The Brazen Head, Dublin

The Brazen Head pub in Merchant's Quay was built as a coaching inn in 1754, on the site of a merchant's dwelling that dated back to at least 1613. Local tradition claims that the site had housed a tavern or alehouse since 1198, although the first documentary evidence of a license to sell ale here dates back to 1661, with the first mention of it as an inn occurring in 1668.

Archaeological excavation in 1989 showed evidence that the area adjacent to The Brazen Head had been in use since as early as the 13th century, though. Still, a "Brazen Head" on Bridge street was first recorded only in 1613, described as a messuage — a plot of land for a house or a "residential building taken together with its outbuildings and assigned land".

On 21 May 1703, the Brazen Head was granted to James King — one of the three merchants who had served a writ against the forfeited estate in 1700 — and described as a "large timber house... containing 35 feet 6 inches in front, 49 feet in rear and 168 feet in depth with all outhouses, stables, yards etc." In 1704, The Brazen Head was extended through the lease of adjacent property to the rear. The large timber house was replaced with the current buildings in 1754. By April 1765, the inn contained thirty rooms, kitchen, cellar, scullery and many other conveniences, with sufficient stabling.

In the more recent years, renowned Irish writers, such as James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan, frequented this old haunt. Today, The Brazen Head largely retains its original look and atmosphere, with the décor reflecting the bar's long history and place in the Irish heritage. The live traditional Irish music and Guinness are always available here in good supply.