The Palace Bar on Dublin’s Fleet Street has just celebrated its 200th anniversary! Two rich and eventful centuries, marked by the uninterrupted service of beers and porters since 1823! Over the years, this iconic Irish pub has witnessed a multitude of significant events, from the Great Famine to the Easter Rising, world wars and even the recent pandemic. A real Dublin institution!
The Palace Bar, opened in 1823, is one of Ireland’s oldest pubs. With its old-school frontage, art deco floor lamp and varnished wood entrance, the establishment exudes authenticity and simplicity.
Inside, the decor is typical of Irish pubs: alcohol-patinated counters, dark wood panelling, subdued lighting, pictures and photos from the past hanging here and there… Add to this a bit of traditional music, and a varied menu of typically Irish drinks, and you’ll understand just how perfect the pub is for spending a rainy afternoon in a cosy, timeless atmosphere!
And the pub, apart from being an excellent address, is also a veritable window on time and history!
Founded in the 19th century, the pub is famous for playing a key role in Dublin’s literary renaissance and tradition during the 1940s and 1950s. Irish personalities such as Patrick Kavanagh, Brendan Behan and Flann O’Brien were regulars.
Kavanagh and Behan have even been immortalized on the pub’s walls with works by renowned Dingle artist Liam O’Neill!
As for the owners, the Palace Bar has been in the hands of the Aherne family for nearly 80 years! Willie Aherne, the current owner, is working hard to ensure that the pub’s philosophy remains unchanged over the years.
This is a different era. There’s no music, no TV except for the big GAA matches. Just good conversation, quality in the choice of drinks and lots of conviviality. he declared.
To mark the bicentenary, a radio program was broadcast live on Newstalk’s Hard Shoulder. The event was also celebrated with a special toast, where a new variant of Palace Porter was served.
This new beer is inspired by an original Arthur Guinness recipe from 1823, adapted to modern tastes.
In an ever-changing world, the Palace Bar remains a landmark of authenticity and tradition, bearing witness to two centuries of Irish history.
Don’t hesitate to visit: the atmosphere is unique, a far cry from the modern, impersonal Irish pubs that are a real tourist magnet!
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