Athlone and Bigmeadow in County Westmeath, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)
Sean's Bar
Teach Tαbhairne Sheαin
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025
1. Sean's Bar Marker
Listed in Guinness Book of Records
Luain's Inn c.900 A.D.
[On ground floor store front]
This pub has been granted the
James Joyce Pub Award
for being an authentic Irish pub
'A good puzzle would be to cross Ireland
without passing a pub.' Ulysses
James Joyce identified and described the
characteristic ambienc of the Irish pub
so successfully that the characters in Ulysses
may be fictional, but they are based on a
multitude of living beings, characters who
Joyce found in pubs just like this one.
This establishment remains an outstanding
example of the tradition which
Joyce immortalised in his works and is
an authentic Irish pub which remains
a genuineness of atmosphere,
friendliness and
presence of good company.
James Joyce [signature]
Best Drinks Best Bar
Traditional Irish Music
Pub of the Year Award
2003
Home of the Best Irish Music
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the James Joyce Pub Awards series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 900 CE.
Location. 53° 25.361′ N, 7° 56.539′ W. Marker is in Athlone, Leinster, in County Westmeath. It is in Athlone and Bigmeadow. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Castle Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 Main Street, Athlone, Leinster N37 DW76, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Hidden Heartlands. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: From The Mansion House to The Snug (within shouting distance of this marker); Mark Begg... Innkeeper & Entrepreneur (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the President's House (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025
2. Sean's Bar James Joyce Award
Regarding Sean's Bar. The National Built Heritage Service Appraisal states:
An important and interesting building that may be of considerable antiquity. It was originally two floors in height but a third floor in brick was added later, probably during the first half of the nineteenth century. During renovations, c.1970, sections of wattle and mud partitions, possibly of seventeenth century date, were discovered on the first floor. The thick walls and the low floor to ceiling height is also indicative of an early date. The long narrow property boundaries to the rear may be the survival of medieval burgage plots. This building is reputedly one of the oldest inns in the country and was known as 'The Three Blackamoor Heads' in a 1738 rental survey. One of its early owners reputedly ran the first Athlone to Dublin coach service in the late 1730s. This building retains its character and is of great importance to the historic streetscape of Athlone.
Also see . . . Sean's Bar History. (Submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025
3. Sean's Bar Traditional Music Award
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 5, 2025
4. Sean's Bar Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025
5. Sean's Bar and Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on April 15, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
