The Locke is what is referred to as "a black-and-white pub" - a white façade with black trim. The pub, so named because of its location on the banks of the Shannon, is owned by the Costello family; Richard played rugby for Ireland. It's a rambling, meandering sort of place, long and narrow with lots of cubbies and crannies and several open fires.

"Everyone" comes to The Locke - regular, local folk and legal eagles, rugby wags and students, hangers-on and punters. Says one habitué, "There's a fine average standard of behaviour maintained in here that everyone agrees to, a standard to which judges descend and vagabonds ascend."

Locke's is an especially good place to be in the summer time. Opposite the pub is a cobbled footpath along the river, a walkway lined with trees that are decorated with Japanese lanterns. In the evening, when the lanterns glow and the trees are in bloom, there's a kind of Parisian mood to it all that's very festive.

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