Est 1770s
Great pub, great pints, great food, great craic. You truly capture a sense of the hidden Ireland when you accidentally stumble upon The Stag’s Head. Finding it is akin to discovering a rare treasure as it is concealed through a narrow passageway off Dame Street, although access can also be gained through Exchequer Street or Georges Street. When you enter inside this feeling of discovered booty is greatly intensified as a virtual paradise of culture and old world values confronts you. This is probably Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pub – and everything here is of authentic Victorian origin. Take time to look around and savour the sumptuously carved Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops.
Visiting the Stag’s Head is a wondrous experience whether you call when the premises is cosy, warm and glowing at night time, or in early morning when this is old repository of liquid culture is radiantly illuminated by wafts of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows. The mahogany bar, capped with red Connemara marble, follows the classic Victorian architectural pattern, being long and punctuated by exquisite partitions that divide into private compartments or stalls.
History
Though a tavern has existed on this site since the 1780’s, this premises first attained great fame in the 1830’s as ‘John Bull’s Albion Hotel and Tavern’. This was one of the most sought after premises of the age in close proximity to ‘Dublin’s Theatreland’ and the fashionable stores of Dame Street and College Green. A popular music hall business was developed on the site, a trend continued by proprietors Alica and Henry Murphy during the 1840’s. William Wormington succeeded them here in the 1860’s and James Kennedy took the reins in the 1880’s.
Birth of the Stag’s Head
The Stag’s Head was the brainchild of Westmoreland merchant George Tyson who came to Ireland in the 1870’s and established a thriving Menswear and Haderdashery business in Grafton Street, from where he was appointed ‘outfitter and shirtmaker to the Lord Lieutenant’. He acquired this premises in the early 1890’s and commissioned leading architect J.M. McGloughlin of Pearse Street to build Dublin’s most advanced and distinctive Victorian pub – and the first in the Capital to enjoy electric light. The new creation opened its doors to the Dublin public in May 1894 amid majestic fanfare and distinguished patronage including the Lord Lieutenant and the most respected members of contemporary Victorian society. Tyson’s name is still to be seen on the large clock on the outside of the building. Another outstanding vestige of this era is the little parlour lounge discreetly situated behind the main bar; in former times this area served as a fashionable Victorian smoking room.
Don’t miss the great craic of one of Dublin’s most renowned Traditional Music sessions that can be enjoyed downstairs in the Stag’s Tail. Private Parties, Corporate functions and Group Bookings for food and drinks can be accommodated in either of our spacious and private lounges.
Food at the Stag’s Head
The Stag’s Head is a far cry from Tripe and Cows Heel today serving only the finest fare of this century to passing diners.
You will find traditional Bacon and Cabbage and the Best Fish and Chips in Dublin being served to customers from near and far who pass through the Stags’ Head along with many other traditional Irish dishes.
Food is available midday to 6pm, seven days a week with party food available on request. Visit www.stagshead.ie for more information and menus.
