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Then & Now: Pubs of the 1916 Rising

By Visit DublinDublin's Official Tourism SiteBIO
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In 1916, the public house was something of a communal catch-all for Irish citizens, acting as a meeting place for local communities to gather within, while some even functioned as part-shop and part-pharmacy. Six pubs in particular boast a strong connection to the conflict and continue to welcome visitors from all over the world to this day. To mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, we've taken a look at the watering holes that feature as part of its history...


Old photograph of The Oval Middle Abbey Street  Historic Dublin Pub the Oval on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin

The Oval

78 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1

The Oval proved a regular haunt for members of both the Irish Citizens Army and the Irish Volunteers, partly due to its close proximity to the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, the main base of operations during the Rising. Destroyed by the HMS Helga gunship as it shelled the GPO and Liberty Hall from the River Liffey, The Oval was restored in 1922 and today stands as a cosy, quiet spot in the heart of the city that boasts terrific food. Be sure to try their traditional Irish stew and famed ham and cheese toasties.

Main image via National Library of Ireland
The Oval images via Dublin Then & Now and The Oval


Peadar Kearney fought in the 1916 Rebellion  Famous historic Dublin Pub Peadar Kearney’s on Dame Street

Peadar Kearney’s

64 Dame Street, Dublin 2

Just a short walk away is Peadar Kearney’s on Dame Street, a pub with a strong musical connection to the Easter Rising. Nestled beside the splendid Olympia Theatre, it takes its name from Peadar Kearney, who fought in the Rising under Thomas MacDonagh. A skilled composer of rebel songs, Kearney composed the lyrics to ‘The Soldier’s Song’ in 1907, which was later translated by Liam Ó Rinn as ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’, before it was officially adopted as Ireland’s national anthem in 1926. Previously, the song served as a rousing call-to-arms for the Volunteers of 1916. Today, the lively venue regularly hosts traditional Irish music, keeping that musical spirit alive and well. Open sessions take place on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays so be sure to bring along that tin whistle.

Peadar Kearney images via Gardiner Street Dublin and Peadar Kearney’s

An old picture of the Foggy Dew pub in Temple Bar Dublin  Historic and famous Irish Pub Foggy Dew in Temple Bar Dublin

The Foggy Dew

1 Fownes Street, Dublin 2

Looking for further raucous action? The Foggy Dew on the cusp of Temple Bar takes its name from a 1916 Easter Rising ballad written by Canon Charles O’Neill. The song laments the decision of many Irish soldiers to fight for Britain during WWI instead of staying home and supporting the cause of Irish independence. Today, The Foggy Dew is a regular spot for musicians of all different kinds with everything from traditional Irish to folk to rock and metal all creating a joyful noise in this laid back pub. Further tributes to Irish musical history are present with memorabilia and snapshots dotted on its walls.

Foggy Dew images via Geograph and Kiss 92.5

Old photograph of Davy Byrne’s off Grafton Street Dublin  Davy Byrne’s off Grafton Street is an historic Dublin pub

Davy Byrnes

21 Duke Street, Dublin 2

Just off Grafton Street, you’ll find Davy Byrnes, which famously featured in James Joyce’s rich tome Ulysses where Leopold Bloom was moved to lavish praise upon the intimate environs, noting "Nice quiet bar. Nice piece of wood in that counter. Nicely planed. Like the way it curves.” The pub was also a favourite gem of the ‘Big Fella’ himself, first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State Army, Michael Collins. Many of the Irish Republican Brotherhood met here and in an act of defiant solidarity, Davy Byrne actually allowed the outlawed Provisional Cabinet of the State to hold meetings in his pub. The story goes that when one oblivious barman attempted to call time on the evening, he was met with the response; “Time be damned! The government is sitting upstairs.” Today, it is an award-winning gastro-pub that specialises in delicious seafood that continues to honour Joyce with an authentic pre-Second World War aesthetic and literary events such as 2014’s Davy Byrnes Short Story competition.

Davy Byrnes images via Davy Byrnes and Traditional Irish Pubs

Old Davy’s bar at the Portobello on South Richmond Street Dublin  Historic Irish bar The Portobello Bar on South Richmond Street Dublin

The Portobello Bar

33 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2

Formerly known as Davy’s, The Portobello Bar on South Richmond Street was taken over by rebels led by a man by the name of James Joyce. This particular Joyce was not, in fact, the famous writer of Ulysses, but rather a frustrated bottle washer at the pub who took matters into his own hands in dramatic fashion. Angered at the disruption, his boss Mr. Davy issued Joyce a week’s notice to finish up work. To this, young Joyce allegedly retorted, “Well, I’m giving you five minutes’ notice!” following it with a gentle warning shot from his rifle. In modern Dublin, Portobello is particularly fine summer spot, offering up scenic views of the Grand Canal and relaxing drinks in the sunshine.

The Portobello Bar/Davy’s images via National Library of Ireland and The Portobello

Old photo of a man standing outside John Kavanagh’s, The Gravediggers, at Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin  Old Irish Pub the famous Gravediggers at Prospect Park Dublin

The Gravediggers

1 Prospect Square, Dublin 9

Established all the way back in 1833, John Kavanagh / The Gravediggers is, as the name suggests, located next to a graveyard. Not just any graveyard, however. The storied Glasnevin Cemetery marks the final resting place of some of the most famous names in Irish history. The pub takes its name from gravediggers who would stroll in for a pint of the black stuff between shifts. These days, the pub retains an authentic aesthetic and a strict ‘no TV’ policy, ensuring a warm, old-school approach to socialising. It’s not far from the city centre, but you’ll need to get a bus. Catch a 140 Dublin Bus from O’Connell Street.

Gravediggers image via Rare Irish Stuff and John Kavanagh / The Gravediggers

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