361) Bruxelles of Harry Street, D2
Why it is currently named after a region in Belgium we know not. Formerly known as The Grafton Mooney, and a onetime favourite of collegial-cum-societal quizzes and pissups. Established in 1886 and originally built as a Victorian public house (the interior of which has long been decimated, so it has lost any claim to be a genuine Victorian pub). It was put on the map as an important spot in the music scene by Thin Lizzy, especially Phil Lynott who used to haunt the place back in his heroin days. Nowadays it’s a tourist magnet, and given its proximity to Grafton Street it’s a self-titled ‘cosmopolitan bar’ which should give ample warning of extortionate prices for both grub and booze.
Hot date with two bulging wallets
There are currently three bars found within: ‘The Saloon’ which is the main bar at ground level, ‘The Zodiac Bar’ (formerly ‘The Zodiac Lounge’ established in the 1960’s when women were first permitted to frequent the pub), and ‘The Flanders Bar’ in the basement. The underground dark bar is exclusively for ‘rock heads’ and heavy metal music blasts on repeat. A false snug named ‘Philomena’s’ (after Lynott’s mother) is a small room with a low arched ceiling decorated in bright emerald tiles. It has an elaborate portrait of the musician who’s looking toward the heavens (or towards his own statue above, or to the great celestial spoon in the sky).
It was here, following some LitSoc event, that TCD English lecturer Philip Coleman once got roaring drunk and repeatedly called Sam Coll ‘Brian’ (if you didn’t think you wanted to know this fun fact before, you certainly do now!). Back outside on Harry street, near the area where the snug is located underground, stands a life-sized bronze statue of Lynott who’s holding his bass guitar. This bronze has acquired a nickname (as do all statues in Dublin), but it’s a lame and safe one - too clean to be catchy: ‘the Ace with the Bass’ - yawn! (Sculptor Paul Daly was amply kind for he could have given Lynott a lot more chin). The exterior of this pub is remarkable. Built in the late Victorian style with gothic-inspired windows, it boasts a very fine corner turret and a protruding double sided clock. We recommend that if you really must take a pint on Harry Street, take it in McDaid’s which sits facing this fine façade.
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