8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin

If you wish to be counted as a true connoisseur of Dublin's best pubs, this one is a must. Licensed in 1782, Mulligan's is one of the oldest pubs in the city and certainly one of the most characterful. The exterior sports some nice old lettering on the windows: WINE, WHISKEY-BONDER, SPIRITS, and over the door: PUBLIC BAR. The pint here has long been reputed to be one of the best in Dublin and has been enjoyed by many famous names, among them John F. Kennedy, who stopped in as a regular in 1945 during his days working for the Hearst newspaper chain.

As a matter of fact, Mulligan's has long been a favourite with journalists (the offices of two of the national dailies are in the vicinity), who find its dark, simple recesses to their liking. You'll find students here too.

Mulligan's was associated with the Theatre Royal which was located across the street and its walls are decorated with old posters from those heady days. Here too, were held the meetings of that most congenial group, "The Society For the Preservation of The Dublin Accent". Today's regulars testify that it is alive and well. Thank God.

There are three bars and a large upstairs lounge with heavy Victorian furniture where the merchants from the local Corn Exchange used to banquet frequently.

A wide variety of Dubliners seem to have a very particular, almost reverential affection for this pub. It is always referred to as "Oh, yes, Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street," to distinguish it from lesser Mulligan's. And then, invariably, the speaker will add, "now there's a really great pub." I agree.

You can find 'Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street' at 8 Poolbeg Street in Dublin.

From the Appletree Press title: The Irish Pub Guide.
Also from Appletree: Irish Pub Songs.