The above image from ‘The Industries of Dublin’ (1887) depicts that famous pub, the Irish House, situated opposite the Four Courts on the corner of Wood Quay and Winetavern Street.
According to the writer of the accompanying text, the pub was ‘one of the oldest establishments known to exist in our populous city,’ its exterior emblazoned with Irish emblems representing the Four Provinces, along with representations of the utensils used for drinking by the ancient Irish.
Inside, over the counter, stood a figure of Erin, one hand grasping a sword, and the other unfurling a banner with a representation of Ireland. A clock that pointed the time was encased in ‘a harp of Irish oak-work, surmounted by a cross, and the battle-axes and spears in use in Ireland from the days of King Daithi down to 1882.’
As the below photo from the Dublin City Photographic Collection, shows, the Irish House survived into the 1960s, only eventually put an end to by the demolition of buildings on Wood Quay to make way for what are now the Dublin City Council offices.
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