60) Mary's of Wicklow Street, D2

A relatively new pub elaborately done up to look artificially old. It’s full of interesting nicknacks, curios and groceries as it doubles as a Hardware like the golden pubs of olden days. The bar stands on the site of the old Wicklow Hotel where Michael Collins and other ‘members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood’ would come to take rest and wet refreshments during the War of Independence.

Downstairs the bar is deceivingly spacious and home to an oversized burger joint of questionable reputation. A false snug with a hatch to the bar can be found but it lacks a door making any sexual acts which may take place open to the eyes of the public. A cold and lonely open fire sits in waiting for tinder to spark. Once, Sam Coll, too drunk to be cautious, lost a precious notebook containing a variety of lengthy lists, an assortment of dirty doodles and answers to the mysteries of the meaning of life. Trad sessions are popular on Tuesday and Thursday nights as are their student deals aimed mainly at junior freshmen barred from the Pav.

Given its location in the heart of the city and the late hour at which it serves a body a pint, it has become a favourite of Nuncle Richard O'Carroll’s. We once serendipitously bumped into Richard late one night in Mary’s (having been on the batter since the Liberties, on a trajectory that included J.K. Stoutmans, The Clock, Baker's, The Lark Inn, etc. etc.). After a short while Andrew Stephens left for the lavatory but failed to return. A little later, Sam Coll set off in pursuit only to find him asleep standing up at the urinal.

Update as of June 2020: Mary’s now has a sister called Anne’s and a brother called John’s. (See: The Garage Bar, and The Clock for more details).

Parody of a period alcohol advertisement - one drinker trounces another

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