Bushmills highlight the history of Dublin pub Searsons

Irish whiskey giant Bushmills is highlighting Dublin pubs with history

Please drink responsibly. Over 18s only

As one of the oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in the world, Bushmills has been part of Irish pub culture for generations.

Therefore, it feels right for them to be highlighting a spot steeped in Irish history, such as Searsons.

Similar to Bushmills itself, Searsons on Baggot Street dates back hundreds of years.

Henry Tobin, Grocer, Wine and Spirit Merchant is what appeared above the door of what was then 21-22 Upper Baggot St all the way back in 1845.

It became an important and prosperous thoroughfare in Dublin’s narrative as Baggot Street became heavily populated by surgeons, solicitors and merchants due to the presence of Baggot Street Surgical Hospital.

Victorian Dublin brought Mr Tobin a steady stream of business, selling a lot of expensive and extravagant items.

Of course, another great bonus to Henry was that the ultra respectable Victorian ladies who purchased tea invariably consumed a few gins while they waited. 

While this was the ultimate hypocrisy of the prudish society, secret consumption was plentiful in the confined spaces of Dublin, such as the snug which was always located in the grocery area at the front of the shop.

And just like the snug, Bushmills too have traditions that go back generations.

Since 1608 they have been perfecting their whiskey-making process, creating the famously smooth mix of bourbon and sherry.

In 1884, Tobin was succeeded by one of the country's most distinguished and successful licensed trade operators in William Davy.

The Davy’s were one of Dublin’s most respected Victorian grocers, wine merchants and publicans,who attained literary immortality through James Joyce in Ulysses. 

Mr Davy saw out 1916, as well as the War of Independence from this thriving pub until his death in March 1920. 

Three years later, his widow Mary Josephine sold out the leasehold interest to brothers William and Michael Searson, who took the reins for over 30 years,

William Searson passed away in 1959, after which the pub was sold to the Hardy family at public auction for £30,000.

Patience and craftsmanship is what keeps things at the heart of culture for so long that’s something Bushmills and Searsons have in common.

So, if you’re feeling like a smooth, triple-distilled Irish whiskey with a side of history, Searsons is the place to be.