48) Rody Boland's of Upper Rathmines Road, D6

A late opener in Rathmines. The original pub of this name was founded in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary in 1873, before being elaborately 'shipped and transported' to Dublin in 1994 (similar to the Francis Bacon studio's journey from London to the Hugh Lane). Very loud and crowded after a certain hour of the night – a sheltered smoking area evokes the village grocers. A large vestibule between the main door and the bar exists for smoking denizens. A sign overhead reads: ‘Edward Boland and Sons.’ A tiny false snug directly against the bar is a greatly coveted space. An impressive staircase dominates the centre at ground level which, as it climbs upward, splits left and right towards the upper level. Above the split is a large stained-glass window.

Once upon a bygone time would Sam Coll and Sean O'Rourke blunder by with verve, only after the earlier houses had ceased to serve, obliged to put on an unconvincing act of sobriety to charm the charmless bouncers, who were seldom so easily duped. We once had the misfortune of being cornered by a closeted anti-semite who, tongue loosened, droned on at length about the international Jewish conspiracy. Increasingly prohibitively expensive (refrain).

Blowsy vulgar woman gives embarrassed barman excessively large tip

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