The Long Haul Bar Dublin

The Long Hall

By Suzanne Redmond

The Long Hall has a long and colourful history. Records show a licence for the site was obtained in 1766 making 2016 a notable year in the colourful history of the pub. A pub that may have changed hands over time but one that was placed firmly on the map in 1982 with one of Dublin’s most renowned song writer/ musician/vocalist Phil Lynott’s song ‘Old Town’ filmed in The Long Hall.

The Long Hall may not be Dublin’s oldest, biggest or ostentatious pub but it is one that generation after generation ends up in. It is an institution, a proper pub with a good pint, good whiskey selection and most importantly personality. You can try to walk past without looking but like a magnet, it will pull you in. You step from the buzzy city into a calm oasis (with exceptions). You can be forgiven taking a moment to take in all the history surrounding you before you realise the barman is smiling and ready to appease your libation.

Once home to a private magistrate, it was converted into one of Dublin’s most popular pubs. It became a bit of a recruiting station for The Fenians and the IRB in the 19th century. Today it is still a meeting point and on a random day you can bump into the likes of Bruce Springsteen or if you are of a certain age, you might just have bumped into Phil Lynott before his untimely death.

To this day The Long Hall has managed to keep the history and its integrity by maintaining the very Victorian features it was designed with. It is essentially a living antique, a home for friends and one that proprietor Marcus Houlihan wants to preserve. The Victorian fittings are sumptuously carved with the bar dressed in brass trim. The partitions are set with gold leaf bevelled mirrors and ornate stained glass. The décor does evoke that lavishness of the Victorian era yet somehow maintains a sense of warmth and friendliness.

Within this exquisite pub with all its charm, you cannot help but notice the rather large clock sitting atop the oval shaped entrance to the very back room of the pub. Added in 1912, after being commissioned from Wekler & Schlegel, who were sat across the street, it has to be the crown that is the jewel of The Long Hall.

Being an Irish pub with a history, it not only wishes to preserve its home but the famous Irish libations that make Ireland a go to for a pint and a dram. New and old Irish whiskeys sit happily behind the bar from the warming embrace of a Jameson to the limited anniversary release of The Long Halls very own Powers bottling. Vintage malts, popular blends and peaty whiskey are available to suit every palate. Although it may be steeped in history, The Long Hall has a variety of craft beers sitting next to Ireland’s beloved Guinness. A pub that is a go to, for a great pint.

Now, you don’t have to take our word for how great this place is; drop by and see for yourself why this pub has been open for over two-hundred years.