When visiting San Antonio’s famed River Walk, you’re more likely to hear a Mariachi band than the lyrics to “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” But if you have the luck of the Irish, you’ll soon discover Durty Nelly’s.
         

The genuine Irish pub is tucked into a corner of the Hilton Palacio del Rio at river level. So while crossing the Market Street bridge, you just might hear the soulful sound of Danny Boy or the toe-tapping beat of a traditional Irish jig.

Fish and chips
         

Durty Nelly’s is a replica of the ancient Irish pub at Bunratty Castle in Ireland. The original Irish tavern opened in Limerick in 1620 and has remained opened for nearly 400 years.
         

Travel, as we all know, has a way of changing our world view and inspiring us with new ideas. That’s what happened to Bill Hunter, manager of the Hilton in the early 1970s. On a trip to Ireland, Hunter discovered Durty Nelly’s at Bunratty Castle’s Folk Park.  
         

Upon his return to the Alamo city, Hunter persuaded local businessman Bartell Zachry to open an authentic Irish pub on the popular River Walk. Since its opening in September 1974, Durty Nelly's has been a magnet for tourism.
         

Now, the Irish pub is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The month-long festivities, which feature day and night piano-playing sing-a-longs, include special events slated for Sept. 8-14.  
         

“It’s always a party at Durty Nelly’s, but our 40th anniversary week promises to be something extra special,” said Hilton Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Brian Getman, also the event organizer.
         

Still anchored within the luxurious hotel proper, Durty Nelly’s décor remains true to its legendary sister pub. Its stone walls, twin fireplaces, and slate floors have witnessed frolicking fun for four decades.

Visitors say one a big attraction is tossing peanut shells nonchalantly on the floor while indulging in good brew. The peanuts are as free as the entertainment in the form of a lively, professional piano player.

Durty Nelly's pianoman, Bill Baily
         

While few changes have taken place over the course of 40 years, such as different piano players and the arrival of executive chef James Bocanegra, most of the staff has remained the same.  
         

In fact, Robbie, the jovial bartender, has been a fixture at Durty Nelly’s for 38 years. He’s served and chatted with customers over many a topic. But Robbie has always adhered to the pub’s golden rules:
         

“No discussion of religion or politics, only two patrons to a bar stool and you’ll drink alone if you prefer to drink rum instead of traditional Guinness beer.” But judging from the faithful clientele, posting these rules for all to see has always been a non-issue.

Irish Coffee
         

The anniversary celebration is also being parlayed into a benefit for The 100 Club of San Antonio. The 100 Club is a support group for families of local law enforcement and firefighters. Durty Nelly’s will give 10 percent of proceeds from food and drink to the organization during the observance.
         

Unique helping of Irish food is not unusual at the pub. The menu boasts a St. Patty’s melt, Irish burger and Killarney Cobb salad. But during the anniversary fiesta, featured Irish cuisine includes Irish lamb stew, corned beef sliders and Irish-style potato fries topped with cabbage, corned beef and cheddar ale sauce.  

Sous Chef Joseph Feldmann
         

Additionally, the public is invited to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a 10-day trip for two to Ireland. Not only will winners visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, but they’ll stop at Blarney Castle, where they can kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Of course, proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets benefit The 100 Club as well.

“We’re combining what we’ve celebrated over 40 years, revisiting the best of the past and creating something new,” Getman added. Newly created Guinness glassware and T-shirts sporting the Durty Nelly logo will be available for sale.
         

Week-long festivities from Sept. 8-14 include a designated “kilt night” and dueling bagpipe players. Lunch and dinner menus will tout dishes that immerse revelers in Irish culture.
         

Moreover, visitors may feel as if they are in the rustic environs of Bunratty Castle, built in 1425 and restored in 1959 through private and public funds.
         

Today Bunratty Castle and Folk Park serve as a popular international interactive entertainment and educational center. In fact, the castle holds evening banquets that are not only worth the trip, but something to write home about.             
         

Knowing that music is the universal language, and food and drink is what brings people together I don’t want to miss a chance to travel to Ireland vicariously through Durty Nelly’s, one of San Antonio’s most unique establishments.

While another Irish pub opened in SA's River Walk in 2006, and a couple have since popped up throught the city, Durty Nelly's was the first Irish pub and is now a landmark.
          

For more information, go to www.durtynellyspub.com 

Durty Nelly's Pub

200 S Alamo St

San Antonio, TX

210-224-3343

For a real visit to Ireland, visit www.shannonheritage.com     

Photos courtesy and copyright Durty Nelly’s Pub