O’Shea’s Merchant on the quays started a very interesting initiative last summer to cater for visiting tourists in a way that not other pub (to our knowledge) has thought of doing.
They partnered with Ancestry genealogists, The Ancestor Network to give visitors to the pub the chance to speak with a genealogist and to have a consultation on tracing their family history. This would be of particular interest to visiting American’s who have some claim to Irish ancestry. They call it the Irish History Hub
The genealogy service has returned to the pub to help visitors to make the most of their trip by visiting an excellent Irish pub, having a pint of Guinness, while tracing that family tree that they’d always intended to do.
If, after the consultation you want to delve further, you can go to the genealogy room with the expert and do some further work for a fee. In there you’ll find an impressive study room of books that help explore the history of Irish surnames and provide more detail on how best to go about the task of finding your ancestors.
They even give you the option of personalised genealogical tours to the areas where your ancestors lived.
Whether you avail of the service or not, Ned O’Shea’s is a great spot for live traditional music, live sports, excellent food (some of it sourced from County Kerry), and a pint of stout. You can get yourself a bowl of stew and a pint of Guinness for €10.
This history hub will run all through the summer. Ned O’Shea’s is located on the south bank of the river Liffey at the corner of Bridge Street Lower. You can find out more details and book a session in advance via their website- irishhistoryhub.ie.
