One of Ireland's most famous bars today toasted its golden anniversary.
From Bono to Tom Jones, Brendan Behan to legendary Fianna Fail spin-doctor PJ Mara, The Shelbourne's Horseshoe Bar has attracted dozens of famous personalities since it opened its doors on November 26th, 1957.
Long acknowledged as Dublin's number one meeting place, staff of the prestigious haunt today celebrated its birthday bash, beamed live on RTE radio and attended by some loyal long-standing regulars.
"It is a place that evokes ferocious loyalties," said Shelbourne historian Michael O'Sullivan, who attended this afternoon's celebration.
"It's not really so much of a pub than a club. It has been part of the fabric of Irish life now for half a century. It has seen through its doors some of the most extraordinary people.
"In its early stages it saw people as diverse as Brendan Behan and Princess Grace of Monaco. It became the headquarters of PJ Mara during Charles Haughey's reign.
"PJ conducted his business affairs here and he would give his press briefings here on a Friday afternoon."
The Horseshoe Bar derived its name from the shape of its counter, though many believe it came from the long association with the racing and hunting set who often sat around its counter discussing the form and guessing the odds.
Synonymous with style and elegance, it was listed as one of the Top 100 Bars in the world by Newsweek International in 1985 and has seen some of Ireland's most famous playwrights, politicians and public figures.
The Shelbourne closed its doors in 2005 for major renovations works, reopening on March 12th.
Post revamp, the famous bar still attracts its loyal customers. "I think I was here a few days after it first opened," long-standing patron Aidan Doyle said.
"I know 90 per cent of the customers. Even the American customers. When they come to Dublin they all sit in the same places in the bar. It hasn't changed that much," he said.
Current staff today shared a giant horseshoe-shaped birthday cake with customers as the hotel's General Manager Liam Doyle reminisced about the bar's special significance.
"It's an Irish institution," he said.
"Fifty years open. It has very much become part of Irish history but also has a club feel to it, with everyone in Ireland a member.
"We reopened in March 12 and one regular, who hadn't seen some people in two years, said to me that it was almost like some people had become locked in.
"I'm hoping for at least another 50 years", he said.