The tidal basin formed by the two converging rivers was named "dubh linn" (meaning "black pool") by Celts, who had inhabited the area upstream as early as 500 BC.
Dubhlinn evolved into the settlement of Dyflin, which swelled to become a major trading empire with countries as far afield as continental Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
"My gut tells me we're bigger, " says Brad Skerritt, the Whistler pub's manager, who backed down when he learned O'Hanlon's expects to go through nearly twice the 25 kegs DubhLinn Gate anticipates selling Saturday.