In the face of Dublin’s changing landscape, iconic pubs are holding their ground against the tide of closures and business struggles throughout the city. Willie Aherne,owner of the Palace Bar on Fleet Street,believes Dublin has done a commendable job preserving its rich pub culture despite these challenges.
Aherne’s words come as a beacon of hope for those who cherish Dublin’s traditional pubs, recognizing the struggles these establishments face in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
## A Dublin Institution: The Palace Bar and its Literary Legacy
Nestled on Fleet Street in the heart of Dublin, the Palace bar stands proudly as a monument to Irish literary history.More than just a pub, it’s a sanctuary for wordsmiths, artists, and those seeking a taste of the city’s rich cultural heritage. as its establishment in 1823, the Palace Bar has provided a haven for poets, writers, and intellectuals, fostering a vibrant atmosphere where creativity flourishes.
The palace Bar, located on Fleet Street
### A Literary Haven
The Palace Bar’s allure transcends its history. It’s a place where literary giants found inspiration, engaged in lively debates, and shared their craft.
One visitor famously described it as “the most fantastic temple of art.” Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh, known for capturing the essence of rural Irish life, recognized the special atmosphere that pervaded the bar.
A Toast to Tradition
“We’re blessed in Dublin to still have these lovely pubs,” says Willie of The Palace Bar, a pub steeped in literary history and once described by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh as the “most wonderful temple of art.” “Cities across England have lost these treasures, but Dublin has preserved them. It’s a huge accolade for the city, and visitors come for both the craic and the authentic Dublin pub experience.”
The pubs participating in this venture represent a who’s who of Dublin nightlife: The Palace,The Long Hall,The Swan,The Bankers,Arthur Maynes,Devitts,Doheny & Nesbitts,Sheehans,Lemon & Duke,The Bridge 1859,The Blackrock,The Bank,McSorleys,Darkey Kelly’s,and The Ferryman.
They’ve been joined by Patrick J Rigney,the founder of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin,who has come on board as chairman,adding his expertise to the mix.
A New Chapter for Dublin’s Pubs
The group’s first two offerings are Daydreamer lager and After Hours Pale Ale, brewed with the aim of bringing something fresh and exciting to Dublin’s pub scene.
Willie explains, “We realized we needed to do something different and bring something new to the table. This collaboration gives us a unique dynamic. Most of these pubs are city center located, which puts us in a great position to tap into the mix of tourism, events, and young people eager to try new things.”
He adds,”This location gives us a better chance than,say,a rural pub,who might have a vrey loyal customer base. We’re bringing together some of the finest pubs in the city - The Long Hall, The Swan, Doheny & Nesbitts, The Bank – and it’s incredibly exciting.”
willie emphasizes that despite their individual identities, the pubs have always seen themselves as part of a larger community. “we wouldn’t say we’re in competition with each other,” he says.”When visitors ask for recommendations, I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest Sheehan’s for their stew, The Bank for breakfast, or a whiskey sour.”
Marcus Houlihan, who runs the legendary Long Hall on South Great George’s Street – a pub frequented by Bruce Springsteen and featured in Phil Lynott’s “Old Town” video – echoes this sentiment: “Complacency is not in my vocabulary. I never take anything for granted.
“People say to me, ’ah, that pub runs itself.’ That couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Dublin Pub Embraces Tradition and Progress with Local Brew
The Long Hall, a legendary Dublin pub steeped in history and charm, has always been a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Renowned for its traditional Irish pub atmosphere, the establishment is known for its attentive bartenders, warm welcome, and pleasant atmosphere. “People come for the authenticity,” says Marcus, a representative of the pub.”They want to know where Irish people socialize. Where are the pubs that are the fabric of the city?”
A New Chapter: Introducing the Long Haul brew
Acknowledging the evolving needs of its clientele, The Long Hall recently embarked on a bold new venture: brewing its own beer. This groundbreaking move, a first for an Irish pub, reflects the establishment’s commitment to staying relevant and meeting the discerning tastes of modern drinkers. “We do need it. We can’t do what we’ve always done,” Marcus explains.
Inspired by the global travel experiences of Irish patrons, The Long Hall’s new brew aims to offer a taste of something unique and locally crafted. “irish drinkers are some of the most discerning drinkers in the world,” Marcus says. “They know what they like, they know what they don’t, they’re not shy in stressing their opinion.”
The collaboration with Franciscan Well Brewery, led by founder Shane Long, brought this vision to life. “We believe it is indeed the first time it’s ever been done, certainly in Ireland,” Marcus notes. “but it’s a conversation that’s been going on for years. We’ve been talking about wouldn’t it be great to have our own beer, to be brewing our own beer.”
Pride in Local Roots
The Long Hall’s locally brewed beer is a source of pride, allowing the pub to showcase its commitment to supporting local businesses and providing a truly Dublin experience. “It’s great when you can tell tourists this beer is brewed only 20 minutes drive from hear, it’s only up the road in Glasnevin,” says Willie, a member of the family that has owned The Long Hall since 1946.
Willie’s family has weathered many storms throughout the years, from interest rate hikes in the late 70s and 80s to the Dublin bombings and more recently, the covid-19 pandemic. “These challenges come at you every few years. Please God we don’t have those ones again in our lifetime but you have to adapt, get on with things and roll up the sleeves, ” he reflects.
He acknowledges the rising cost of doing business but emphasizes the pub’s focus on simplicity and efficiency.
“As a family, we’re here as 1946,” Willie says. ” I remember during Covid my father saying to me,he’d gone through some tough times. Than our friend covid came along and we had the crash a few years before that. “
Dublin Pubs Unite to Brew their Own beers
In the heart of Dublin, six iconic pubs have teamed up to launch their own brewery, a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition in a rapidly changing world. The Changing Times Brewery,a €1.8 million venture, is the brainchild of these establishments, eager to solidify their place in Dublin’s vibrant pub culture.
Willie Aherne, owner of the Palace Bar on Fleet Street, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration. “Traditions are being preserved against the odds,” he said.The brewery, located in the heart of Dublin, will produce a range of beers exclusively for the participating pubs.
A taste of Dublin
The launch of Changing Times Brewery marks a meaningful moment for Dublin’s pub scene. It offers a unique possibility to experience handcrafted beers that embody the spirit of the city. As Willie Aherne puts it, this collaboration is all about ”keeping the tradition of the irish pub alive.”
Changing Times beers are now available in all six partner pubs.
Dublin Pubs join Forces to Launch €1.8 Million Brewery
Some of Dublin’s most cherished pubs have come together to create their own brews at a brand new €1.8 million brewery in Glasnevin.
The venture, named Changing Times Brewery, is the culmination of a shared dream among the iconic publicans. It will see the pubs crafting their own signature beers, adding another dimension to Dublin’s already vibrant pub scene.