Dublin is renowned for its amazing profusion of pubs and for its exuberant pub culture. In Dublin Pub Life and Lore, Professor Kevin Kearns examines the history of this phenomenon by speaking to old publicans, barmen and regular customers, relating the story of Dublin pubs and their patrons in an engaging and entertaining fashion.

Traditionally in Ireland, the public house or 'pub' was the centre of a community's social life and a social institution ranking second in importance only to the parish church. Pubs ranged from dusky watering holes frequented by labourers, dockers and shawlies to elegant Victorian gin palaces where the gentry and literati gathered. Along the Dublin quays there were dives filled with scoundrels, prostitutes and misfits of every sort.

Following the success of his bestselling classic Dublin Tenement Life, Kevin Kearns has researched and created a wonderful oral historical chronicle of Dublin's pub life. Based on conversations with old publicans, pub 'regulars' and long-serving barmen, Dublin Pub Life and Lore captures the folklore, customs, characters and wit of the traditional Dublin public house.

Dublin Pub Life and Lore: Table of ContentsIntroduction

History and Evolution of Dublin Public Houses
Origins and Uses of Alcohol
A City of Taverns and Alehouses
Dublin's Colourful Public Houses
Drinking Customs of the Social Classes
Disreputable Drinking Dens
Proud and Prosperous Publicans
Dublin Temperance Movement
Government Inquiry into Intemperance and the Role of Public Houses
Oral History and Pub Lore

Dublin Pub Culture and Social Life
The Pub as a Living Social Institution
The Publican's Role and Status
Pub Regulars and Their Local
Porters, Apprentices and Barmen
Pubs as IRA Meeting Places
Women on the "Holy Ground"
The Pintman and His Pint
Pub Customs and Traditions
Pub Entertainment
Singing Pubs
Literary Pubs
Notable Pub Characters
Eccentric Publicans and Notorious Pubs
Underworld of Shebeens, Kips and Speakeasies
Famous Barmen's Strikes
Transformation and Desecration of Venerable Pubs

Oral Testimony of Publicans and Barmen

Oral Testimony of Pub Regulars and Observers