In Ireland, a ‘shebeen’ was a late-night speakeasy, often of ill-repute ~ however this glorious gem in Whippany, New Jersey is anything but!
When I’m in the area, this is one of my all-time favorite places to live the laptop-lifestyle ~ curl up, work, drink, chat… (apart from taking your life in your own hands as you navigate the nearby highway 10 to 287 intersection – eeeeeegads, that’s a nightmare!)
This Irish Pub is about as authentic as you can get on this side of the pond, with over 90% of the materials used to create the pub coming from old Irish salvage in Ireland and being shipped to New Jersey, USA.
First constructed in Belfast, Ireland, the Auld Shebeen was then dismantled, packed up, relocated to America and reconstructed where she now stands.
The wood paneling and fireplace in part of the dining room are made of solid oak from the library of an old mansion in central Belfast.
In the main bar area, you find an 18th century Póitin still, which was rescued from an old seminary college in Maynooth, County Kildare.
…and in case you’re wondering, “póitin” was the Irish term for moonshine, made from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet, molasses and potatoes.
Want another interesting fact?
The Irish word for a hangover is póit – I guess, too much póitin and you get a póit!
Makes sense.
…and no, the slightly blurry images were as a result of low-light, not too much póitin – at least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! 🙂
You can find the Auld Shebeen Irish Pub at 1401 Rt 10 E · Whippany, New Jersey 07981 USA
By Leigh St John, aka the Luxurious Nomad
[bctt tweet=”A glorious Irish Shebeen, right in our own backyard. Where, you may ask?”]…and remember to join us on Facebook!