Author Archives: stevedineen

The Storyteller, Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2

For months I cycle past the scaffolded building every week, green mesh covering the bars and planks that denote a major job on a once-large public house. I used to live around the corner from Becky Morgan’s but my excitement … Continue reading

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Brickyard Gastropub, Dundrum

London has loads of them but Dublin doesn’t: pubs right beside railway stations. I remember being in the bar at Heuston Station years ago and feeling completely underwhelmed. Balally Luas station, near Dundrum, has one, and on a recent Friday … Continue reading

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The Traveller’s Rest Inn, Grasmere, Lake District

An open fire just just inside the front door greeted us. The barman – fifties, tall and dressed semi-formally and all in black – let his Northern accent (I’m guessing Cumbrian) come through as we discussed the crisp options and … Continue reading

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In praise of the ordinary…

We’re dating again, after two barren years. First it was parenthood, then the pandemic. Nights out for dinner and drinks, or cinema weekends in the winter, were replaced with a baby monitor, a lack of babysitter and a cityscape of … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Bar Rua, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

The walk towards the pub feels a lot different to the walk in February to the last pub I reviewed. That was a cold, optimistic night (aren’t they all optimistic in hindsight?), an homage to a pub on the verge … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Sheehan’s, Chatham Street, Dublin 2

It was the last pub I got to before the national closure. We weren’t even on the hunt for a pint. A dry, sunny Sunday afternoon, my better half and I decided to head into town for a wander, a … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Dundrum Road, Dundrum

It’s Friday night and we’re all nearly 40. At nine we meet, uncharacteristically punctual. Perhaps it’s the rarity, perhaps thirst, perhaps because partners, kids and other demands have applied the reins of time management. Meet on time, enjoy the pints … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Johnnie Fox’s, Glencullen, Co. Dublin

A biting wind assaults us as we make our way with visitor from house to car to the dark depths of mountainous south Dublin. It’s the penultimate Monday before Christmas and the American wants to hear some trad. Narrow, dimly-lit … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Brannigan’s, Cathedral Street, Dublin 1

In Dublin 1, they’re hidden until you know them. For many working and socialising in Dublin city, life brings you into the labyrinth of side-streets and alleys off O’Connell Street less often than the corresponding maze off Grafton Street. Yet … Continue reading

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The Thursday Tipple: Cocina Pura Vida, Carrer del Camí de l’Atall, Alcossebre, Spain

Good evening from the Cocina Pura Vida. Where?? It’s an outdoor bar in Alcossebre, Spain, where we’re joined at the other side of the table by the Mediterranean. It’s Wednesday evening and for the second time this week we’re here … Continue reading

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