SO YOU FANCY a pint, but want a story to tell over it. Fear not, head to these historic spots.

1. The Brazen Head, Bridge Street Lower

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A pint in Dublin’s official oldest pub is simply necessary when you’re in the city. It was established in 1198 and originally a coach house. You’ll be sharing the same space once occupied by James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell.

Some fine company to keep.

2. The Church, Jervis Street

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This pub is literally a derelict church, spruced up a bit of course. A conversion saw the site modernised, but still retain the stained glass, the organ, and the altar which is now a stage for bands. Arthur Guinness got married here in 1761 so you simply must toast to him.

3. The Bank, College Green

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The Bank was once… a bank, and still displays some of the original fittings and vaults and safes. The interior was once the main banking hall of the Belfast Bank in 1892, with a stained glass ceiling and mosaic tiled floors that you can still enjoy a cocktail among.

4. The Palace, Fleet Street

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Due to its close proximity to the Irish Times building, the Palace used to host a lot of snug meetings between journalists and their sources in the back rooms. The pub was built in 1823 and was a favoured spot of Flann O’Brien, who got his Irish Times gig here and who is commemorated with a statue outside. The staff also hold on to a cheque that Patrick Kavanagh wrote for an evenings worth of drinking, one pound and ten shillings. The Irish Times Croisare crossword was also started here.

5. The Clock, Thomas Street

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This spot is said to have been the regular meeting spot of the United Irishmen, and the 1803 rebellion planned.

6. Johnnie Foxes, Glencullen

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The highest pub in Dublin is about 30 minutes outside the city center but is worth the trip. It was established in 1798 and was used for meetings by leaders of the 1916 uprising.

7. John Kavanagh’s, Glasnevin

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Know in Dublin as The Gravediggers, this Glasnevin pub was established in 1833 and got its name from it’s close location to the Glasnevin Cemetary. Gravediggers would come into the bar for a free pint due to their unpleasant job. Most of the interior remains the same.

8. Toner’s, Lower Baggot Street

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The only pub W.B. Yeats visited, and he didn’t even like it. Claim to fame if there ever was one.

9. The Old Stand, Exchequer St

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This pub dates back to the 1700s. Michael Collins then used the pub to hold meetings for the Irish Republican Brotherhood, as they were outlawed and it was inconspicuous. Made way for a few pints as well, eh?

10. The International, Wicklow St

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Bringing us into present day, the Dubliners Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly are said to have met here during a session. Founded in 1854, it still retains a lot of its Victorian interior.

11. Mulligans, Poolbeg Street

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Former visitors include James Joyce, and John F Kennedy visited in 1945. The pub retains the original lettering on the windows, and was once raided by the Black and Tans.

By Nicola Byrne. Originally published on DailyEdge.ie.

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