A pub in Galway is bringing back the (in)famous ‘Holy Hour lock-in’ this coming Easter Sunday

Just like old times.

It’s a tradition that younger readers might not be aware of, but there was a time in Ireland when pubs used to close between the hours of 2-4pm on Sunday afternoons. Dubbed the ‘Holy Hour’, Irish pubs were required by law to close during those hours, but in true Irish fashion, the law was conveniently circumnavigated as pubs would merely close their doors and allow the craic to continue inside. In the end, ‘Holy Hour’ was abolished under the Intoxicating Liquor Act in the year 2000. This Easter Sunday, one of the holiest days of the year, the Blue Note pub in Galway is bringing back ‘Holy Hour’ for one day only. Pic via Facebook/Bring Back Holy Hour Lock-In Technically, it’s bringing back the spirit of ‘Holy Hour’ as those attending the event, organised by Craic & Divilment, will participate in a mid-afternoon lock-in, during which there will be music from Galway DJs, a table quiz, a raffle, food, drink and even a confessional box. Amen to that. Tickets to the event (over 18s only) are available here; they cost €5 and include a free pint, BBQ and more. For more information, check out the event Facebook page. Cheers to Caitlin Foley from thisisgalway.ie for bringing this to our attention. If you have something you would like to share with us, send it to editorial@JOE.ie or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.