Murphy’s Irish Pub, Cairns

A Complete Venue Refurbishment

Core4 partnered with long-term client Australian Venue Co. to deliver the construction of Murphy’s Irish Pub in Cairns, transforming an outdated arcade-style venue into an authentic Irish beer hall in just six weeks. The project involved a complete strip-out and rebuild, including new bars, refreshed amenities, extensive bespoke timber joinery and custom finishes throughout. Every element was carefully crafted to bring the designer’s vision to life and create a venue full of warmth, character and unmistakable Irish charm.

The craftsmanship is evident throughout the venue, with detailed custom joinery wrapping the bars, walls and feature spaces to create a rich, inviting atmosphere. Outside, a bold new façade and reimagined outdoor dining area have transformed one of Cairns’ busiest streetscapes into a venue that’s impossible to miss. The result is a pub that looks as though it has been welcoming locals for generations.

Designed to perform as well as it looks, the refurbishment has significantly increased dining capacity while delivering a revitalised commercial kitchen ready to meet growing demand. Since reopening, Murphy’s has quickly become a favourite with locals, who are settling in for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, classic Irish fare and a great atmosphere—just in time for the excitement of the football World Cup.

Although the hotel closed during the refurbishment, Core4 carefully staged the project to keep the adjoining bottle shop operating throughout construction. The completed venue is a showcase of what’s possible through a well-executed pub refurbishment, delivering a distinctive hospitality destination that attracts new patrons, enhances the customer experience and sets the venue up for long-term success.