Rose Barrett
There were definitely no men – or women – at war in one of north Dublin’s most iconic pubs last weekend, the Man O’War Bar & Restaurant located at Courtlough, near Balbriggan.
Proprietor Erica Masterson and her family took over the iconic pub on December 1, 2021. Located just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, and close to the M1, the Man O’War was transformed last weekend, into a ‘real’ pub, a proper pub for the local punter!
“We watched the news on Friday last and everyone cheered when the announcement of the restrictions’ lifting was made,” Erica told the Dublin Gazette.
“In the lounge, we were able to manage parties booked in. But for the regulars, it was hard having to close at 8 o’clock and also, not having the bar stools at the counter.”
However, when Erica and staff cleaned up after closure on Friday night, she said “It was a great feeling to put the stools back in place at the counter.
“We had our best weekend since we took over, with extra tables back in the restaurant. Sunday was amazing, everyone was in great spirits. Better than New Year, our busiest weekend to date – as a business, we are delighted!”
Erica noted two local musicians Audrey Fay and Enda Duffy started an impromptu session in the bar on Saturday night, enjoyed by all – especially the local punters who were located back at the bar counter!
The bar reputedly got its name when trees locally were felled to build British Man O’War ships. An unusual figurine which was thought to have been salvaged from a shipwrecked Man O’War ship, may have lent its name to the area.
More recently, Barney Greene’s annual vintage tractor run brought life to the pub and surrounding area but last Saturday night was definitely what Erica and the new management described as what a real ‘pub’ should sound like.
“The seats and customers at the counter returned it to what it should be, a real local pub,” concluded Erica.
The pub had previously been owned by Martin McNulty. But since December last, it is under the management of the Masterson family, with Erica at the Helm.
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