus—a 40-foot school bus transformed into a full-fledged Irish pub on wheels. Inspired by her deep love for Irish culture and fueled by entrepreneurial grit, Mary’s creation is rolling good times into private parties and events across the Jersey Shore.
From Ireland to the Jersey Shore
Mary isn’t just an admirer of Ireland—she’s visited 13 times and even holds dual citizenship. For her, the Emerald Isle isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling she wanted to capture and share here in the States.
When she’s not in Ireland, she misses it. That longing sparked an idea: What if she could bring a piece of Ireland home?
As a school bus driver with a CDL license, Mary realized she had the perfect foundation for something unique. Instead of following the trend of small trailer-based pubs, she went bigger—transforming a 40-foot bus into an immersive Irish pub experience.
Building the Emerald Pub Bus
In June 2023, Mary purchased the bus and got to work.
The transformation process included:
Removing all the seats (with the help of her nephew and a friend—both coincidentally named AJ).
Repainting the exterior to move away from the standard school bus yellow.
Designing the interior to mimic the warmth and authenticity of a traditional Irish pub.
Much of the bus’s charm comes from carefully curated pieces sourced on Facebook Marketplace—including 150-year-old benches from an Asbury Park mansion. Decorative touches like stained-glass-style windows, LED-lit “emergency hatch” skylights, and vintage furnishings make guests forget they’re on a vehicle at all.
A Pub on Wheels
The Emerald Pub Bus is a BYOB-friendly mobile venue equipped with:
A two-tap keg system and small refrigerator
Cozy fireplace and TV
Bathroom with sink
20 bar seats plus bench seating
LED lighting and a great sound system
It’s designed to host up to 20 people inside, with the option to extend the setup outdoors for larger gatherings.
Mary handles delivery, setup, and staging—right down to hanging her Irish flag and placing a custom partition with her family crest. Events range from birthday parties and anniversaries to block parties, happy hours, and festivals.
Hitting the Road
In its first year, the bus has made appearances at:
The Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade (New Jersey’s largest)
The Irish Festival in Manahawkin
The Monmouth County Irish Festival, where Mary partnered with Ireland’s Shankey’s Whip Whiskey for a tasting event onboard
Each event draws curiosity and delight from guests who’ve never seen anything like it before.
The Business Vision
While still working as a school bus driver, Mary is determined to turn the Emerald Pub Bus into a full-time business. Her goal: keep the bus booked for celebrations year-round.
Her pricing is straightforward:
4 hours – $700 + tax
6 hours – $900 + tax
8 hours – $1,200 + tax
Every booking includes the use of pint glasses, with additional merchandise like whiskey and shot glasses available for purchase.
Bringing the Party to You
Mary’s motto is simple: “Bringing a touch of Ireland to you.”
Whether it’s parked at a private home, part of a street festival, or serving as the centerpiece for a milestone celebration, the Emerald Pub Bus offers an atmosphere that instantly connects people.
From the warm wood interiors to the friendly, laughter-filled vibe, Mary’s creation isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a gathering place.
Want to book the Emerald Pub Bus for your next event?
📍 Serving Monmouth, Ocean, and surrounding counties
🌐 https://emeraldpubbusnj.com/
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
