Welcome to New Hope, or as the Irish might say, “Fáilte go dtí ar bhaile!”
Establishing itself here in the early 1830s, New Hope’s Irish community began growing as the Delaware and Raritan Canal project started expanding. Mostly migratory immigrants, Irish workers who settled here were hired to hand-dig the feeder canal at Lambertville, N.J., which was 22 miles long, 50 feet wide and 7 feet deep. The going was tough but so were the Irish and they survived. Tis’ true, green beer may not flow through the streets of New Hope, but its Irish culture remains a sparkling green emerald deeply embedded into the mosaic of this wonderfully diverse town.
Business partners Robert Lynch, wife Margaret and Mike Scully strive to keep a genuine cultural approach incorporated into their recent venture. Owners of the popular Irish restaurant The Dubliner on the Delaware, all three are intent on celebrating their Irish heritage through how they run their business. Scully hails from Derrybrien, County Galway, and Lynch from Dublin and both ironically ended up marrying two sisters named Sullivan.
Son of famous Irish musician Bobby Lynch, Robert Lynch used the name of his father’s renowned band The Dubliners as inspiration for the name of the pub. Taking up residence at the venue formally known as Mothers, the restaurant opened this past September and has already proven to be a sought-after destination with a loyal and growing clientele. Whether it’s the quaint atmosphere, loft-style seating, scenic views of North Main Street or authentic Irish fare, customers keep coming back for more.
The bartender’s thick Irish brogue adds an air of authenticity to the festive atmosphere.
“I’ve been here since they started,” says Diarmuid MacSuibhne (pronounced MacSweeney), manager of The Dubliner on the Delaware. “I came in to see if they were in need of entertainment, and immediately found myself on this rotation of playing live music for 30 minutes then bussing tables for 30 minutes after that.”
MacSuibhne, a native of Baile Bhurine, County Cork, Ireland, is a professional musician and teacher whose forte lies in extracting Irish music from its traditional roots and placing a modern twist on it.
“That’s how the entertainment at The Dubliner started to create its own special niche,” said MacSuibhne. “My Baile Bhurine style of music was complimenting Robby’s [Lynch] Dublin musical roots, and Mike’s [Scully] style from west of Ireland near Galway.”
Together, the three possess an extensive knowledge of Irish history and all are familiar with incorporating the Celtic language into the traditional Irish music they entertain with. This combination, according to MacSuibhne, “just kind of melted everything together” to help create the most authentic Irish restaurant and pub in Bucks County.
MacSuibhne concluded with a chuckle: “And it’s never a bad idea to have someone behind the bar who knows how to pour a pint of Guinness the correct way.”
The Dubliner’s calendar of events details all of the pub’s musical happenings by month. Standing events include live music each Friday between 8-10 p.m.
Word about The Dubliner’s musical venue is spreading fast among musical artists too. Musicians and bands are quickly lining up to fill the pub’s summer calendar. Scheduled performers for May include (but may not be limited to): Acoustic Martin, Oliver McElhone, NaBodach Band, Gerry Timlin, Raymond McGroary and Ray Coleman.
Authenticity at The Dubliner on the Delaware isn’t limited to just entertainment. The menu sports Irish fare that is quite delicious and prepared by a team of talented chefs who prepare each meal with authentic Irish ingredients.
Classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and corned beef and cabbage tempt the palate, along with a varied selection of domestic fare.
“There’s a decent amount of American items on the menu,” MacSuibhne said. “Robby, Margaret and Mike carefully created the menu and we think it has the perfect amount of Irish with an American veneer and vice-versa.”
The Dubliner on the Delaware is a cultural experience that one must experience first-hand. Located at 34 N. Main St., the restaurant hours are 11 a.m.-close. The “Paddy’O” is now open and features a charming outdoor dining area and bar. More information can be found by visiting www.thedublinernewhope.com or calling 215-693-1816.
Celt-lberia Traders at 52 S. Main St. is yet another porthole of Irish culture here in New Hope. A “one-and-only”-type gallery, owners Richard Cordover and Mike Burns feature the culturally distinctive art and craftwork of both Ireland and Spain.
Located in the 1750 Parry Barn, this marvelous shop overflows with unusual items of authentic Celtic design, unusual Spanish and Irish ceramics, woodwork and traditional apparel. Irish sweaters, scarves, hats and capes adorn the walls, while both traditional and cutting-edge Irish and Celtic jewelry fill the display cases.
“Currently, we have available a selection of more than 300 traditional Irish wedding bands, which people seem to really love,” Burns said.
Celt-lberia’s blog boasts amazing historical information about its products and how they came to New Hope. Visit the store on the web at www.celtiberiatraders.com or call 215-862-4922. Store hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The shop is closed Tuesdays.