MOLLY'S BAR 101 FRANCIS STREET
MOLLY'S BAR [101-103 FRANCIS STREET IN DUBLIN CITY]
Molly's Bar, located at 101-103 Francis Street in Dublin 8, occupies a pivotal position within The Liberties, a historically rich and dynamic neighbourhood in Dublin city. This report examines the evolution of this specific address, tracing its recent transformations within the hospitality sector.
To contextualise Molly's Bar's current presence, we will explore its immediate predecessors, the drag bar Doll Society and the establishment Societal Collapse, and their connection to the nearby Jackie's bar. Understanding the historical context of Francis Street itself is crucial to comprehending these changes. This thoroughfare boasts a history dating back to at least the medieval period. Records indicate it was known as "Great Street" around 1200 AD, evolving through "King's highway" in 1325, and finally becoming St Francis Street by 1610. This enduring presence underscores its continuous importance as a route and location within Dublin.
Beyond its role as a thoroughfare, Francis Street has held religious and social significance. A church has stood on this street since at least the 12th century, with the current St. Nicholas of Myra Church dating back to 1829. This church served as the registration point for Catholic births at the nearby Coombe Hospital from 1783 to 1967. Furthermore, the late 19th and 20th centuries saw Francis Street develop into a significant commercial hub, exemplified by the Iveagh Markets, which operated from 1906 until the 1990s on the site of a former brewery, Sweetman's, established in 1791.
Historical records from the 14th century confirm Francis Street's existence, and by the 18th century, it had become a bustling area inhabited by prosperous merchants and traders, even gaining a literary connection through Jonathan Swift. However, the early 20th century saw socio-economic shifts, leading to tenements and urban decay. More recently, Francis Street has undergone revitalisation, emerging as a centre for antique shops over the past 30 to 40 years, alongside new bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. Adding to its historical profile, Francis Street was also a recognised centre for clay pipe manufacture during the 18th and 19th centuries, evidenced by archaeological findings at numbers 134-143.
Focusing on 101-103 Francis Street, planning records from 2014 reveal a proposal for an additional storey to an existing four-storey mixed retail, office, and residential development. This indicates the building had already undergone significant development, establishing its current mixed-use nature. The same document mentions the demolition of the fire-damaged "The Horse and Jockey" pub for student accommodation, suggesting 101-103 Francis Street, or part of it, may have previously housed a public house.
Hotel booking websites list 101-103 Francis Street as the location for both a "2 Bedroom Apartment Near Historical Christchurch" and a "Stylish And Private Room In Central Dublin", confirming residential units within the building. Renewed planning permission in 2014 for an additional floor further supports this mixed-use development. This information suggests a significant redevelopment in the early 2010s, with retail or hospitality space at ground level and residential units above. The reference to "The Horse and Jockey" hints at a prior public house, setting the stage for its more recent hospitality incarnations.
The building transitioned into Doll Society, a drag bar, in spring 2023, operating for approximately 18 to 21 months before becoming Molly's Bar in December 2024. Doll Society was a vibrant, "pink brunch-focused bar" with a "Barbie feel," featuring neon signs, leather seating, and flower walls. It offered "savage cocktails," themed brunches, and drag performances, with "crazy performers dancing on tables." The bar aimed for an Instagram-friendly aesthetic, featuring a photo booth and a "pink sun-trap beer garden." Reviews praised its lively atmosphere and entertainment, though some noted service inconsistencies and crowding.
Preceding Doll Society was Societal Collapse, described as "kind of a cocktail bar with kind of food," which closed in early 2023. While details are limited, it appears to have been a similar venue.
Both Doll Society and Societal Collapse were operated by the same individuals as Jackie's bar at 43 Francis Street. Jackie's has a 1990s and early 2000s Irish nostalgia theme, evident in its decor, music, and "nostalgia filled cocktails." The shared ownership suggests a coordinated approach to the local hospitality market, with Jackie's focusing on general nostalgia and Doll Society on a flamboyant drag theme.
The most recent transformation occurred in December 2024 with the opening of Molly's Bar, a "normal" pub under the Galway Bay Brewery group. This represents a shift from a themed drag bar to a traditional brewery-owned pub, offering Galway Bay Brewery beers alongside classics.
Francis Street itself features a diverse nightlife, including Jackie's, The Liberty Belle (a traditional pub since 1845), and the former Anti-Social (a cocktail and fast food establishment). The recent addition of new bars and restaurants alongside antique shops indicates a growing hospitality sector.
The Liberties, where Molly's Bar is situated, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its autonomy and distinct jurisdiction shaped its character. The area experienced periods of prosperity and hardship, from the influx of Huguenot weavers in the 17th century to the industrial era and subsequent urban decay. Recent revitalisation has blended antique shops and markets with new businesses and a growing cultural scene.
In conclusion, 101-103 Francis Street has undergone various transformations, reflecting the dynamic nature of Francis Street and The Liberties. From a potential former public house to themed cocktail bars and now a traditional pub, this location mirrors the neighbourhood's evolution. The address holds a significant place within Dublin's social and commercial history, reflecting the ever-changing urban landscape.
