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WORDS Martina Murray EXIT STAGE LEFT HALF A WORLD
AWAY Merrion Row has seen its fair share of visitors this year with many descending on traditional Irish pub O’Donoghue’s in search of some old fashioned hospitality and a decent brew or two. Long the doyenne of music lovers in search of a session, the hostelry beloved by Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners, saw Disclosure perform a DJ set in May, while Mumford and Sons entertained regulars when they stopped by for a surprise singalong back in July. Meanwhile the Gallagher siblings enjoyed a sterling afterparty there in the company of Richard Ashcroft and others following their sellout weekend shows at Croker. With live music from 1pm to midnight every Sunday, some might say there are worse ways to end a weekend. @odonoghuespub Located just off Grafton Street, the Chatham Lounge is one of those places that offers boozers some peaceful respite not too far from the city’s madding crowd. Once upon a time, in addition to its many other charms, it was possible for actors and musicians to move easily between the bar and backstage for a swift sharpener during the intermission at the nearest playhouse. We confess to trying to check this out on a recent visit to Neary’s, but the lateness of the hour made it difficult to navigate our way around, so it was back inside for another creamy pint and a chat with some of the best-informed bar folk in Dublin. We’re looking forward to seeing what our favourite social historian Donal Fallon has to say about the stories surrounding this and the many other fabled establishments that the city has been blessed with over the years. His forthcoming book, The Dublin Pub – A Social and Cultural History is set to be published next month, and frankly, we can’t wait to dive in. @newislandbooks @fallonist_