While records from 1613 mention a property of this name linked to Richard Fagan of Feltrim, the building that stands today appears to date from the early 18th century, when it was purpose built as a hotel. The four storey, five bay brick structure features chimney stacks in each gable and two additional stacks in the rear wall; a solid Georgian design that has weathered centuries of Dublin’s turbulent history.

The inn’s walls have witnessed some of Ireland’s most pivotal moments, serving as a meeting place for revolutionary figures who shaped the nation’s destiny. Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Edmund Burke, Daniel O’Connell and Henry Grattan all frequented the establishment, making it a crucible of Irish political thought and rebellion. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when discussing Irish independence was tantamount to treason, the Brazen Head provided a discreet venue where patriots could gather, debate and plan.

Today, the pub continues to trade on its revolutionary heritage whilst serving pints to tourists and locals alike. The building itself remains remarkably intact, its Georgian brickwork and original layout offering visitors a tangible connection to Dublin’s past. Whether the current structure sits on the site of an even older tavern remains a matter of historical debate, but what’s certain is that for at least three centuries, this corner of Dublin has been home to a public house that has played witness to, and perhaps helped shape, Irish history.