33) Lanigan's (now: The James Connolly) of Eden Quay, D1
(Now permanently closed). [Or is it? Seems to have reopened as of September 2021 despite public lamentations over its closure]. A dark den of sin located on the quays – the Halloween decor seems to be a yearlong fixture, full of cobwebs and skeletons playing the piano. This pub is a three-dimensional virtual synonym with its knickknacks, bric-a-bracs, gewgaws, curios, gimcracks, trinkets, bibelots, kickshaws, thingamajigs and thingamabobs all over the place. Some of the tables appear to be revamped school desks – one expects to find the initials of past pupils cut into the wood, lending everything an eerie touch of moribund scholasticism. A onetime favourite for readings curated by 'Jean-Claude Van San’ [1]. The upstairs contains a small theatre that enjoys mounting original work and is usually commandeered during the fringe festival and other theatrical seasons. Actor Don Wycherley (famed as Father Cyril McDuff, the poor man's Father Dougal from Rugged Island) has been seen here – unsurprising, considering the Abbey's proximity.
Update as of April 2021: another of the lamented Covid-19 victims, the pub and hotel (the later - used to house gigs for upcoming rock bands back in the early 2000s) are never to reopen their doors due to a full year without any business. (See above, may be trading once more, watch this space…).
Fat Fuck talks garlic to dispirited Transylvanian
Update as of 9th Jan 2022: Space duly watched. Lanigan’s is permanently back open and operating under the new name ‘The James Connolly,’ which neighbours the new restaurant Daly’s of Eden Quay. It’s self described as a ‘traditional Irish pub.’ It’s hard to imagine the dark and spooky den that once was Lanigan’s after seeing it in it’s new form.
FOOTNOTE
[1] A native of Italy and later a Trinity scholar. Last seen doing a PHD in Chicago, probably a doctor by now such is his talent for both the world of academia and licking the right amount of ass. A clever lad with a love of literature (though he has been known to confess that nothing can 'move' him) and a marked penchant for womanizing. An admirer of Harold Bloom and David Foster Wallace, among others. See entry for Mother Reilly's, wherein is contained a funny anecdote involving young Claude. (At least, we hope it's funny.)
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