We continue our search for the Best Smithwick’s Experience in Dublin at the Long Hall on Georges Street. The Long Hall is a traditional and well-regarded watering hole in the city centre, so well-regarded in fact that none other than Bruce Springsteen gives it shout-outs during his marathon concerts when he visits Dublin. And if it’s good enough for the Boss…
As town empties on a Tuesday evening, people trickle into The Long Hall for a drink before the arduous journey home. Centrally located, and with a great reputation, it’s no surprise that so many make their way here. Unfortunately we discover on our visit to taste the Smithwick’s, The Long Hall doesn’t serve food, but luckily George’s Street and environs offer overwhelming choice in sustenance prior to a pint or two.
Having snacked sufficiently and worked up a suitable thirst we strolled in under the sweet-shop awning and down to a table towards the rear. The pint of Smithwick’s was textbook, with the cloudiness clearing quickly to reveal the clear, autumnal liquid. It was served to our table by a cheerful barman, slightly overstretched by the number of customers sticking around for one more as after-work pints began to turn into something more.
The Long Hall’s high ceilings tower over an unusual mish-mash of decor, with small pictures of samurai warriors hanging beside shiny copper contraptions that our consensus declared must be bed-warmers of some kind. The Victorian-style dark wood fittings also encompass pillars lined with slivers of mirror, making for an odd combination of disco and granddad chic. Apparently holding a pub licence for centuries, unbroken since the late 1800s, The Long Hall is another bar conscious of its position in Dublin pub history, but is more modest than others about its heritage. Although Phil Lynott deemed it enough of an institution to secure its inclusion in the video for Old Town, showing off the fabulous wood and brass bar taps.
There’s no TV and no music, so the focus here is firmly on conversation and people-watching. As the evening draws to a close, customers drift out in ones and twos but our barman isn’t in a hurry to get people out, and allows us to finish our drinks without a rush. We swallowed off the last gulps of our pints of Smithwick’s, and stepped out into the evening air with the pleasantly bitter tang still lingering in our mouths.
The Long Hall
51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
t: 01 4751590
