Dublin 8 pub plans artisanal Christmas market

National restrictions have severely limited Irish drinking venues, but Dublin pub 57 The Headline, at Leonard’s Corner in the south inner city, is making the most of it by using its outdoor pods to create a Christmas market this December.  

Ireland’s current COVID-19 restrictions have required restaurants, bars and pubs to adapt to social distancing guidelines, most notably in changes to in-house and takeaway policies.  

Since many wet pubs are forced to remain takeaway only, 57 The Headline decided that instead of letting its newly created outdoor drinking pods go to waste, it would offer them to local artisanal traders for weekend use in a local Christmas market.  

Geoff Carty, who runs 57 The Headline, spoke to the Liberty about why they decided to run the festive market. “Markets are closed, and people are out of work. We’re part of the Dublin 8 community, so we all must play our part.  

“We know everyone, and everyone knows us, so it’s something we’re happy to do,” he said.  

Carty explained that 57 The Headline wants to hold the Christmas market every weekend  in December, starting on the 5^th, from 12pm to 5pm for each Saturday and Sunday, with a possibility of extending on past Christmas. “We’d like to hold it on the three weekends leading up to Christmas, but if people are interested in staying on for longer, we’re happy to help.”  

Currently guidelines outline that although pubs with their own kitchen may open by December 4^th, they must still provide a substantial meal along any alcohol served. Along with ‘wet pubs’ (non-food drink-only venues) only being allowed to offer delivery or takeaway beverages into the foreseeable future, publican and bar business remain severely hindered. 

If interested in attending this Christmas market, information about the market can be found on 57 The Headline’s social media on Facebook and Instagram. To inquire about using one of 57 The Headline’s outdoor pods, you can contact them by phone on 0871731311 or via email at 57theheadline@gmail.com.  

PICTURE: (self taken)