Lights on at The Oarsman
Dublin’s Ringsend shines bright this year as The Oarsman has recently switched on its Christmas lights in its bid to win the unofficial title of the country’s Christmassiest pub.
Christmas decorations at the Oarsman pub in Ringsend, Dublin
This season also marks the official launch of Tunney’s Bar at The Oarsman, celebrating its eye-catching new sign and vibrant red façade—officially placing it among Dublin’s premier Christmas destination pubs for 2025.
Under the ownership of Tom Bohan, an avid collector of fine whiskeys, The Oarsman has been transformed into one of Dublin’s finest traditional pubs.
This year’s festive decor features nostalgic retro toys, towering custom-made Christmas crackers, and glowing lights throughout the building.
With a private function room available, the pub is an ideal location for Christmas parties and seasonal celebrations.
The 2025 holiday design was created by Tom Bohan together with Lisa McLaughlin, a Donegal native who spent 22 years in Los Angeles.
McLaughlin was founder and director of the L.A. Irish Film Festival, was honored as L.A. Irish Woman of the Year in 2012, and worked on Hollywood’s most prestigious award shows—including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTA/LA.
She also collaborated with top networks such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, The Academy of Motion Pictures & Sciences, The Television Academy , and now brings her world-class event production & design expertise home to Dublin.
Founded in 1816, The Oarsman stands as one of Dublin’s most storied and beloved pubs.
Known as Tunney’s Bar in its earlier days, it welcomed many literary icons, including James Joyce, who immortalized the establishment in his legendary novel Ulysses.
Famous for its tawny sherry and long history as a whiskey bondhouse, the pub retains its deep cultural roots while embracing a warm and lively modern spirit.
