"Irish" beer mats
Mouseover shows the back of the coasters. Some have the same front and back and don't change.
A tap on the beer mat shows the back. A tap next to it changes back. Some have the same front and back and don't change.
Beer coasters (also known as beer mats) are small, usually round or square mats that
are placed under a glass or mug—typically under beer glasses.
Function:
They protect the table from moisture, stains, and scratches.
Material:
Traditionally made of cardboard, absorbent and lightweight. There are also versions made of cork, wood, plastic,
or ceramic, mainly as collector's items or decorative objects.
Design:
Many beer mats are printed, usually with the logo or name of a brewery.
This also makes them a popular advertising medium and collector's item.
History:
The first cardboard beer mat was invented in Germany at the end of the 19th century (around 1880–1890).