Exhibition opens 1 June and runs until 24 September
A new exhibition which celebrates the remarkable role of Dublin’s pubs in the social, cultural and economic history of the capital opens on Thursday 1 June in the Little Museum of Dublin. Visitors to ‘A Little History of the Dublin Pub’ will get a unique opportunity to view rare artefacts and photographs from some of Dublin’s finest pubs as well as enjoying the atmosphere of the exhibition’s specially built snug.
They will also get an insight into the history and development of the pub from the ‘bruideans’ or early hostels of ancient Ireland to modern times as well as a tour of topics as diverse as bar-room politics, pop culture in pubs, pubs and Irish writing, the impact of the temperance movement and pubs as barometers of social change.
The exhibition has been created to mark the 200th anniversary of the Licensed Vintners Association, the organisation which represents Dublin publicans. Presented in association with the LVA and supported by Guinness will be formally opened by Minister of State Michael Ring on Wednesday 31 May. ‘A Little History of the Dublin Pub’ runs in the Little Museum of Dublin until September 24th.
Simon O’Connor, Curator of The Little Museum of Dublin says the capital’s public houses have long been places of celebration, contemplation and commiseration; as a result they are one of the most iconic elements of Irish culture.
“From its origins in the front rooms and parlours of Dublin homes to the grandeur of the Victorian era, the pub has always been a strange mixture of tradition and innovation, of public and private life.“
“Whether its rebels in pubs, women in pubs, the temperance movement under Fr Mathew or scenes from Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western ‘A fistful of Dynamite’ being filmed in a Dublin pub, there is something for everyone in this one-of-a-kind exhibition”.
Donall O’Keeffe, LVA CEO said the Association was delighted to present the exhibition as part of its bicentenary year celebrations.
“The history and traditions of 750 city and suburban pubs are part and parcel of the rich tapestry of Dublin life dating back over 800 years. That history, our proud brewing tradition along with our natural hospitality and sociability, have all contributed to making the pub a focal point for local communities and the number one attraction for visitors to our city.”
“We are sure the founding fathers of the ‘Fair Trading Vintners Society and Asylum’ in 1817 would be extremely proud of the way the Dublin pub has remained at the heart of the community while evolving to meet the changing needs of discerning Dubliners.”