Part music venue, part dive bar, Sin É may also have something of a claim as one of Dublin’s oldest pub buildings. While originally built as a house in the 18th century, like many of its Ormond Quay neighbours it was converted into commercial use in the late 19th century. It’s been this particular bar for a decade, and while it’s better known as a late-night venue, it does open in the afternoon for a casual pint.
And while the formal stage at the back of the main floor makes it feel more venue than pub, it’s got a rather respectable beer lineup, including its own beer from Trouble, as well as the more-common Ambush. There is also a Kilkenny tap – it’s no longer so lesser-spotted around Dublin – and the other usual suspects.
But downstairs, where there are more seating and stage options, is where there’s a bit of a slightly eerie historic atmosphere; the stone walls, low lighting, cool temperature and quiet (during the afternoon – not, of course, so much at night during a gig) do suggest, even if it’s ever-so-slightly, The Unseen. We couldn’t find any good ghost stories, but they do put on some good Halloween shows, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for that, even if the folklore isn’t forthcoming.
As with some of our other favourite dive bars-cum-venues around town, notably The Thomas House and Anseo, there’s a bit of a ‘feeling’ about the place, though we recognise that’s more likely down to the muted lights (not quite Frank Ryan’s-level dark, we should add) and darker colours, rather than anything properly spooky.
While you’re unlikely to find us out and about at one of their 2 am events, in a city with an ever-shrinking number of creative and arts spaces for both emerging and established artists, it’s handy to have one with a real personality; being in a 300-ish year old building is a bonus.
It would be nice if the road outside and the street furniture were a bit less cursed…
Where: 14-15 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin, IE Dublin 7
Access from the city centre: Buses 13, 27, 77A, 80, 150, 151, Luas Green Line or a (likely faster) 10 minute walk
Food: Used to be pizza, but not clear if it’s still a thing…
Sport: No
TVs: Not here
Music: All kinds of music, comedy and other gigs – check the socials
Family-friendliness: Leave the kids at home for this one
Pub-crawl-ability: High – Capel Street is just around the corner, with Pantibar, Slattery’s, The Black Sheep and many more, or head the other direction to Fidelity and Frank Ryan’s; Temple Bar and The Brazen Head are just across the river if you’re doing the tourist thing
Local sites of note: National Leprechaun Museum, Smock Alley Theatre, Four Courts, St Mary’s Abbey Chapter House
Haunted: Definitely has an atmosphere
Other notes: Basement toilets and fireplaces
Socials: Instagram, Facebook
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