The Dublin pub where Glen Hansard spent his final hours singing and strumming his guitar has refuted claims of an after‐hours lock‐in, insisting it closed at the normal time before the singer’s tragic death.
Poignant videos show the Oscar‐winning star singing tunes at The Wren’s Nest on the night before he died, smiling with other pubgoers. Hansard, 56, was killed in a motorbike crash in the early hours near the Strawberry Beds in west Dublin.
A man driving to work came across the wreckage, rushed to help and immediately called emergency services. The 56-year-old Falling Slowly singer-songwriter was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later, the Irish Mirror reports.
As heartbroken loved ones and fans laid flowers and tributes at the scene of the devastating collision, The Wren's Nest - where Hansard had performed with a traditional music group just hours earlier, released a statement confirming that he had left the premises after closing time, departing in an easterly direction.
In the statement issued to RTÉ News, the pub clarified that it had closed at its normal licensed trading hours and that no after-hours lock-in had occurred. The pub also paid a heartfelt tribute to the musician on social media in the hours following his tragic passing.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Glen Hansard," they wrote. "It was always a privilege to welcome Glen to The Wren's Nest over the years.
"He will be remembered for his incredible talent, generosity and the joy he brought to so many. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew and loved him."
Hansard was found on the roadway next to his motorbike at approximately 4.30am, west of The Wren's Nest pub, between Tinker's Hill and Rugged Lane.
It is believed there was no significant damage to his motorbike and the cause of his death remains unknown. Gardaí have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Multiple books of condolence have been opened, including one at the Mansion House in Dublin, on the Dublin City Council website and at the Irish Rock and Roll museum in Dublin's Temple Bar.
Artists including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Geldof, Billie Eilish and Mike Scott have all paid tribute to the Ballymun-born singer. Gardaí continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: "Road users who may have relevant camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station on (01) 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
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