Bruxelles

Bruxelles, just off Grafton Street, was originally known as the Zodiac Lounge when it opened its doors for business back in 1886. The lounge was part of the famous Mooney’s pub group and was also known as the Grafton Mooney. When the current owners bought the pub, the sale happened to coincide with Ireland’s entry into the EU—and in the spirit of European harmony, the pub was renamed Bruxelles after the Belgian capital.

Bruxelles and its basement bars have long been the hangout for rockers of all stripes, and was regularly frequented by Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. When the statue of Phil (by sculptor Paul Daly) was proposed, the site at Harry Street, right next to the pub he knew so well, seemed the natural spot to locate him.