You can put this video on your website by simply copying and placing the following embed code on your page:
Maddens Bar
Madden's Bar was opened in 1744 and ever since it has always been known for Irish traditional music. A huge mural here on the side of the building celebrates this fact and is not simply art for art’s sake.
At first glance, the small door way boasts – in a miniature way at least – of that same Greek Revival style that is typical around College Square North. Inside though, throws all those affluent notions to one side as an over-riding factor of intimacy and home comforts kick in. For this after all was home to the Madden family around the late 1700s as well as a watering-hole for local talent.
There are many traditional instruments hugging the walls and old paraphernalia whose names may only be remembered by those hard core traditionalists. An original fireplace graces this first room here and was probably used in those earlier harsh winters.
Ornate bodhrans and fiddles are also accompanied with posters from Irish fleadh cheoils. Antique advertising slogans of cigarettes and beer, which are actually made from metal adorn the walls and any nook and cranny.
Maddens was opened in 1744 by a family called Bowden who were probably Anglican by faith. The next owner was Josie Madden. Other proprietors included the Rooney’s who were holed up here for an amazing 50 years. The most recent was the talented Dublin blues player Richie Uzell.
Passing along the stair way are photos of famous musicians who played here in the past. At the top is a printed copy of Frederic Burton’s painting called ‘Paddy Coneely, the blind piper.’ In fact, this depiction of a Galway musician announces this next room as one where most of the action occurs. Irish dancing, Irish set dancing and ceilidhs can kick off here without a moment’s notice.
For the Madden family though, this upstairs room would have been their living quarters. Another big fireplace in the corner still has the original swivel stands for pots to be heated over the open fire.
All the wooden seats here including the small cubicles at the window were made from wood that came from a church although it’s not thought to be from a local one.
Two more beautiful features here include this large mirror beside the bar. The last one is almost unnoticeable and is jutting out from the wall. This was part of the original gas heating system.
Categories: Architectural | Art | Business | Castles | Educational | Historical | Leisure | Monuments | Museums | Political | Religious | Social
RSS