No Need to Bring a Mandolin Up a Mountain to Hear Irish Music at 946 Feet

Northern Ireland’s Ponderosa pub, which sits at 946-foot elevation, was recently renovated and infused with Niles audio and ELAN automation.

CI Staff
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In Northern Ireland you can get a pint of Guinness almost anywhere, and that includes 946 feet above sea level.

The Ponderosa pub, which sits at that elevation in the Northern Ireland town of Dungiven, was established in its first incarnation in 1858. It recently underwent a complete interior remodel during which the historical venue added 21st century audio and automation.

AME Electrical, a Derry, Northern Ireland-based integration firm, turned to ELAN for automation and Niles for audio.

The renovation included more than just a completely rebuilt bar and seating area. The restaurant added a much larger kitchen to accommodate more staff and essentially more guests. An ELAN g! music system was installed to offer the management control of 14 speakers in six zones.

Photos: Inside and Outside the Ponderosa

“The owners wanted a super-simple system that would let them have precise control over the music in the kitchen, bar, sunroom, lobby, restrooms and outdoor patio seating area, and ELAN g! is the easiest way to do that,” says AME’s Aidan McErlean.

“We set them up with access to radio, satellite radio and any music they want to bring in themselves, and they can control it all from an iPhone. Plus, the main room has a new retractable separation wall, so if a group comes in for a private party they can have their own music separate from the rest of the bar.”

In addition to the ELAN g! system and audio controllers, the Ponderosa has 12 Niles in-ceiling speakers and two Niles outdoor loudspeakers. All rack equipment is protected by a Furman power conditioner.

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