neelwrites/fiction/shortstory/whatpegmansaw/dublin/150words/12/03/2017

AN IRISH HIGH     (167 words)

Dublin courtesy Google Maps

 By Neel Anil Panicker

Al ran his fingers over the peak of his cap, fingers caressing the gold emblazoned legend ‘The Guinness Brewery’.

A gang of boisterous teenage girls, clinked beer glasses, giggling and squealing from across their table.

He cocked his head in approval. Girlfriend Stephie smiled along.

The two were on a day-long tour of Dublin and had just walked into ‘The Brazen Head’ after a whirlwind tour of ‘The Guinness Brewery’ where they gawked and partook of the multi storied, multi barrelled splendours of  centuries-old Irish beer.

‘So what’s next?’

They had met a year ago, part of a three-month long writing camp in London; were slated to fly back home the next day.

Al gazed at the artsy walls that beamed back happy visages of Irish legends of yore.

Letting his voice rise above the din of raucous pint guzzlers, he replied  “I plan to stay back and write my Ullysses”.

Stephie’s pupils dilated for a second before recovering.

“And I intend to be Mrs James Joyce”.

©neelanilpanicker2017  # fiction  #shortstory  #whatpegmansaw   #dublin   #167 words

Dublin

(HISTORICAL BACKDROP)

 

The origin of The Brazen Head can be traced back to a coach house established in 1198, however it’s unsure how much of that original structure remains in place today. This is a matter of dispute, however, with some sources stating the date of establishment as late as 1613-1775.
the Brazen Head was often frequented by a rebel leader Robert Emmet, who used the pub for various meetings. And, even though he was executed in 1803, his ghost is said to remain in the pub, still looking out for the enemies…..
A number of famous patrons are known to have visited the establishment, including author James Joyce, who mentioned the pub in his novel Ulysses;

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels; Robert Emmet also lived there for some time; others include Brendan Behan, Wolfe Tone and Daniel O’Connell. It has also been reported that Robin Hood might have drunk here.
Legend indicates that soldiers, keeping watch over the only bridge spanning the head of Liffey, would warm their hands at night around burning barrels called braziers. From miles away locals could see what soon came to be known as The Brazen Head.

And in what is so often the case, pubs are the meeting place and muse for musicians, poets, politicians and rebels. The United Irishmen planned the 1798 Rebellion, James Joyce penned Ulysses and Van Morrison wrote Brown Eyed Girl, all within the historical walls of The Brazen Head.

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