Dublin Landmark's Decline Explored by Frank McNally
In the heart of Dublin, Baker's pub, often referred to as Baker's Corner, holds a unique place in the city's history. This pub, a geographical landmark, was a familiar sight in the urban fabric of Dublin during the mid-20th century[1].
The pub gained significant cultural and literary association with the Irish writer Flann O'Brien, a figure renowned for his wit and innovative style. A dramatic photograph from 1955 captures O'Brien standing in the doorway of Baker's pub during the annual Dun Laoghaire Cycling Week, underscoring the pub's connection to the literary icon[1].
O'Brien, known as Flann O'Nolan in his personal life, was a regular at Baker's pub in his younger days and again in the 1960s. Michael Baker, the pub's proprietor, served O'Nolan at his father's establishment[1].
The annual Dun Laoghaire Cycling Week was a significant event in Dublin during the 1950s. The week included a contest for the title "Miss Cycling," where competitors, including one from England named Joy Bell, showcased their cycling club outfits and wheeled their machines[1].
O'Nolan's presence at the Cycling Week was not without controversy. He was involved in disputes at Baker's pub, including a supposed unpaid bill and an allegedly purloined bottle of whiskey[1]. Despite these incidents, O'Nolan maintained his innocence, insisting he had paid the bill and knew nothing about the missing bottle of whiskey and associated drinks[1].
The location of Baker's Corner is central to the Dun Laoghaire Central Active Travel route, a modern initiative aimed at improving cycling and walking infrastructure[2]. Regrettably, the original pub is no more, leaving behind only memories and historical photographs as testaments to its past glory.
Despite the demise of the physical pub, Baker's Corner continues to hold a special place in Dublin's history, bridging the gap between the city's vibrant pub culture and literary history[1].
References: [1] Irish Times archives [2] Dublin City Council reports
In the realm of home-and-garden magazines, a feature article could explore Baker's Corner, now a historical site in Dublin, detailing its significance as a landmark that bridged the city's vibrant pub culture and literary history. This piece might also delve into the lifestyle of its renowned patron, Flann O'Nolan, known for his wit and literary contributions, by highlighting his connections to sports, specifically the annual Dun Laoghaire Cycling Week, and entertainment, as evidenced by his involvement in local events and controversies. In the modern age, books could be compiled detailing the pub's history and O'Nolan's life, showcasing their enduring impact on the city and sustaining the memory of this iconic Dublin meeting place.
