343) The Willows/Macker's Bar of Willow Road, Balinteer/Dundrum, D16

This one is a divil to find, being tucked away in a secreted section of suburbia far from the prying eyes of would-be interlopers. Of a Sunday evening it would seem to start filling up around 9ish or 10ish, though it can look like a death zone until then (prompting one to pitying thoughts as to how on earth can the management make ends meet in such a backwater). A big-ass and curvy lounge, a smaller bar with flaming fire.

One notable feature is their Quote Of The Week, the latest pearl from their witty clientele proudly chalked or marker'd up on the blackboard-cum-whiteboard, which on the day of our visit happened to be an unprepossessing: You know when you're hungover and emotional – Gavin Lynch, 3/1/2020. While you may argue that this would-be wannabe gem is less of a quote and more like the start of an unfinished (and unpromising) sentence, one must give it to good old Gavin, for it's the way you tell them, it's the way you tell them, plain print doth not do thee justice, you absolute legend, you absolute fucking legend, g'wan.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog represent personal opinions and perspectives only. Read more.