Why do Irish pubs have family names over the doors?
In 1872 it was a legal requirement for the owner of the premises to have their name over the front door which lead to it becoming a tradition and was rolled out for Irish pubs around the world.
They used to be open 24-hours!
Due to a law put in place in the sixth century, every local king was required to have his own brewer to provide hospitality to everyone who came through the door and be open at all times!
The oldest pub and the oldest graffiti in Ireland.
Sean's Bar in Athlone, Co Westmeath is considered to be Ireland oldest pub operating as a pub since around AD900 after archaeological evidence was found on the site.
The Brazen Head in Dublin found a signature in one of their window that reads: "John Langan halted here 7th August 1726". Graffiti hasn't changed at all has it?
Pubs were once allowed to store dead bodies
Pubs were often used as temporary storage places or even morgues as the cellars were cool to slow down decomposition, until other arrangements could be made.
The Normans brought wine bars to Ireland
The word tavern was first used when the Normans invaded parts of Ireland in the 12th century and they imported a huge amount of wine into the country. In Dublin, they organised wine tasting events, usually for the local Norman lords, selling any surplus around the city.
Travellers used to be legally entitled to a drink
There was a law which stated that travellers were legally entitled to a refreshment at any time of the day with proof they had travelled once they where at an establishment three miles from their residence. This was extended to five miles in Dublin.
Weird and wonderful quirks in Dublin pubs
Many pubs are known for their unique qualities, The Clock on Thomas Street has an aviary in its beer garden with Mulligan's on Poolbeg street has the ashes of an American man named Billy Brooks Carter stored in a grandfather clock and every eight days, the staff 'wind up Billy'!
