Bartenders' racing returns to Dublin's Liberties
Michael McAleer
A local tradition of bartenders racing through the streets of Dublin 8 is being revived.
Dating back to the 1960s, it will form part of the Liberties Festival, which runs from July 20th to 26th.
The finale will see local bartenders racing from The Lark Inn on Meath Street to The Liberty Belle on Francis Street with full plastic pint glasses.
Sponsor Diageo Ireland said its Guinness archive shows the Barmans' Race dates back to the 1960s. Eibhlin Colgan, Guinness archive manager at Diageo Ireland, said the idea of reviving the Bartenders' Race first emerged through conversations with The Liberties Community Project. "The race itself dates back several decades, and within the Guinness Archive, we hold a 1960s black-and-white television advert which includes evocative footage of a Guinness barman’s race," she said.
The festival also features the opening festival event Says She, hosted by Jan Brierton and Martina Keegan; the new Bilberry Ball celebrating Lughnasa traditions; a dedicated traditional music strand exploring the area's rich musical heritage; Where Do We All Belong?, a community arts project examining themes of connection and belonging; The Liberties at Smock Alley Theatre, showcasing local community performers; and Earl of Iveagh in Conversation, featuring Arthur Edward Guinness (Ned) discussing the Guinness family legacy and brewing heritage.
