The Graphics behind SLBC
Strangford Lough Brewing Company wanted to reflect a set of three core values in the design of their branding. The area of Killyleagh in Co. Down as a tourist destination, the history of the area including two main figures of local historical importance for the area, and the refreshing taste of our real ale, which is produced in Co. Down with locally grown ingredients.
The outline of the company logo symbolises the area of Strangford Lough and its opening to the mouth of the Irish Sea. The colour of the logo was chosen carefully to signify the historical importance of the area and the parchment style texture of our business cards are also representative of this.
For hundreds of years, Killyleagh Harbour would have been one of the most significant harbours due to it’s location as the closest quay to the opening of the Lough. The Harbour has always been shaped like a horse shoe providing a perfect shelter and docking point for cargo handlers including the coal ships, who still delivered to the harbour up to 25 years ago.
The dark green colour of the text in our logo is symbolic of Ireland and whether North or South of the border, this colour is appropriate to represent our Emerald Isle. The colour of the sea on our logo also represents the true colour of St Patrick, as studies into St Patrick show that his chosen colour on his coat of arms was blue.
The Strangford Droplets used in the labels on our beer are highly representative of the Lough that not only St Patrick, but the Great Viking King Magnus travelled across. SLBC was established in 2004 just 100 feet from the shores of this same Lough on the mouth of the River Quoile. From the windows of our offices the stunning scenery shows the stretch of water that both great leaders would have crossed to reach their destinations.
King Magnus Barelegs reigned as King of Norway from 1093 until his death in 1103. His campaigns led to warfare in Ireland, Britain and the Isle of Man. In 1103 he raided Downpatrick to replenish supplies. He was ambushed and killed by the Ulaid, Men of Ulster. It is reputed that his grave is in the Marshes of Downpatrick, once again, not far from the premises of SLBC. We have named two of our ales after Magnus, Barelegs Brew and Legbiter which was the name of his famous sword.
St. Patrick, Magonus Sucatus Patricius, the son of the Roman Decurion Calpernius, was reputedly born in modern day Wales. Captured by ‘Nial of the Nine Hostages’ in the early 5th century and sold as a slave to the Irish Chieftian Milchu at Slemish, County Antrim. Escaping Ireland after six years he returned, bringing Christianity with him. St Patrick was an important part of Irish History and we have named three of our ales after him; St Patrick’s Ale, St Patrick’s Best and St Patrick’s Gold.
The St Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick is very important to SLBC and it is a place where we direct any visitor to our province. Not only because of the fantastic resources they have to offer, but because St Patrick’s church and final resting place are only a short walk away.
Only 5% of American tourists visit Northern Ireland, which we feel is a great shame because of the beauty and history that our province has to offer. We want to promote it to anyone who holds Ireland dear in their hearts and tell them of the hidden jewels our area has to offer. Our organisation is a member of the local community and we are delighted to reflect this in each aspect of our branding.
