Dublin Does Fridays Continued

Madigans
This pub is steeped in history with a list of regulars including literary giants Joyce and Behan. Local poets are some of Madigan’s best locals and they can be seen tucked in the corners with their note pads writing away. The place oozes quality with its Harry Clarke stained glass and Victorian features throughout. The proof is in the pint though and like all good barmen, I had only sat down before I was asked if I’d like a pint brought down to me. The bar staff are total professionals ensuring that everybody is served their drink while having the intuition to know when people just want to be left alone. Not only that though, it’s clear these guys take pride in their work with every drink being poured with the greatest care and attention. It’s hard to define a ‘real’ Irish pub but Madigans is it. They serve traditional stew all day with a food menu on til 11pm with free finger food available on Fridays for the trad session.

The lounge is immediately inviting with people from all walks of life deep in conversation about all sorts from the rugby on the multiple screens to how good the toasties are. It is easy to see why so many tourists are scattered throughout the bar, it’s the warm, lively atmosphere. Everybody is accepted as equal and one can retire to be alone in the snug or make friends with the genuine characters at the bar with equal ease. “Tempus Fugit’ or ‘Time Flies’ is written above the entrance to the lounge and it certainly does as I managed to stay for two hours without realizing it!



The Flowing Tide
Established in 1824, the Flowing Tide is as part of Dublin as O Connell Bridge. Inside, there is a warm, inviting atmosphere with a diverse crowd. Small groups of local workers huddle around their pints while younger professionals enjoy their coffees at the bar. Uniquely, it is these people that choose what goes on with them having free reign over the television controls. During the 1916 rising, a shell fired from the British Battleship, Helga hit the roof of the pub causing significant structural damage. One of the pub’s supporting pillars still contains the shrapnel as its removal would be too risky. Innovative ideas such as a bottle of wine and a large pizza for €20 and it having the only heated beer garden in the area keep people coming back after work. Although it is one of the smaller pubs around, the management concentrates on getting the basics right with excellent service and value for money given top priority. There is a nice laid -back buzz in the seating area with everyone enjoying a well earned drink after a long day of work.

Given its location directly across from the Abbey Theatre, actors and celebrities are common place here. Pierce Brosnan is said to always drop in for a Guinness after a show. Brian Denehy was famously quoted to have said “I love the pub, I love the drink but I’ll never understand why the guy behind the bar is telling me to go to bed at 11pm!”