Across the river from the Four Courts stands the Brazen Head, reputed to be the oldest pub in Europe. A tavern has stood on this site since Viking times and the Brazen Head celebrated its 800th birthday in 1998. James Joyce was a regular and makes two references to a "Brazen Head" in Ulysses. Today one can enjoy a drink, order some scrumptious food and listen to the impromptu Irish traditional sessions that usually take place at the weekend; all in a historical and literary setting.