Do we have a story to tell or what?
Finnigan's
Wake became so popular so fast that it is hard to remember a time
when it was not an integral part of the City of Brotherly Love.
We hear tell that Benjamin Franklin himself originated the idea
of an authentic Irish pub in the environs of Northern Liberties,
where immigrants from the Emerald Island settled once those pesky
Brits were dealt with. Leave it up to Old Ben to roll out the welcome
mat, but what would you expect from a man who said "Beer is
living proof that God loves us"? The third floor catering hall
is named after Benjamin Franklin, which is graced with a beautiful
view of the bridge that bears his name.
Did you know that National Geographic Traveler's Magazine named Finnigan's Wake one of the 10 must see places in Philadelphia right up there with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall?
The Second floor of Finnigan's
Wake is our Civil War floor dedicated to both the Irish 69th Brigade
and Abraham Lincoln, and is home to the famed "Lincoln Doors."
After the President was assassinated, his body was transported to
Philadelphia to lie in state at Independence Hall. That night his
body was kept in a Northern Liberties funeral parlor, and the doors
from that establishment has been made a part of our second floor,
the "Lincoln Level." There are several portraits of the
N.Y. 69th Brigade, the "Irish Brigade" which suffered
tremendous casualties during the Civil War.
Did you know that Finnigan's Wake has appeared in several TV shows and mentioned in several murder novels?
All Irish bands in Greater Philadelphia want to play in the Quiet
Man's Pub, which is chock full of mementoes from that great movie.
Even the great Maureen O'Hara herself loves the pub and can reminisce
for hours about the movie and her co-star, John Wayne. The Pub also
contains invaluable antiques from the"Dicken's Village" which was a major attraction at Strawbridges during the Christmas
Season.
Did you know that Finegan's Wake is a famous novel written by James Joyce? Did you also know that Finegan's Wake is the name of a riotous Irish drinking song?
Some claim that Finnigan's
is haunted and that items, particularly keys, disappear routinely.
It may be Old Abe, it may be the late Mr. Finnigan himself, or any
one of the thousands buried in Standard Caskets! Come and ghost
hunt for yourself, but, watch out for your credit card. We have recovered over 5,000 missing credit cards since we opened. Our ghosts have a penchant for collecting them, it would seem.
Did you know that over 35 couples met each other for the first time at Finnigan's Wake? And that several of them returned to have us cater theie wedding reception?
The famous and infamous, the old and young,
the legends and want-to-be's, musical standand bearers and the up-and-coming
bands of the future, all flock to Finnigan's Wake. You name it:
The Wolfetones, Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Clancy Brothers, The Irish
Tenors, Lords of the Dance, Violent Femmes, the Nerds, Smokin' Joe
Frazier, members of the Flyers and Sixers all have been spoted in
Finnigans. The closing party of the Republican National Convention
of 2000 was at Finnigans!
Did you know it is not really Saint Patrick's Day in Philadelphia
until you stop at Finnigan's Wake for a pint?
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