Now as I’ve mentioned before I’m a big fan of the traditional Irish Pub but every now and again don’t we all just want something a little bit different? If I were to say to you “let’s go for a pint in the Thomas House on Thomas Street” you may have an image of a certain kind of pub in your mind’s eye. To be truthful, up until a couple of weeks ago, I would have had the same image in mine. However that’s not the Thomas House! The Thomas House has to be one of the best kept secrets in Dublin, right across the road from the very popular Vicar Street, it is one of Dublin’s eccentric gems and it seems the NCAD students are the only ones in the know.
The pub it seems to sit in what is quickly becoming the “bohemian” end of Thomas Street. Its quiet front that seems to purr whether then growl hides a lively venue on the left side that hosts some great alternative acts, while the DJ controls the airwaves in the main lounge bar.
The pint of Guinness is great (not always guaranteed in inner city bars) and if you’re not into the black stuff they have a great selection of craft beers from all over the world in an atmosphere that can only be described as comfortably crazy. I mean where else can you have a drink while you’re having your hair cut (just ask for Mick the Demon Barber)? The surroundings are adorned with vinyls, an aquarium and old Street Fighter esque arcade machines. The music is an eclectic mix of Punk, Rockabilly, Classic Rock and Ska. The place can easily sit in a category that would contain such other oddities as “Frank Ryans” on North Queen Street and the “Hacienda” off Capel Street, out of time and out of place but wonderful!
The pub is starting to gain a broader public appeal with the Irish Times nominating it “Pub of the Year”. This is quickly becoming no longer ‘a student only’ haunt.
So if you’re looking for somewhere with great music, then you got to get down there and have a look, there may be only two floors but it works on so many different levels.
Oh, one more thing, I’ve got to mention the wall coverings in the toilets, I’m not going to say what they are but they definitely put a smile on my face.
Love this place; wonderful DJ set by Jerry Dammers last Saturday.