372) Kitty Kiernan’s of Collins Avenue, Grace Park, D9

Could this be regarded as a hidden gem? Why not? A romanesque entrance with two bold columns either side give way to a veritable forest inside - a wondrous woodland especially in the lounge with its double rainbow array of stained-glass windows. Staff were courteous, even welcoming. Only €4.50 for a Beamish, and it’s a good Beamish too, even succulent, even if a subtler palette might detect a hint or whiff of detergent. It’s also generously endowed with handsome fires, unlit at our time of visiting and alcoves at every turn throughout the bar and lounge. This is to say nothing of what could be another wonderland upstairs (which we weren’t privy to witnessing at the time). Kitty Kiernan’s is an impressive pub that easily gives the likes of O’Neill’s or The Oak a run for their money. If this pub were closer to the city centre it would no doubt call for, and deserve, more acclaim.

On entry, we were warmly hailed by a friendly and deeply waxen regular: ‘Fair play to ye, lads, fair play…game ball, game ball…’ Very big and spacious bar, but especially in the capacious lounge whose lovely windows admit such lovely light. Named after the girlfriend of Michael Collins, so lamentably portrayed by cringer ginger Julia Roberts in the ‘96 biopic. It’s also appropriately located on the Big Man’s very own avenue which bears his sterling surname.

On exit we noticed the bus-stop outside the pub which is served by routes 14 and 31d, hop on and pop in for a pint. We had a wish to remain longer, indeed we could have stayed all day sampling their Beamo and exploring their wares, but we had more fish to fry and The Ramble was next on our hit-list. As we walked away alone along Collins Avenue, one of Kitty Kiernan’s barmen drove us by and gifted us with a honk and a favourable wave. We’ll be back, Kitty!

Collins pines for the pint / Kitty already tipsy

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