THE GIN PALACE Heritage

🏭 Heritage-listed building

Built: c.1880 · NIAH rating: Regional

Established in 1823, the Hall family are noted as the earliest publicans of this premises. Street directories indicate John Sanford, a ‘grocer, tea, wine and spirit merchant’ occupied the building from the 1840s. The current building is of Victorian appearance and is probably a late nineteenth century rebuild. The pub is of historic importance as Michael Collins is reputed to have used the snug for meetings during the War of Independence. Strong literary associations are also recorded with Patrick Kavanagh, Seamus Heaney and Flann O’Brien frequenting the pub, as well as The Irish Times journalists. Apparently the ‘Crosaire’ cryptic crossword was conceived here. The regular red brick façade is enlivened by some well-executed stonework including the sill courses and carved scrolls to the parapet, lending tonal and textural variation to the facade. The retention of a late nineteenth-century shopfront and fine interior are particularly significant.

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