Dublin est. 1198

The Brazen Head TodayThe Brazen Head today is popular with locals and tourists alike because it has managed to retain the true ‘old’ pub atmosphere as well as being one of Dublin’s premier food and drink emporiums. The ‘craic’ is always mighty with live music every night of the week. Without doubt one of the best pints of stout can be had here as the pub is located within walking distance of the world famous Guinness brewery just up the road at St.James’ Gate.

There is an extensive Bar Food menu which can be enjoyed in either our beautiful restaurant, one of the bars or Irish weather permitting, al fresco in the Courtyard.

The Brazen Head is more than a great pub with great food. It is an experience that is a must for anyone visiting Dublin. The combination of history, atmosphere, craic, traditional music, food and drink combine to create an atmosphere when there are no strangers just friends old and new getting together to swap their own tales of adventure and excitement.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Brazen Head where you can raise your glass and shout a resounding “Sláinte!” as you do.

www.brazen head.com

Tel: +353 1 679 5186info@brazenhead.comwww.brazenhead.com

The Brazen Head20 Bridge Street LowerDublin 8Ireland

Literary & Musical Connections

There are many literary and musical connections with the Brazen Head. Stars like The Dubliners, Tom Jones, Paolo Nutini and Imelda May have all performed here. Patrons have included some famous faces, including famous musicians like Van Morrison, Hothouse Flowers, Mary Black and Garth Brooks.

Many other famous faces from the world of entertainment, sports and the Arts have visited and enjoyed the great hospitality of the Brazen Head. Pictures of many of these well-known figures can be seen on the ‘Wall of Fame’ in the Old Bar.

There are also strong literary connections with thed, in particular playwright Brendan Behan and the world famous author James Joyce. In fact Joyce referred to the Brazen Head in his classical work ‘Ulysses’ when he wrote “…you got a decent enough do in the Brazen Head for a bob.”

Ireland’s Oldest PubThe Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub. In fact there has been a hostelry here since 1198. The present building was built in 1754 as a coaching inn. However the Brazen Head appears in documents as far back as 1653. An advertisement from the 1750’s reads, “Christopher Quinn of The Brazen Head in Bridge Street has fitted said house with neat accommodations and commodious cellars for said business.”

The Brazen Head is located on Bridge Street. This is the area from where the original settlement that was to become Dublin got its name. The Irish name for Dublin is Baile Átha Cliath – (pronounced: Ball-ya-Awha-Clia) which means “The Town of the Ford of the Reed Hurdles”. Beside the pub the Father Matthew Bridge crosses the river. It was at this very spot that the original crossing of the river was located. Here reed matting was positioned on the river bed which enabled travellers to cross safely at low tide.

It is easy to see therefore why an inn close to the bridge was always a good idea. In the days when people travelled by coach the Brazen Head was a coaching inn and hotel. Here teams of horses could be changed while the weary travellers refreshed themselves with the excellent food and drink for which the Brazen Head has always been famous.

What’s in a name!The name ‘Brazen Head’ relates to a 13th century legend of a bronze or brass head mounted on marble that could predict the future. The head reputedly would answer any question put to it. The only problem was that the head could only answer with “Yes” or “No”, so questions put to it had to be very carefully phrased. For example, had the head been asked “Is the Brazen Head the best pub in Dublin?” it would have without doubt shouted “YES!”

Historical ConnectionsIt was here that the United Irishmen planned their insurrection and Robert Emmet used the pub to plan the rising of 1803. Emmet stayed at the premises in a room overlooking the main door so he could see possible enemies approach. His rebellion failed and he was hanged in nearby Thomas Street. Ironically the Hangman used to also drink in The Brazen Head. As a result Emmet’s ghost may well haunt the pub.

The Brazen Head was almost destroyed during the Easter Rising of 1916 and again during the Civil War of 1922. On both occasions there was fierce fighting in the area just across the river at The Four Courts. There was heavy firing from the Four Courts at troops located at the corner outside the pub. In 1916 the rebel garrison at the Four Courts was led by Commandant Edward ‘Ned’ Daly. Commandant Daly was one the leaders of The Rising to be subsequently executed at Kilmainham Jail. During the bloody Civil War Free State troops fired from the same positions outside the pub on the Anti-Treaty fighters holding the Four Courts. The Four Courts were consumed by flames and many historical documents were destroyed.

Inside the pub, displayed on the walls, there is a unique collection of photographs dating from this turbulent period in our history. There is a real sense of history throughout the Brazen Head which has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.