Ships from around the world regularly docked outside the door, and No.1 Burgh Quay has been a tavern dispensing hospitality to those who lived and worked on the quay since that time

No.2 Burgh Quay began life as the home of the Dublin Library Society. The new picture of Dublin, comprehending a history of the city (1812) records that the society desiring a more spacious property “took from Mr.Connolly, a house on Burgh Quay, at the foot of the Carlisle Bridge”. In April 1809, the Library moved to Burgh Quay where the Conversation room was first opened to members on the 22nd of the same month.

The Dublin Pictorial Guide and Directory, which shows Burgh Quay as it was in 1850, lists the occupants of each building along with their trade. No.1 was known as the Corn Exchange Tavern, leased by Captain Connolly to Mrs. Elizabeth Rickard and that No.2 was in possession of Messrs Maguire, Hemp Manufacturers.

The buildings today have been renovated for a modern era after 200 years of varying fortunes, but they still retain the elegance and grandeur of their early origins. If you look above you in the Conversation room, you will see the original 1808 ceiling roses, rediscovered, preserved and restored to their former glory.

Ironically, in order to build Burgh Quay, the wide streets commission had to close down a small brewery that stood where The Corn Exchange building now stands further down the Quay. We are happy to restore the fine tradition of small independent breweries along the Quays making beer by hand, directly for our customers in the traditional way.

Thank you for visiting Messrs Maguire, all we ask is that you relax and enjoy yourself, and try a beer or two!