INTERESTING DUBLIN PUBS
'DAVY BYRNE'S'
A visit to Dublin would not be complete without visiting some of our famous pubs.
Take for example 'Davy Byrne's, on Duke Street. Its history is rich and colourful. James Joyce regulary visited the premises. Many other Irish literary figures visited the premises for example, James Stephens, Liam O'Flaherty, Brendan Behan and other Irish writers, enjoyed its hospitality.
During the War of Independence and Civil War the premises was visited regularly by Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith.
Davy Byrne retired in 1939, and in 1942 the pub was bought by the Doran family. Davy Byrne's decor is original, and pre-Second World War in theme. It has an excellent art collection, one can appreciate the three educational murals of Joycean Dublin by Liam Proud. Murals of the 1940's by Brendan Behan's father-in-law and the sculptures of Eddie Delaney and John Behan. On inspection of the murals you will notice the man, Davy Byrne himself.
Since 'Ulysses' publication in 1922 there has been a constant literary pilgrimage to Davy Byrne's. The 16th of June (Bloomsday) is a special occasion for literary tourists, where they can experience its richness.
'THE DUKE'
Situated on Duke street, it takes it's title from the little street named after the 2nd Duke of Grafton providing refreshment and sustenance since 1822.
By 1845, across the street, Fishbourne and Bianconi, had the exclusive rights on all coach travel to every town south of Carlow. During this coaching trade boom, The Duke was known as the National Hotel and Tavern.
In the 1890's the premises underwent a Victorian renovation which is largely preserved to this day.
It has enjoyed the company of literary greats such as Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh and Myles Na gCopoleen. However, while they enjoyed the premises they found each others company slightly tiring, so as a general rule. the presence of one was dictated by the the absence of the other two.
'THE PALACE BAR'
The Palace Bar on 21 Fleet Street, Dublin 2. was built in 1823. It's one of Dublin's original Victorian pubs.
In more modern times in the 40's, 50's and 60's the Irish Times staffers would visit the snug to compose articles and meet " sources". To this day it is a popular place for some journalists.
The Palace Bar has natural character. In the early morning on a sunny day you can see the stained glass windows lighting up the old mahogany back bar. Its Romanesque arches and mirrors make for an enchanting ambience.
"When I first came to Dublin in 1939, I thought the Palace was the most wonderful temple of art" Patrick Kavanagh. Much of his poetry is autobiographical. The Palace Bar is still in possession of an old cheque that Kavanagh wrote.