71) Madigan's (Now: Mooney’s) of Lower Abbey Street, D1
One of several Madigan [1] pubs located very near each other and very easily mistaken for each other. In point of fact, Andrew Stephens and Una Marnell [2] once got their Madigan’s mixed which resulted in Stephens racing from one pub to the next in order to keep the appointment (still, he managed a pint in each pub before having his tardy pardoned).
This one was entered only after we were repulsed by Wynn's Hotel across the street, the traditional go-to for bumpkins on a day out, which on that day so reeked of stale old cabbage farts that we had to back out gagging. This place has an old section similar to a grandmother’s living room with big couches that curl around a nice warm open fire. When seated in the unusual and large stained-glass section at the back, it can feel like one is sitting in a conservatory.
Staff insist on ‘no tracksuits’ and demand ‘neat dress essential.’ However, as of last visit, backwards baseball caps and sleeveless t-shirts are regrettably permitted.
Update as of 2020: ‘Madigan’s’ has changed to ‘Mooney’s’ in a fitting nod to Joyce (see footnote 1).
FOOTNOTES
[1] Madigan’s pub of Lower Abbey Street sits beside what is now a branch of Permanent TSB which was previously a pub called ‘The Abbey Mooney.’ The name Mooney is still visible carved into the stone of the exterior and both the original door and fan light remain preserved and showcased. Mooney’s pub is mentioned by Lenehan in the Aeolus episode of Ulysses as the ‘boosing shed’ from which he wants to draw strong water. In the late 1800s J.G. Mooney was responsible for a large number of Victorian pubs including: The Grafton Mooney (now Bruxelles), The Bohemian Mooney (now the Bohemian House), College Mooney (now Doyle’s), and Parnell Mooney (now Parnell Heritage Pub). A giant of yesteryear.
[2] Una Marnell: an English teacher and long-time friend of Andrew Stephens. Former TCD student of Law, a polyglot, a truth-seeker, actor, a hippie globetrotter. Previous resident of China, France and Saudi Arabia - among elsewhere. Currently dwelling in Dublin whilst completing a Masters in TESOL but will be moving on ASAP, an especially erudite dame unable to remain in the Emerald Isle, thus makes her exile voluntarily, who used to be fond of the drop but now refrains.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog represent personal opinions and perspectives only. Read more.