Mulligan’s was established in 1782. Initially, the pub was based on Thomas Street but it has been in its current location on Poolbeg Street since 1854. Today, the pub describes itself as a “no-nonsense 18th-century pub”. Given its proximity to The Theatre Royal, it is not unheard of for well-known faces to call in. Judy Garland frequented the venue while she was performing at the theatre. John F Kennedy used to call in before he began his political career, and Irish literary legends James Joyce and Seamus Heaney are also past guests who are affectionately remembered.

Not all of the patrons who frequent this popular venue are living. One of the owners recalled how a barman told him he had witnessed a bottle of brandy flying off one of the shelves, but the energy responsible was clearly thirsty as the bottle landed intact in a sink some distance away. Footsteps have also been heard when the bar has been deserted. Tapping sounds were reported coming from the empty cellar, and the ghost of a man was spotted sitting on a barrel down there on a few occasions. The ghost of a man has also been spotted walking through the bar.