THE HEADLESS PHOTO BLOG
A PUB AND A LOCATION
Leonard’s Corner at the junction of the South Circular Road and Clanbrassil Street
Several notable junctions in Dublin city in Ireland still carry the name (usually unofficially) of the pub or business which once occupied the corner.
While this practice is not unique to Dublin, the pace of recent development in the city has meant that the original source of the name is more likely to have disappeared.
WAS THE BERKELEY
Nanny O Shea’s Limited was set up on Thursday the 21st of April 2022 but I am not sure as to when the pub began trading as Nanny O’Shea’s.
The last time that I photographed this pub it was The Berkeley and it was described as a family pub. Back then the building appeared to be not as well maintained as it could be.
The Berkeley was/is located on Mountjoy Street in a densely populated residential area close to the Mater Hospital, Mountjoy Prison and the GAA headquarters at Croke Park. The property, which is a large and extensive three storey over basement licensed premises with residential accommodation overhead, was sold early in 2015 on behalf of Tom Reddan who is retiring after a lifetime of dedicated service to the licensed trade. The property was acquired by a private investor from Northern Ireland
The National Inventory Of Architectural Heritage describes the building as follows: “Elaborate stone detailing to the fine shopfront enlivens the façade and adds textural interest to the streetscape, while moulded window surrounds are used to good effect to enhance and articulate the upper floors. It appears as early as 1840 in Thom’s Directory as the property of James Sinnott, provisions dealer, while its late nineteenth-century character, with single-pane sash windows and render decoration, is derived from a later remodelling. It was the premises of James Dodd Family Grocer and Wine Merchant in the late nineteenth century. Prominently sited, this elegantly proportioned facade contributes positively to both Mountjoy Street and Wellington Street Lower. The beginnings of Mountjoy Street can be noted on Corbet’s map of 1821 and the street is shown as being built on Wilson’s map of 1829.”
A FAMOUS DUBLIN PUB
Today because of the really intense sunlight the yellow reflected by the yellow paintwork was overpowering.
The Hairy Lemon takes its name from an old Dublin character, an ugly looking dogcatcher, and has the feel of an old tavern decorated with old memorabilia, stylish woodwork and comfortable hidden spots.
