The Welcome Inn

Far from the glittering lights south of the river, The Welcome Inn is located on Parnell Street North in what is now known as Dublin's ‘China Town'. This street boasts some of the best Asian cuisine in the city. Unlike the Shakespeare Bar across the road, which has been transformed into a bizarre amalgam of a Korean / Japanese sushi restaurant with an old Irish pub attached, the Welcome Inn has not engaged in any keeping-up-with-the-Jones behaviour in response to its new neighbours.    

The the 40-watt world that greets one upone entry is striking, but the low yellow lights create an inviting mood and a feeling of literally stepping back into the 70's – not the glamorous disco era, more Guinness and roll-up cigarettes – and it is doubtful that much has changed since then. Everything is authentic, from the navy leather seats to the low rectangular tables, reminiscent of an old bingo hall.

Those of a certain age could imagine themselves as children drinking lemonade and picking at the red velvet wallpaper. Maybe for this reason the pub generally attracts a young, eccentric, artistic crowd and those who want to escape the pretentious fast paced city. The conversation overheard is interesting and far from the typical drunken banter of other bars. The bar is cluttered with fans, an old wrought iron gate, and tiles that appear to be from a kitchen.

You can't count on the bar being open, as the owner and sole bartender works off his own erratic schedule. In general he opens at 5pm, but never on Sundays.

To some The Welcome Inn represents what has been lost in Dublin, a pub oozing with character, uniqueness and the memories of a not too distant past.