High Kings fans know that their song, "Chasing
Rainbows," hints at several pubs in Dublin, Ireland. Many of these pubs
have a rich history and have been around for hundreds of years. If you ever
make it to Ireland and stop in Dublin, check out these pubs, knowing their
history beyond the song's mention.
Brogan's Bar
Address: 75 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BrogansBarDublin/
Brogan's Bar is located near the Olympia Theater, making it
a perfect place to grab a drink before or after a show. It is home to the
largest collection of Guinness memorabilia. The bar has undergone several
shifts in name: Leonard’s, The Viking Inn, and The City Hall Inn. Back
when it was the Viking In, it was one of Dublin's first gay bars. It has been
called Brogan’s since 1993. Brogran's is right across the street to the
entrance of Dublin Castle.
Grogan's
Address: 15 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 H336, Ireland
Website: https://www.groganspub.ie/
Grogan’s was established in Dublin’s city center in 1899.
Since the 1970s, the pub has been a refuge for those who are lost as well as
those who run in literary circles, with famous writers and artists gracing the
rooms of the pubs in those days. This led to the pub’s growth in popularity.
Today, it is a go-to destination for Dublin residents and visitors alike.
Grogan’s appears in Flann O’Brien’s “At Swim-Two-Birds,”
where the protagonist frequents the pub as for a drink and a smoke on several
occasions. When barman Paddy O’Brian switched from working at McDaid’s to
Grogan’s, he brought several of his literary customers with him, including Patrick
Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien, J.P. Donleavy, and Liam O’Flaherty.
Hogan's
Address: 59 South Great George's
Street, Dublin 2, D02T328
Website: https://www.hogansbar.com/
Hogan’s has been around for a
while, but it continues to be one of the trendiest bars in Dublin. It is known
to play alternative music most nights, and it has DJs play sets. The pub could
easily be located in cities such as New York City or London, but its crowd is
distinctively Irish. The usual crowd age ranges between 18 and 30, all the
while staying true to its Victorian roots.
The Hill
Address: 1 Old Mountpleasant, Ranelagh, Dublin, D06 YT25,
Ireland
Website: https://www.thehillpub.ie/
The Hill was established in 1845 and has since been a staple
in the community. Over the years, it has been redesigned and repurposed, even
serving as a greengrocer at one point. Despite changes to the building itself
and the surrounding community, the Hill still stands and is as iconic as ever.
Even though changes have come and gone, glimpses of the pub’s past lives can
still be seen in some of the décor and design of the building.
Brazen Head
Location: 20 Lower Bridge St. Usher’s Quay, Dublin, DO8 WC64
Website: https://brazenhead.com/
Established in 1198, Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub.
Documents of the Brazen Head date back to 1653, but the current building was
built as a coaching inn in 1754. Today, it is known for its history and its
music. The pub is located on Bridge Street, which is the area where Dublin got
its name. It is located near Christchurch Cathedral and The Guinness Brewery,
making it a great stop for Dublin visitors.
Long Hall
Address: 51 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, Republic of
Ireland
Website: https://the-long-hall.shop/
The Long Hall is a Victorian-style pub that dates back to
1766. It was exclusive to men until 1951 and is known for its historic décor
and its long, narrow hallway. The pub is a local icon among residents of Dublin
as well as tourists, especially with its closeness to hotels. The focal point
of the pub is the bar, which has 30 stools and a variety of drinks (Guinness
included, of course!).
Temple Bar
Address: 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin
Website: https://thetemplebarpub.com/
The Temple Bar is one of the most popular and iconic pubs in
Dublin. It was established in 1840 and still remains iconic today. Locals
tend to say it is more of a touristy place to go and there are better (and less
expensive) places to go, but there is no harm in going for the experience of
it. Temple Bar is known as the “friendliest watering hole in Dublin” because of
its welcoming atmosphere.
McDaid's
Address: 3 Harry St, Dublin, D02 NC42, Ireland
Website: https://thetemplebarpub.com/
McDaid’s dates back to the 18th century, being
established in 1779. Its Victorian exterior is very distinct. Before it was a
pub, the building was once Dublin City Morgue. Like Grogan’s, it is known for
its literary roots. Writers such as Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O'Brien, J.P.
Donleavy, and Liam O'Flaherty have frequented McDaid’s throughout its history.
It is even said that Behan based some of his characters in “The Hostage” and “Borstal
Boy” on people who were at McDaid’s Pub. Joycean scholars also say that
McDaid’s is where the opening story of Joyce’s “Grace” takes place.
Palace
Address: 21 Fleet Street, Dublin 2, D02 H950
Website: https://www.thepalacebardublin.com/
The Palace Bar is known internationally for its intellectual
atmosphere. It was described by Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh as the
“most wonderful temple of art.” It was established in 1823 and is a
Victorian Heritage pub. The walls of the
pub have seen several owners and customers, and the décor reflects the history
of days gone by. In the 1940s and 50s, under the patronage of R.M. (Bertie)
Smyllie, who was then the editor of the Irish Times, the Palace became a hub of
intellectual and artistic discussion.
Bleeding Horse
Address: 24-25 Camden St Upper. Dublin 2. Ireland.
Website: https://bleedinghorse.ie/
The Bleeding Horse was established in 1649 and is still
going strong today as one of the most popular pubs in Dublin. The current
building of the Bleeding Horse dates back to 1871, and the interior was
renovated in 1992. The pub has been mentioned in a few classic novels,
including “Cock and Anchor” by Sheridan Le Fanu and “Ulysses” by James Joyce.
The pub’s name could come from a farrier bleeding the horse when it gets the
“staggers.” There was also an incident in the Battle of Rathmines in 1649 when a
wounded horse fled the battle.