Whelan’s as we know it opened in 1989 and since then it has gone on to become a fully-fledged Dublin institution.
The public has come to love the intimate venue with all its nooks and crannies, where you’re sure to find awesome gigs any day of the week.
In honour of the fact that La Galaxie are coming to Whelan’s on Friday, October 13 as part of the Smithwick’s Soundtrack Series to perform their own unique take on the music of Apocalypse Now, we thought we’d tell you a few interesting facts about the venue that you may not have known.
For example…
1. The site has been a public house since 1772
Although back then it was called Christopher Brady and the surrounding area was known as Kevin’s Port.
2. Morrissey was once nearly refused entry to the premises
Apparently the bouncer wasn’t much of a Smiths fan, pronouncing something along the lines of “not tonight, pal” to the star as he tried to attend a Mary Coughlan gig.
— Morrissey (@officialmoz) September 27, 2017
3. It’s a celeb hot spot
You never know who you might bump into in here, with Bono, Van Morrison and Iggy Azealea just a few of the famous people that have been spotted visiting the music venue over the years.
4. The decor features illustrations from the Book of Kells
If you look closely, you’ll see designs inspired by the iconic Irish tome dotted around the pub.
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5. The statue inside is called as The Stone Man
The life-sized statue depicts a lone Dublin drinker propped up against the bar — and it’s been replaced twice since it was first installed.
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6. Scenes from P.S. I Love You were shot here
Fans of Cecelia Ahern’s novel and its film adaptation flock to Whelan’s in droves from around the globe as it was the favourite pub of one of the story’s main characters, who described it as a place for “beautiful music to be heard, beautiful people to be around”.
7. The list of major acts that have graced the intimate venue over the years is staggering
You’re surely aware of some of the artists who’ve made an appearance here over the years, but you mightn’t realise just how many big names have taken to these stages: Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley, Kate Nash, Mumford & Sons, Noah & The Whale, Hozier, Cat Power and Ed Sheeran among them.
And speaking of the ‘Galway Girl’ singer…
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8. Ed Sheeran wouldn’t be a star without Whelan’s
Sound like a big claim? Well, Sheeran himself can attest to its authenticity.
Before he was anywhere near a pop star, he was just a young lad with a love of music, so he came to Dublin to see his idol Damien Rice perform in Whelan’s. Sheeran was so taken with the live performance that he decided he wanted to pursue a career in music.
Now look at him.
To experience something new and unforgettable in the Dublin home of live music, check out La Galaxie performing their own take on the music of Apocalypse Now at Whelan’s this Friday, October 13, as part of the Smithwick’s Soundtrack Series. Tickets are €15 and you can pick them up HERE.
Main image: whelanslive/Instagram
Drink responsibly. Visit www.drinkaware.ie
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