The Irish Times' Generation Emigration project is on the hunt for the best Irish pub in the world outside Ireland. The following is one of the entries we've received so far. To read more, or find out how to nominate your favourite Irish pub abroad, click here.
The Dubliner in Stockholm is our front room, our kitchen, our dining room. It is where we watch the hurlers, the footballers, the rugby players, the golfers, the Angelus.
It is our back garden, where we sit out in the summer with friends and neighbours.
It is our hearth, where we gather in the winter and gaze out on the snow while basking in the warmth of their welcome.
It is the parlour where we welcome children into the world, and wake those who have passed on to the next.
It is where deals are done and jobs are found and friends are made, lost and found again.
It is where love’s flame burns, sometimes bright and quick, others slow and smouldering.
It is the first port of call, whether for the newly-arrived emigrant or when the Stockholm Gaels bring the trophies from all over Scandinavia.
It is our shop window, showcasing our food, our country, our culture. Our unofficial, after-hours embassy.
It is where you can return after weeks or months or years and still be greeted like you only darkened the door yesterday.
It is our home away from home. And like all homes, you may leave it and go somewhere else for a while, but this is the place to which you will always return.
Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin.
Think your favourite Irish pub abroad could claim the title of Best Irish Pub in the World (Outside Ireland)? Tell us about it by entering the competition here.
