54) McSorley's of Sandford Road, Ranelagh, D6

Located directly opposite Birchalls – the rivalry must be intense. Have been here for New Year's celebrations once – the crowding is claustrophobic and one is often stuck and pinioned by the jostling hordes. A favourite joint of Donald Lenehan, a local weirdo with a scatty demeanour and a kind of mild verbal Tourette's, also known to frequent the Portobello after hours. He has auditioned for amateur drama in the past and has a dead mother of whom he has spoken. He is also responsible for The Mount Pleasant Inn's seasonal 'Sheridan Le Fanu' night – see Corrigan's.

This pub was a former ‘chemist’ in a previous life, the mosaic underfoot at the entrance to the bar confirms so. Thankfully, the bar has retained many of the old wooden drawers along the walls which give to the place an urbane décor. They’ve got the horn for Irish sports stars in the lounge - the walls are awash with sticky photographs of athletes in action. Can’t imagine a quiet nook is ever obtainable here for they boast three ‘Big Screens’, and count them: thirteen televisions. Jesus Christ climb back on your cross! Known to open later on weekends than any other pub in Ranelagh (closes at 2am), but one has already guessed what takes place in these unclean hours: a wave of washed out puberties dribbling in their drink and stumbling around to a dim-witted DJ. McSorley’s or Birchalls? Birchalls baby!

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