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"Sean's Bar - Unveiling the Secrets of Ireland's Oldest Pub"
Step into the enigmatic world of Sean's Bar, a seemingly unassuming little pub in the heart of Athlone, Ireland. At first glance, it may appear like any other cozy watering hole, but behind its unpretentious exterior lies a history so ancient and captivating that it has earned its place in the Guinness Book of Records.
In this week's episode of Whispering Stones, we journey back over a thousand years to the year AD 900, where the story of Sean's Bar begins. Imagine a time when a ford named Áth Mor, "The Great Ford," spanned the mighty River Shannon. Here, a man named Luain Mac Luighdeach, also known as Luain son of Lewy, established an inn to guide travelers crossing the rapid waters. This inn, now known as Sean's Bar, was the genesis of a settlement that later evolved into the vibrant town of Athlone.
The mysteries of Sean's Bar run deep, with intriguing revelations from the National Museum of Ireland. Carbon-dated mud, wattle, and wood fragments suggest that a pub or tavern may have operated on this site for an astounding millennium. And brace yourself for a surprise - during a renovation in the 1970s, an ancient back wall made of wattle and wicker dating back to the 9th century was uncovered!
Within the walls of this venerable establishment, artifacts like tavern tokens shed light on the lives of the settlement's inhabitants from a bygone era. These tokens were once minted by landlords and bartered with customers, akin to early loyalty rewards. One can only imagine the tales these tokens could tell!
As we delve deeper into Sean's Bar's history, we learn that the town of Athlone was built upon the Ford of Great Antiquity, a strategic crossing point on the Shannon. King Turlough O’Connor further fortified the settlement in 1129 with the construction of a wooden castle.
And here's the crux - in 2004, the Guinness Book of Records bestowed upon Sean's Bar the esteemed title of the "Oldest Pub in Ireland." The proprietors proudly claimed to have a recorded lineage of previous owners stretching back centuries, all the way to the time of Luan, the namesake of the town Athlone.
Yet, the intrigue continues as researchers embark on a quest to unearth the oldest pub in the world. As of now, Sean's Bar stands tall, with its illustrious title, waiting for any challenger to come forth and claim the crown.
So, fellow history enthusiasts, join us on this enthralling adventure as we uncover the hidden stories and ancient secrets of Sean's Bar. From its humble beginnings as Luain's inn to its Guinness-certified title, this beloved pub carries a legacy that transcends time.
Tune in to this week's Whispering Stones, and let the stones whisper the tales of Sean's Bar - where history comes to life, and every pint is a toast to the ages.
If you would like to browse my building portraits please do visit my website https://bernicecookeartist.com/collections/stone-tape-ii-the-westmeath-collection this is my take on Sean's Bar, I hope you like it https://bernicecookeartist.com/products/seans-bar-athlone-county-westmeath-original-painting
Until next time!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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By Bernice Cooke"Sean's Bar - Unveiling the Secrets of Ireland's Oldest Pub"
Step into the enigmatic world of Sean's Bar, a seemingly unassuming little pub in the heart of Athlone, Ireland. At first glance, it may appear like any other cozy watering hole, but behind its unpretentious exterior lies a history so ancient and captivating that it has earned its place in the Guinness Book of Records.
In this week's episode of Whispering Stones, we journey back over a thousand years to the year AD 900, where the story of Sean's Bar begins. Imagine a time when a ford named Áth Mor, "The Great Ford," spanned the mighty River Shannon. Here, a man named Luain Mac Luighdeach, also known as Luain son of Lewy, established an inn to guide travelers crossing the rapid waters. This inn, now known as Sean's Bar, was the genesis of a settlement that later evolved into the vibrant town of Athlone.
The mysteries of Sean's Bar run deep, with intriguing revelations from the National Museum of Ireland. Carbon-dated mud, wattle, and wood fragments suggest that a pub or tavern may have operated on this site for an astounding millennium. And brace yourself for a surprise - during a renovation in the 1970s, an ancient back wall made of wattle and wicker dating back to the 9th century was uncovered!
Within the walls of this venerable establishment, artifacts like tavern tokens shed light on the lives of the settlement's inhabitants from a bygone era. These tokens were once minted by landlords and bartered with customers, akin to early loyalty rewards. One can only imagine the tales these tokens could tell!
As we delve deeper into Sean's Bar's history, we learn that the town of Athlone was built upon the Ford of Great Antiquity, a strategic crossing point on the Shannon. King Turlough O’Connor further fortified the settlement in 1129 with the construction of a wooden castle.
And here's the crux - in 2004, the Guinness Book of Records bestowed upon Sean's Bar the esteemed title of the "Oldest Pub in Ireland." The proprietors proudly claimed to have a recorded lineage of previous owners stretching back centuries, all the way to the time of Luan, the namesake of the town Athlone.
Yet, the intrigue continues as researchers embark on a quest to unearth the oldest pub in the world. As of now, Sean's Bar stands tall, with its illustrious title, waiting for any challenger to come forth and claim the crown.
So, fellow history enthusiasts, join us on this enthralling adventure as we uncover the hidden stories and ancient secrets of Sean's Bar. From its humble beginnings as Luain's inn to its Guinness-certified title, this beloved pub carries a legacy that transcends time.
Tune in to this week's Whispering Stones, and let the stones whisper the tales of Sean's Bar - where history comes to life, and every pint is a toast to the ages.
If you would like to browse my building portraits please do visit my website https://bernicecookeartist.com/collections/stone-tape-ii-the-westmeath-collection this is my take on Sean's Bar, I hope you like it https://bernicecookeartist.com/products/seans-bar-athlone-county-westmeath-original-painting
Until next time!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.