324) The Ha’penny Bridge Inn (Ryan’s) of 42 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, D2

An unassuming bar by the river. Established in 1732. Sleepy by day. Live music and comedy upstairs by night. Regrettably, but not surprisingly they charge horrendously high Temple Bar prices on the pint. It seems less touristic with even a few locals drinking away at the counter. Lead singer Mick Pyro has often been spotted here making business deals for the Republic of Loose.

A fairly dark room sits waiting inside. The whole pub could enlighten itself by simply enlarging the windows facing the river. This would not only create exceptional views of the River Liffey, but it would give to the place a much brighter light, while also providing a view of the iconic bridge after which it takes its name. A haunting framed photo hangs of what appears to be the doomed Twin Towers on the Manhattan skyline - but when one looks closer it reveals itself to be a collage of hundreds of micro photos, all political in nature.

A very wonky carpeted staircase behind the main bar leads to the upper bar – not very inviting, a little bit Texas Chainsaw-ish. Would possibly return but not before they pay heed: Hey hey Ha’penny Bridge! Lower your windows and lower your prices!

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