Listening Bar · Parnell Street · Dublin
The Big Romance
Dublin's first audiophile bar: vinyl only, McIntosh amplification, Klipsch La Scala horns, and Irish craft beer on the taps.
The Pitch
A Sound System With a Bar Attached
Dave Parle and Stephen Manning of Hidden Agenda opened The Big Romance at 98 Parnell Street in 2019, converting a former Polish pub into Dublin's first audiophile listening bar. The Journal's profile says the room reminds people of a New York dive bar; the sound system says otherwise.
Vinyl plays through McIntosh amplification into Klipsch La Scala horns, and Fidelity Magazine made the pilgrimage just to hear them. DJs range from jazz and soul to Italo disco and ambient depending on the night.
Who would hate it? Anyone who wants to pick the music or shout over it. The records run the room.
The Room
Acoustics First, Decor Second
A narrow room tuned so conversation hums alongside the music instead of fighting it. The Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs praises exactly that balance: serious sound at sociable volume. Booths up front, the decks holding court at the back.
The Drinks
Irish Craft on the Taps
The taps lean hard into Irish craft: Whiplash, Rascals, and Kinnegar hold regular lines, with guests like Cloudwater and To Øl rotating through. Limited run kegs from Irish micros land often enough to reward repeat visits.
Cocktails and natural leaning wines back the beer list. Skip nothing, but ask what just went on; the staff track the kegs like the DJs track the records.
The Crowd
Record Heads and Beer People
Record collectors checking the runout grooves, craft beer drinkers off the northside, and dates that want music without a sound battle. Weekends fill early.
What regulars say:
- The Journal's profile traces the Polish pub to vinyl paradise conversion on Parnell Street.
- Fidelity Magazine documents the McIntosh and Klipsch La Scala system in detail.
- The Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs praises conversation friendly volume and the beer list.
Who it is for:
- Audiophiles who drink and drinkers who listen
- Craft beer loyalists north of the Liffey
- Avoid if you came to request songs or shout rounds
Good to Know
Visit Information
Getting there: 98 Parnell Street, five minutes from O'Connell Street and the Parnell Luas stop.
Timing: Evenings Wednesday through Sunday; DJs most nights.
Cost: Craft beer pricing in line with Dublin's better taprooms.
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