Molly's Bar, located at 101-103 Francis Street in Dublin 8, occupies a pivotal position within The Liberties, a historically rich and dynamic neighbourhood in Dublin city. This report examines the evolution of this specific address, tracing its recent transformations within the hospitality sector.
To contextualise Molly's Bar's current presence, we will explore its immediate predecessors, the drag bar Doll Society and the establishment Societal Collapse, and their connection to the nearby Jackie's bar. Understanding the historical context of Francis Street itself is crucial to comprehending these changes. This thoroughfare boasts a history dating back to at least the medieval period. Records indicate it was known as "Great Street" around 1200 AD, evolving through "King's highway" in 1325, and finally becoming St Francis Street by 1610. This enduring presence underscores its continuous importance as a route and location within Dublin.
Beyond its role as a thoroughfare, Francis Street has held religious and social significance. A church has stood on this street since at least the 12th century, with the current St. Nicholas of Myra Church dating back to 1829. This church served as the registration point for Catholic births at the nearby Coombe Hospital from 1783 to 1967. Furthermore, the late 19th and 20th centuries saw Francis Street develop into a significant commercial hub, exemplified by the Iveagh Markets, which operated from 1906 until the 1990s on the site of a former brewery, Sweetman's, established in 1791.
Historical records from the 14th century confirm Francis Street's existence, and by the 18th century, it had become a bustling area inhabited by prosperous merchants and traders, even gaining a literary connection through Jonathan Swift. However, the early 20th century saw socio-economic shifts, leading to tenements and urban decay. More recently, Francis Street has undergone revitalisation, emerging as a centre for antique shops over the past 30 to 40 years, alongside new bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. Adding to its historical profile, Francis Street was also a recognised centre for clay pipe manufacture during the 18th and 19th centuries, evidenced by archaeological findings at numbers 134-143.
Focusing on 101-103 Francis Street, planning records from 2014 reveal a proposal for an additional storey to an existing four-storey mixed retail, office, and residential development. This indicates the building had already undergone significant development, establishing its current mixed-use nature. The same document mentions the demolition of the fire-damaged "The Horse and Jockey" pub for student accommodation, suggesting 101-103 Francis Street, or part of it, may have previously housed a public house.
Hotel booking websites list 101-103 Francis Street as the location for both a "2 Bedroom Apartment Near Historical Christchurch" and a "Stylish And Private Room In Central Dublin", confirming residential units within the building. Renewed planning permission in 2014 for an additional floor further supports this mixed-use development. This information suggests a significant redevelopment in the early 2010s, with retail or hospitality space at ground level and residential units above. The reference to "The Horse and Jockey" hints at a prior public house, setting the stage for its more recent hospitality incarnations.
The building transitioned into Doll Society, a drag bar, in spring 2023, operating for approximately 18 to 21 months before becoming Molly's Bar in December 2024. Doll Society was a vibrant, "pink brunch-focused bar" with a "Barbie feel," featuring neon signs, leather seating, and flower walls. It offered "savage cocktails," themed brunches, and drag performances, with "crazy performers dancing on tables." The bar aimed for an Instagram-friendly aesthetic, featuring a photo booth and a "pink sun-trap beer garden." Reviews praised its lively atmosphere and entertainment, though some noted service inconsistencies and crowding.
Preceding Doll Society was Societal Collapse, described as "kind of a cocktail bar with kind of food," which closed in early 2023. While details are limited, it appears to have been a similar venue.
Both Doll Society and Societal Collapse were operated by the same individuals as Jackie's bar at 43 Francis Street. Jackie's has a 1990s and early 2000s Irish nostalgia theme, evident in its decor, music, and "nostalgia filled cocktails." The shared ownership suggests a coordinated approach to the local hospitality market, with Jackie's focusing on general nostalgia and Doll Society on a flamboyant drag theme.
The most recent transformation occurred in December 2024 with the opening of Molly's Bar, a "normal" pub under the Galway Bay Brewery group. This represents a shift from a themed drag bar to a traditional brewery-owned pub, offering Galway Bay Brewery beers alongside classics.
Francis Street itself features a diverse nightlife, including Jackie's, The Liberty Belle (a traditional pub since 1845), and the former Anti-Social (a cocktail and fast food establishment). The recent addition of new bars and restaurants alongside antique shops indicates a growing hospitality sector.
The Liberties, where Molly's Bar is situated, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its autonomy and distinct jurisdiction shaped its character. The area experienced periods of prosperity and hardship, from the influx of Huguenot weavers in the 17th century to the industrial era and subsequent urban decay. Recent revitalisation has blended antique shops and markets with new businesses and a growing cultural scene.
In conclusion, 101-103 Francis Street has undergone various transformations, reflecting the dynamic nature of Francis Street and The Liberties. From a potential former public house to themed cocktail bars and now a traditional pub, this location mirrors the neighbourhood's evolution. The address holds a significant place within Dublin's social and commercial history, reflecting the ever-changing urban landscape.
MOLLY'S BAR 101 FRANCIS STREET