136) The Bowery (now The Dunmore) of Lower Rathmines Road, D6
This new late-opening pub is often a last chance at a pint for those unable to walk to Portobello as it allows (indeed welcomes) late callers (though more towards the week's end). As black as pitch, there isn’t a window to wave through, save one upstairs, a big bending bay window at the front – the prized seat with a view of Rathmines Road. A strong maritime theme with wooden décor inside and out – and when imbibing one can feel as though down in the bowels of a boat. One thinks of Brody, Hooper and Quint. Music gigs and poetry readings happen with some regularity.
Sam Coll was once propositioned by a mature lady to guess her age and in so doing was handsomely remunerated. Barmaid Rosie is pleasant enough and shows great dexterity in scrambling up a ladder to obtain the spirits stored on the highest shelf. Another regular is a certain Michael, ruddy and doddery, a former security guard at the National Gallery now much given to amateur drama (taken up on the advice of his counsellor). A friendly man with a great memory for a face, but couldn't recollect your name to save his life.
UPDATE: As of October 2019, the Bowery has been put up for market. Check for it on Google Maps now, and the disclaimer says it all: PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
FURTHER UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 2024: The former Bowery now operates under the name of THE DUNMORE and seems very pleased with itself altogether. According to whispers online and in the human ether, it has a fireplace, it has WiFi, it serves ‘great cocktails’, and it shuts at 9:30pm (on Tuesdays at least). Among innumerable delights too numerous to be ennumerated, you can eat Duncannon Mussels, Sourdough And Tomato Tartare, Chermoula Potato And Spinach Pie, Moroccan Spiced Tabbouleh, or even a Pat McLoughlin Beef Burger. Yum yum, I’m getting hungry! Is this a step-up from the Bowery or what? I just love the newfound emphasis on foodstuffs rather than satanic drinks, don’t u?
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