On St Stephen’s Day, many of us gather in a particular social space — the pub. In this special edition of the podcast, Tara Duggan is joined in the snug of Dublin’s Palace Bar by social historian and podcaster Donal Fallon to talk about why the 26th of December has such a powerful connection to the Irish public house. 

From Wren Boys and folk traditions to politics, literature and community life, Donal explains how pubs became Ireland’s great meeting places — and what disappears when they close. 

📘 Donal Fallon’s book 

The Dublin Pub: A Social and Cultural History by Donal Fallon is published by New Island Books — and explores the pub as a social, political and cultural space in Irish life. 

👉 https://www.newisland.ie/product/the-dublin-pub/ 

🎙️ Donal Fallon’s podcast 

Three Castles Burning dives into Dublin’s hidden histories — from streets and pubs to politics and protest. 

👉 https://threecastlesburning.libsyn.com/