As another public house succumbs to the pressure of debt, it may not pain many to see this humble establishment fall by the wayside but it is indeed a prime example of how the recession can negatively affect us all. Ideally located, it is in the middle of Dublin’s transport hub with Connolly Rail Station caught in a staring contest with the front of the building and looming in the shadow of Busáras. It is in the security of Store Street Garda station tucked away behind the building and only a few minutes walk from the centre of Dublin city itself, what more could you ask for?
Indeed Kate’s Cottage was one establishment everyone knew about but no one seemed to have visited. It provided a well established pint of Guinness among a selection of many draught beers and was highly stocked on weiss beers for the more selective of beer connoisseurs not akin to the mainstream lagers of Budweiser or Heineken. It acted as a sociable pre-concert rendezvous point before tagging onto the Luas bound for the O2 (or The Point, as many Dublin traditionalists will correct you on). It stereotypically defined the north inner city of Dublin, there was a lack of pretentiousness, there was a working class realness with a take no guff attitude accompanied with overwhelming acceptance to strangers.
Kate’s served many purposes. Students from the nearby National College of Ireland in the IFSC could be seen enjoying a midday drink avoiding the tedious task of attending lectures. Of a Saturday night Kate’s was home to live bands where you can be serenaded with such diversity from Stereophonic anthems to traditional Dubliner tunes with some added Damien Dempsey covers to give it that true north-sider spice. A haven for tourists one might think as they could enter into a wonderful atmosphere of passion and solidarity.
Between March and November it was often packed with league of Ireland fans, particularly belonging to Shelbourne F.C every second Friday afternoon as they gathered to travel every corner of Ireland supporting their beloved football club. It catered for all walks of life. It was equally convenient for a quick pint while waiting for your bus to arrive outside as it was to attend for a weekend night of revelry.
The pub twinkled of a spring Saturday where you could watch many sporting events entwined with bunting draped from every possible nook and cranny. Truly one of Dublin’s best kept secrets is now gone. Kate’s had a homely, inviting feeling, and the atmosphere was calm and quiet almost like that of a country pub on a weekday afternoon where one could enjoy cheap but highly recommended ‘pub grub’. Again, this is unfortunately no more. Kate’s Cottage had been designed to resemble a traditional cottage from the outside, which makes some pub-snobs snort about paddy-whackery. However, it’s deceptively spacious and possessed a remarkably tasteful interior.
With all that said, it pains me to speak of the termination of such a neat pub. As of the 16th of January this year, it was appointed an official liquidator, namely, PJ Lynch of Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. This leaves me with great regret for not frequenting Kate's more often. Amid rumours of other fine public houses shutting, such as Graingers on the Malahide Road and The Oak on Dame Street, it is of pivotal importance Dubliners support their local. Losing the sovereignty of your nation is one thing, but losing a pub you hold so closely to your heart is far worse. One of Dublin’s best kept secrets has sadly and all to abruptly closed her doors, forever.
S.DAWSON 24/01/12
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