The Aherne Family Story.

Bill Aherne, ‘the mountainy man from Rearcross’, next moved to Dorset Street before releasing the Widow Ryan from her long sweet Purgatory in the Palace Bar in 1946. And what a baptism of fire it was for Bill and his Mayo born wife, Bridie! Whereas prior to this, Bill had run strict, orderly houses, the Palace Bar was a totally new challenge. Now, for the first time, he came face-to-face with Dublin’s literary set and newsmen, who had a thirst for mischief, heated debate and, most importantly, a thirst for whiskey unequalled anywhere in the Dublin licensed trade. But gradually, Bill came to know and respect his new clientele and they him. From time-to-time the voices became a little raucous as the spirit(s) took over and this old hostelry of heritage rocked to a chorus of intellectual discussion and foolish frolics. But the arguments never lasted long as newsmen were always leaving and arriving fresh with the latest stories from the news desk. In many respects, Bill’s role was similar to that of a seasoned referee on All-Ireland Hurling final day – just let the game flow and only call foul when absolutely necessary.

In the 1960s, Bill was joined in the family business by his son Liam who, in his school days, helped out collecting glasses. The 1960s and 70s were booming but hazardous days for Dublin pubs as the urge to ‘modernize’ was loud and constant. On the plus side, women had now entered the Dublin pub as customers, and turnover was up. But on the negative side, many Victorian pubs were tearing out their beautiful mahogany fittings in order to create lounge bars laden with plastic ashtrays and Formica-topped tables. But Bill Aherne and his young son Liam stood tall, remaining faithful to the ethos of the traditional Victorian Pub.

In 1978 Liam Aherne began sailing the good ship Palace Bar following the passing of his dad, Bill. And for the next 35 years Liam always steered a steady course as his house grew in stature and popularity. The characters here were many and their deeds and stories legendary. Every profession from potwalloper to politician found sanctuary within the Palace walls… and more often the snug.

Will Aherne, the third generation of the family, now holds the reins of the family thoroughbred pub. And while the licensed trade has undergone momentous change and challenge in recent years, the Palace rolls sweetly along like ‘Ole Man River.’ From generation to generation the clientele changes, but the ethos, the ambience, the hospitality and the character of the Palace Bar remains constant. This has been the secret of success for Will Aherne, for when he seeks to innovate and move forward in the Palace, he invariably looks to the past for inspiration.