A Look Back at The Hacienda’s Most Famous Punters
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Facebook
Sunday was a night to remember at The Hacienda on Little Mary Street. Taylor Swift, the international pop sensation, celebrated her three sold-out shows at the Aviva with an intimate party at this iconic Dublin bar. While Taylor might be the biggest star to have graced The Hacienda, she’s in stellar company. This unassuming bar has hosted a plethora of celebrities from various entertainment spheres, each one leaving with a memorable photo alongside the enigmatic owner, Shay.
Shay, the bar’s enigmatic owner, is famous for snapping photos with all the famous faces who come through his exclusive doorway. And there’s no shortage of celebs knocking it down. The unassuming little Spanish-style building, nestled in the north inner city, is slightly off the beaten track, away from the hustle and bustle of the north side’s main thoroughfares. But this place has a draw unlike any other bar in Dublin. Anyone who’s been there knows the slight anxiety of knocking on The Hacienda’s door, unsure if they’ll pass the test. Shay gives would-be guests the once-over before deciding whether or not to grant entrance. It’s a game of roulette that adds mystery, magic, and allure to the place.
Once inside, the bar’s charm is palpable. The walls are adorned with quirky memorabilia and so many celeb snaps that there’s hardly any space left. Shay is famous for taking a photo with any celebrity who graces the bar with their presence. He pops on his trademark glasses and strikes a pose with the stars.
“Great to welcome Taylor Swift with all her musicians and dancers to the Hacienda last night. Special to also welcome Superbowl champion Travis Kelce, the legendary Stevie Nicks and Paramore. It was such a warm and genuinely friendly night…”
The Hacienda Facebook Page
Taylor’s visit was a bit different. To respect her privacy, Shay forwent the standard photo and allowed her to enjoy the evening with her team and boyfriend. Taylor may well be one of the biggest stars to ever enter The Hacienda, but she’s in great company.
Here’s a look back at some of the biggest names to grab a pint and strike a pose with Shay at The Hacienda.
Good 4 U, Olivia! The pop star dropped into The Hacienda after her 3Arena gig in May this year.
Ed Sheeran is a regular at The Hacienda, and there are plenty of pictures of Shay and Ed having the craic together over the year.
Singer-songwriter Beck popped in when he played the Trinity Summer Series in 2022. That was the same weekend ASAP Rocky showed up. Talk about a legendary weekend at The Hacienda!
The lads from Fontaines D.C. are no strangers to The Hacienda. Grain in particular makes regular appearances on the Hacienda’s Facebook feed.
Irish actor Jack Rayner Brough fellow thespian Will Pouleter were sure to stop in and get snap with Shay back in 2018
American rock band The Strokes made fast friends with Shay when they visited in 2019.
A baby-faced Paul Mescal was snapped at The Hacienda when he came in with the cast of ‘Asking For It’ after their run at the Abbey Theatre in 2018.
The Arrested Development star got behind the bar when she vested in 2018.
Barry was bestowed the Hacienda’s highest honour and was permitted to wear Shay’s signature shades after the premiere of ‘Black 47’ in 2018.
Everyone’s favourite sexy tv priest Andrew Scott made an appearance in 2014 alongside writer/director John Butler.
Hozier looks about 10 ft tall in this snap from back in 2017.
In full Bandit regalia. Tops off and bags on, the Limerick duo made quite a splash at The Hacienda went then swung by in 2011.
The lovely Saoirse Ronan stopped in for a pint in 2017.
Sorry the photo is so small. It is the only picture that exists to prove this actually happened and its just too crazy not to include. This one is our favourite. The graininess, the look on Shay’s face, the embrace—they look like best friends. We absolutely love it.
