OUr Irish Story

The Irish Pub on 4th is owned by Richie and Jill Hamm. They are proud to keep the Irish traditions alive in the state of Florida. Although Jill is Slovak (“Na zdravi!”), Richie is Irish and his family has a long Irish story dating back to 1764 with his Raphael family. The Raphael family hails from County Antrim, Northern Ireland. In 1764 some of the family decided to immigrate to America (it wasn't even America yet) and boarded a ship in Belfast called “The Falls.” After months at sea the Raphael family (including Richies 6th great-grandfather- John David) arrived in Charleston, SC. Upon entering the immigration point their name was misunderstood and thus changed by port authority to Raffield.

Along with their families, the now re-named Raffields traveled toward the Florida Coast. When they arrived and saw the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it felt familiar, and they knew they had found their new home! The Raffield family settled in between Panama City Beach and Port St. Joe on the land that is now the Tyndal Air Force Base. There they laid their claim in America and began creating a new life. Initially, the Raffield family harvested salt and later moved on to become commercial fisherman. Richie's grandfather, Oscar Redding Raffield also fished those emerald waters and was known as the "flounder whisperer." To this day, the Raffield family still fishes the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and many still call this area home.

Because of this wonderful story of determination, resilience and change we honor the Irish heritage here at The Irish Pub on 4th. Welcome to our Pub. We hope you make it yours too!