Dublin pubs are changing ranging from the classic old favourite to the enormous extravagant venues of a new era.
The pub has long been a focal point in Irish social life and people can be quite passionate about what pubs should look like. While the décor and the atmosphere of each pub varies, there have been some marked developments in design over time, as publicans strive to provide the ideal setting for customers.
Slattery's on Capel Street has all the credentials of a genuine, old, Dublin pub. Senior barman Cormac Butler explains the bar was originally a music hall, but was converted into a pub around 1899. From then until the mid-1990s it was run by the Slattery family.
Many of the pub’s fixtures and fittings are original and Slattery’s is popular with Dubliners and tourists alike.
It sells itself there’s no need to touch it.
Nearby Keating’s has undergone many refurbishments since it was established but owner John Keating says the last renovation was the most radical. In less affluent times such a major investment in Dublin 1 would have been inconceivable.
Zanzibar a North African themed pub on Lower Ormond Quay opened for business in 1998 just as the Celtic Tiger was taking off. With a décor of palm trees, urns, hand-painted tiles and Sicilian lamps, Zanzibar operations manager Ann O’Neill believes the owners have succeeded in creating
An authentic atmosphere while still retaining the pub element.
The building was originally a furniture warehouse bit whole building had to be refurbished from the basement up, which took two years. The effort has been worthwhile,
Anyone who comes in they think it’s amazing.
This episode of 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 5 March 1999. The reporter is Clare O’Dea.
