Living Dublin Pubs

The Bank

Dame Street

Lovingly restored by proprietor Charlie Chawke, The Bank occupies premises once owned by the Belfast Bank and, more recently, by The Royal Bank and AIB.

The magnificent restoration work has highlighted the vaulted and stuccoed ceilings, around a central bar and new mezzanine which allows patrons a close-up view of the stucco-work.

The original building was designed by William Henry Lyons, one of the leading architects of the Victorian age. I spent an afternoon here recently in the company of Charlie himself (who, sadly, is not a Dubliner, having only been here 30 years) and his enthusiasm for the project and the place was striking. To let Charlie take up the story:

". . . it is both a humbling and an exhalting experience that a licensed premises should be charged woth preserving an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Victorian age."

This is a pub you must visit if you're in Dublin. It's good at any time of day, on your own or in a group. The luchtime carvery and evening food menu are already award-winners and excellent value.

But bring a camera - you'll want to record that ceiling!

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