98) McGowan's of Harold's Cross Road, D6W

(Formerly called: The Inn In The Park). Notable for its closeness to the beautiful Harold’s Cross Park, and its worrying proximity to Mount Jerome Cemetery – the afters of funerals understandably form a significant part of its revenue and perhaps contribute to an overall depressive atmosphere – with one significant exception. For the joint is uplifted and highlighted by the presence of a certain barmaid Martina, a once bonny lassie, now an aged yet chirpy sparrow of a thing, whose zest for life was heartwarming, especially given the prominence and nearness of death in this establishment. No sooner was one inside than one would be hailed with a plethora of 'my darlings' and 'my dears' and 'my loves', accentuated by the slight hoarse croak with which such endearments were uttered. How one's pulse fluttered! Be still, my beating parts! Tellingly, she directed our attention to an item in the news concerning some poor sod who had thrown himself off the top of St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. Thanks for that, Martina.

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