From Bride Street to Sorrento Road.
A family pub with roots in Dublin, a home in Dalkey and a story shaped by the people who walk through the door.
Dan Finnegan’s move to Dalkey began the story.
Returning to Ireland after more than a decade in Canada, Dan Finnegan went into business with his brother Peter in a small pub beside Christchurch Cathedral. In 1970, Dan bought the Dalkey pub from Joe Larkin, beginning the history of Finnegan’s Sorrento Lounge.
Over the years, the pub has seen renovations and transformations, but its identity has remained visible to locals and visitors. Dan’s sons Donal, Paul and Alan have all been involved in the business, while the wider Finnegan family has deep roots in pubs across Dublin, Wicklow and beyond.
Major work took place in 2001 and 2005, but the original Victorian facade and many interior features, including the ornate roof and back bar, remained untouched. Paul Finnegan opened the kitchen in 1989, bringing the lunches that are now central to the pub’s reputation.
Family
Names, dates and origin details are kept visible and treated as part of the pub’s public heritage.
Rooms
The Victorian frontage, stained glass, back bar and warm interiors carry the Finnegans identity.
Dalkey
A place for regulars, visitors, well-known faces and tourists following the cultural trail through the village.