Mar 30, 2025

The Ginger Man Dublin

The forbidden charm

"The décor weaves an enchanting tapestry of Dublin’s finest elements, from iconic red post boxes to a make-believe Aer Lingus office."

Nestled in the heart of Dublin, there’s a pub like no other – a true enigma to the place that is as dark and twisted as the literature that inspired it. The Ginger Man book (banned in Ireland and the USA) is written by an American-Irish novelist J. P. Donleavy, who after a long struggle to publish it due to its obscenity, finally convinced Paris-based publisher to give him a chance but was angered when he discovered that it had done so under its pornography imprint.

While you can order a copy online, whenever the bar staff attempts to sneak it into the pub, someone steals it away. The solution? They’ve resorted to displaying tantalizing snippets of the book on the window glass of the main door, tempting those who enter.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported into a captivating tribute to Irish culture. The décor weaves an enchanting tapestry of Dublin’s finest elements, from iconic red post boxes to a make-believe Aer Lingus office. You’ll even find the typical winding streets and colorful doors that scream “DUBLIN!”

So, for a whimsical journey into the heart of Dublin’s mystery and culture, venture into The Ginger Man Bar. Just remember, keep an eye on that infamous book – you might be the next one tempted to snatch it away.

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About this spot

39-40 Fenian Steet

Pint of lager:

7

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