THIS PUB REALLY HAS A JAMES JOYCE CONNECTION
VAUGHAN'S EAGLE HOUSE PUB [THIS PUB REALLY HAS A JAMES JOYCE CONNECTION]
I have recently noticed that if a pub does not claim to be the "oldest xxxxx" then it has a James Joyce connection. However, in this instance the connection is actually with Mary Jane Joyce.
Vaughan's Eagle House is more than just a place for a drink; it's a piece of Dublin's history. It has literary ties, a long tradition of serving the community, and has likely seen many changes over the years while remaining a central point in Terenure.
Vaughan's Eagle House, Terenure is a stylish and cosy pub with wooden floors, serving innovative European cuisine including a kids' menu. It is open Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 11:30 PM, Friday from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM, Saturday from 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM, and Sunday from 2:00 to 11:30 PM.
Vaughan's Eagle House has a fascinating history, and it's much older than some might think.
A Historic Spot: The building itself has been a pub for a very long time. It was known as the Eagle House even before it became Vaughan's. This means it's been a fixture in Terenure for many years, likely serving the local community for generations.
Literary Connections: Perhaps the most interesting historical fact is that James Joyce's mother, Mary Jane (May) Murray, was born there in 1859! Her father, John Murray, owned the pub at that time. This gives it a strong link to one of Ireland's most famous writers. There's even a plaque outside commemorating this connection.
Name Changes and Ownership: While it's been the Eagle House and Vaughan's, it's likely there have been other owners and perhaps even name variations over its long history. Unfortunately, detailed records of every ownership change for pubs aren't always readily available. However, it's safe to say it has changed hands a few times over the decades.
Purpose-Built? It's highly probable that the building was originally constructed as a pub or inn. Its prominent location at a crossroads in Terenure would have made it an ideal spot for such an establishment. These crossroads were even a terminus for Dublin's tramways in the past, further solidifying its importance as a local landmark.
The Unsung Heroine: Mary Jane Joyce
James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, is a household name. However, the woman who played a pivotal role in shaping his life and work often remains shrouded in obscurity: his mother, Mary Jane Joyce.
Born Mary Jane Murray in 1859 at the Eagle House pub in Terenure, Dublin, she possessed a natural talent for music and dance. This love of music, undoubtedly passed on to her son, would later permeate his literary works.
Her marriage to John Stanislaus Joyce, a charismatic but unreliable figure, proved to be a tumultuous one. John's heavy drinking and volatile temperament cast a long shadow over their lives, leaving Mary Jane to bear the brunt of his erratic behaviour and the responsibility of raising their eleven children (one of whom died in infancy).
Despite facing numerous hardships, including poverty, the loss of two children, and her husband's neglect, Mary Jane remained a pillar of strength for her family. She endured countless sacrifices, including pawning a family heirloom to support James's studies in Paris.
Tragically, Mary Jane succumbed to cancer at the young age of 44 in 1903. Her untimely death left a profound impact on James, deeply influencing his writing and shaping the themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of family in his works like "Ulysses" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."
While James Joyce has been the subject of countless biographies, his mother's story remains largely untold. It is a testament to her enduring strength and the profound impact she had on her son's life that her story deserves to be heard.
I have recently noticed that if a pub does not claim to be the "oldest xxxxx" then it has a James Joyce connection. However, in this instance the connection is actually with Mary Jane Joyce.
Vaughan's Eagle House is more than just a place for a drink; it's a piece of Dublin's history. It has literary ties, a long tradition of serving the community, and has likely seen many changes over the years while remaining a central point in Terenure.
Vaughan's Eagle House, Terenure is a stylish and cosy pub with wooden floors, serving innovative European cuisine including a kids' menu. It is open Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 11:30 PM, Friday from 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM, Saturday from 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM, and Sunday from 2:00 to 11:30 PM.
Vaughan's Eagle House has a fascinating history, and it's much older than some might think.
A Historic Spot: The building itself has been a pub for a very long time. It was known as the Eagle House even before it became Vaughan's. This means it's been a fixture in Terenure for many years, likely serving the local community for generations.
Literary Connections: Perhaps the most interesting historical fact is that James Joyce's mother, Mary Jane (May) Murray, was born there in 1859! Her father, John Murray, owned the pub at that time. This gives it a strong link to one of Ireland's most famous writers. There's even a plaque outside commemorating this connection.
Name Changes and Ownership: While it's been the Eagle House and Vaughan's, it's likely there have been other owners and perhaps even name variations over its long history. Unfortunately, detailed records of every ownership change for pubs aren't always readily available. However, it's safe to say it has changed hands a few times over the decades.
Purpose-Built? It's highly probable that the building was originally constructed as a pub or inn. Its prominent location at a crossroads in Terenure would have made it an ideal spot for such an establishment. These crossroads were even a terminus for Dublin's tramways in the past, further solidifying its importance as a local landmark.
The Unsung Heroine: Mary Jane Joyce
James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, is a household name. However, the woman who played a pivotal role in shaping his life and work often remains shrouded in obscurity: his mother, Mary Jane Joyce.
Born Mary Jane Murray in 1859 at the Eagle House pub in Terenure, Dublin, she possessed a natural talent for music and dance. This love of music, undoubtedly passed on to her son, would later permeate his literary works.
Her marriage to John Stanislaus Joyce, a charismatic but unreliable figure, proved to be a tumultuous one. John's heavy drinking and volatile temperament cast a long shadow over their lives, leaving Mary Jane to bear the brunt of his erratic behaviour and the responsibility of raising their eleven children (one of whom died in infancy).
Despite facing numerous hardships, including poverty, the loss of two children, and her husband's neglect, Mary Jane remained a pillar of strength for her family. She endured countless sacrifices, including pawning a family heirloom to support James's studies in Paris.
Tragically, Mary Jane succumbed to cancer at the young age of 44 in 1903. Her untimely death left a profound impact on James, deeply influencing his writing and shaping the themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of family in his works like "Ulysses" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."
While James Joyce has been the subject of countless biographies, his mother's story remains largely untold. It is a testament to her enduring strength and the profound impact she had on her son's life that her story deserves to be heard.
THIS PUB REALLY HAS A JAMES JOYCE CONNECTION