Nestled at the southeastern corner of the College’s campus, overlooking the cricket fields, the Pavilion Bar — or The Pav, as it’s affectionately known — has long been more than just a place to grab a pint. For students, staff, and alumni, it’s a cherished gathering spot, an emblem of community and a student friendly employer. But what’s life really like at The Pav for those who keep its wheels turning?
The Pav stands at a nexus of Trinity’s social and sporting culture, with a history stretching back to the late 19th century. Once a simple cricket pavilion, it has since transformed into a student pub that channels portions of its profits back into the college’s sports clubs. Trinity News sat down with General Manager Aidan in the middle of a mid-morning bustle that slowly brings the pub to life, to elaborate on the Pav’s history and aims as an institution, as well as what sets it apart from the many pubs that dot the streets of Dublin.
“‘We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have students’”
Managing the Pav’s quirks amidst the ebb and flow of student life, according to Aidan, is all about relationships. “My goal is to build relations with college, with sports clubs and societies,” he explained. It’s a place where students gather, societies hold functions, and friendships are forged. As Aidan summed up: “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have students.”
For the bar staff, the dynamic nature of working at The Pav is a big part of its charm. Jack, one of the bar staff, shared that the bar’s location makes every day unique. “It’s different every day because it is the focal point on campus,” Jack explained. “You get whoever throughout the day. Some people come in every day, and others you’ll only see twice a year.”
Freshers’ Week, in particular, offers its own brand of chaos and charm. “It’s so many people’s first time in a bar,” Jack said, recounting a few memorable moments. From students misunderstanding how to pour a proper Guinness, to quirky drink orders — like one student’s request for half a Smithwick’s and half a Guinness in the same glass — Jack’s stories paint a vivid picture of the learning curve many first-year students experience when they step into The Pav for the first time.
Beyond the occasional mishap, what Jack appreciates most is the sense of community that grows at The Pav, especially as societies begin to make use of the space. “It’s so nice seeing fourth years talking to first years and telling them stories,” he said, reminiscing about his own time as a student at Trinity. “It’s so nice hearing the same stories being told in those first events, and it’s always such cool stuff.”
Aidan, for whom Freshers’ Week is a particular highlight as well, added: “What I like about Freshers’ Week is that it’s an extension of our bar.”
“We’re essentially running two bars rather than one, and students come back and engage with each other,” he added. The DJ events and Irish dancing nights are among the most popular, drawing students together in a festive atmosphere that defines the week.
Pop-up events, like the clothing store, also make their mark. “That was a massive success as well,” Aidan recalled with a smile.
“It’s about being part of the fabric of Trinity life”
For both Aidan and Jack, working at The Pav is about more than just serving drinks. It’s about being part of the fabric of Trinity life and helping to create a space where students can relax, socialise, and make memories. It is a hub of activity which even witnesses the visits of external non-TCD students, adding a measure of variety.
The Pav therefore plays a pivotal role in the everyday lives of Trinity students. “We rely heavily on departments and staff for bookings and orders,” Aidan noted, emphasising that the bar’s success is largely a result of its integration with the wider college community.
And The Pav’s role doesn’t end when the academic year quiets down. As Jack shared, one of his most memorable experiences was when an entire Trinity academic department rented out the back room for karaoke over the summer. “I’ll tell you, it wasn’t the music department,” he laughed. “They were having the time of their lives. I had some of them as lecturers, and was just constantly thinking, ‘Oh my god, you can sing Whitney Houston in the back room of the pub as well?’”
“‘It is that social third space that everyone gets to enjoy’”
The unpredictability of the job is part of what keeps things interesting for Jack. From the karaoke sessions in the backroom, to watching the student body evolve over the years, there’s always something happening at The Pav. “It’s nice seeing how the whole community kind of comes together in one space,” Jack stated. “It is that social third space that everyone gets to enjoy.”
Jack fondly recalled moments of camaraderie, like the time he ended up stewarding the women’s bathroom queue during a particularly busy day. “We’re just having chats. And then I was seeing the girls in the queue the next week, and they were like, thanks for letting us into the bathroom,” he laughed.
In many ways, The Pav is more than a bar — it’s a reflection of the vibrant, multifaceted life at Trinity College Dublin. Whether it’s Freshers’ Week, a society event, or just a regular evening after lectures, the bar serves as a social space where students, staff, and faculty can connect. From its historic roots to its role in supporting sports, to its place as a social hub, The Pav remains an essential part of what makes Trinity unique.
