203) Harry Byrnes of Howth Road, Clontarf, D3

Flowers drape all over this red brick building which looks more like a manor from a bygone era than a modern-day pub. Inside is a timber trove that hasn’t changed in over 100 years, or so they say. Established in 1798, this house has been serving the public the liquid drug for over two centuries. Both Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker have supposedly taken a pint here. There are two open fires well-lit in winter to warm the wanderer. When we arrived to sample some pints there were renovations underway (so much for never changing!) which ruined our stay. A unique conjoined area at the centre of the pub forms a huge smoking area-cum-beer garden which David Saunders once called the ‘best smoking area in all of Dublin.’

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