Ned Devine's Irish Pub brings a taste of Ireland to one of Boston's most historic locations. Named after the titular character from the 1998 Irish comedy film, the pub offers traditional Irish hospitality in the heart of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. But beneath the cheerful atmosphere and lively crowds, there's a darker, more mysterious side to Ned Devine's. The building's location in one of Boston's oldest commercial areas, combined with centuries of history, has led to numerous reports of ghostly encounters. Staff members and observant patrons have witnessed apparitions, heard unexplained sounds, and felt the presence of spirits who seem reluctant to leave this historic spot.
Did you know?
- Ned Devine's is located in the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which dates back to 1742.
- The Faneuil Hall area was a center of commerce and revolutionary activity in colonial Boston.
- The building has housed various businesses over the centuries, from merchant shops to taverns.
- During the Revolutionary War era, the area around Faneuil Hall was a hotbed of patriot activity and secret meetings.
- Staff members report that paranormal activity increases during historically significant dates, particularly around anniversaries of Revolutionary War events.
Paranormal Activity at Ned Devine's
The Colonial Gentleman
The most frequently reported apparition at Ned Devine's is that of a well-dressed man in 18th-century clothing, complete with a tricorn hat and long coat. Staff members have seen him standing near the windows overlooking Faneuil Hall, as if watching for someone or something. He appears solid and real for several seconds before fading away. Some witnesses report that he seems to be looking out at the marketplace with an expression of concern or worry. Paranormal investigators believe he may be a merchant or patriot from the Revolutionary War era, still keeping watch over his beloved city.
The Basement Presence
The basement of Ned Devine's is known among staff as one of the most unsettling areas of the building. Employees sent downstairs to retrieve supplies report feeling watched and experiencing sudden drops in temperature. Some have heard their names whispered when no one else is present. Objects stored in the basement are sometimes found moved or rearranged, despite the area being locked and secured. One bartender reported feeling a hand on his shoulder while alone in the basement, only to turn and find no one there.
Phantom Music and Laughter
After closing time, staff members cleaning up have reported hearing the distinct sounds of fiddle music and Irish singing coming from the main floor, even when the pub is empty and all audio equipment is turned off. The music is described as old-fashioned, not matching anything played in the modern pub. Along with the music, witnesses hear laughter and the sound of many people talking and celebrating, as if a party is in full swing. When staff investigate, the sounds stop abruptly, and the pub is found empty and silent.
The Watchful Bartender
Several staff members and late-night patrons have reported seeing a shadowy figure behind the bar area, particularly in the early morning hours. The figure appears to be going through the motions of serving drinks—reaching for bottles, filling glasses, wiping down the bar—but when approached, it vanishes. Some believe this is the spirit of a former bartender from an earlier establishment that occupied the building, still tending to his duties decades or even centuries after his death. Bottles and glasses are occasionally found in different positions than where staff left them, as if the phantom bartender is still at work.
Brief History of Ned Devine's Location
While Ned Devine's Irish Pub itself is a modern establishment, the building it occupies sits in one of Boston's most historic areas. Faneuil Hall Marketplace was established in 1742 as a center of commerce and has been continuously used for trade and business ever since.
During the colonial period and Revolutionary War, the area around Faneuil Hall was the heart of Boston's commercial district. Merchants sold their goods, traders negotiated deals, and patriots gathered to discuss independence. The buildings in this area witnessed some of the most important moments in American history, from Samuel Adams's fiery speeches in Faneuil Hall itself to the clandestine meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party.
Over the centuries, the buildings around Faneuil Hall have served many purposes—shops, taverns, boarding houses, and restaurants. Each generation has left its mark on the area, and according to those who believe in the paranormal, each has left behind spirits who continue to walk these historic streets.
Ned Devine's Irish Pub opened in the late 20th century, bringing Irish hospitality to this thoroughly American historic site. The pub's name comes from the 1998 film 'Waking Ned Devine,' a comedy about a small Irish village. While the pub itself is relatively new, staff and patrons quickly discovered that the building's long history had left more than just architectural features behind.
Many paranormal investigators believe that locations with such deep historical significance act as magnets for spiritual activity. The area around Faneuil Hall, having witnessed so much human emotion—from the joy of successful trade to the passion of revolutionary fervor to the tragedy of war and loss—may have absorbed these energies, creating the perfect conditions for hauntings.
Visitor Information
Ned Devine's Irish Pub is an active restaurant and bar in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, open daily to visitors. The pub offers traditional Irish fare, a full bar, and live music on select nights.
The establishment is located in the heart of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of Boston's premier tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks while surrounded by centuries of history—and perhaps catch a glimpse of some of that history's ghostly residents.
Location
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Boston, MA 02109
The historic pub where ghostly patrons still gather
Located in the heart of Boston's most historic district
