The Tram Cafe: Novelty Lunch Spot with 20s Music

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From its manufacture in Philadelphia, to its workdays in Lisbon, a transport museum in Wales and a field in Co. Cavan; this tram has seen a lot since being built in 1902. It now lives out its retirement days as a nostalgic cafe in Dublin’s City Centre.

Publican Dave FitzPatrick first conceived of the idea when he stayed in a converted tram as a child. The craftsman hired to renovate, John Boyle,was so enthused by the project that he jumped on board as co-owner. The pair showcase their, and the tram’s, journey in a series of photographs inside the softly lit carriage. 1920s swing music provides a throwback to the days when the tram was still drawn by horse.

There is extra seating under a canape, where you’ll find an old clock from Dublin’s own Dartry Tramyard which closed in 1948. Otherwise dine al fresco in the historic graveyard that is Wolfe Tone Square – the final resting place of one of the most infamous figures in the history of the Irish Legal system: the ‘Hanging Judge’.

Chef Siobhan O’Rourke serves up traditional Irish food: soups, stews, sandwiches and homemade cakes, from an off-site kitchen nearby. Bread comes from the ever-popular Arun bakery and coffee is supplied by Khanya.