If there’s one thing Dublin nails, it’s the pub scene. Locals could easily hand you a list longer than the Liffey of the best Dublin pubs to hit, and trust me, it’s worth exploring. With every sip, you’re practically drinking in centuries of history, literature, and folklore. No wonder the city’s pubs are legendary!
Whether you’re in town for a quick pint or a pub crawl marathon, there’s always another gem to discover. Sure, most of these Dublin pubs will have queues that rival Disneyland’s, but trust me—they’re worth the wait. Just casually hang around a table where folks are nursing the last drops of their pint, and soon enough, you’ll have a seat!
Dublin, the most chatty city on the planet, sets the gold standard for pubs. St. Patrick’s Day might inspire the rest of the world to wear goofy green hats and wax poetic about their “Irish heritage,” but let’s be real: the true charm of Dublin pubs deserves to be experienced firsthand.
From quiet pints on worn mahogany counters to rowdy trad music sessions, Dublin pubs offer an unmatched vibe. Sure, there are museums and restaurants, but the city’s soul? That’s found at the bar.
Table of Contents
Why Dublin Pubs Are More Than Just Pints and Pub Grub!
Bowes: The Pub You’ll Miss if You Blink – But Regret if You Do
Best known as the antidote to the rowdy Temple Bar scene, Bowes is the hidden gem among Dublin pubs you simply can’t miss (though, spoiler: you might actually miss it). Nestled east on Fleet Street under an old mounted clock, this cosy spot has been serving up pints and craic since 1880. With over 200 whiskeys lining its wooden shelves, from American bourbons to Japanese single malts, it’s basically a whiskey lover’s playground.
If the bustling energy of Temple Bar makes you question your life choices, Bowes offers a more laid-back, authentic experience that’s like a warm hug after a long day of pub hopping. With some of the finest Guinness in Dublin pubs, this hideaway is your perfect post-Temple Bar escape.
The Brazen Head: Where History, Pints, and Legends Collide
If you’re after Dublin pubs with a dash of history, The Brazen Head is the OG. With claims dating back to 1198 (yes, you read that right!), this spot has quenched the thirst of legends like Jonathan Swift and revolutionary Wolfe Tone. While the current building was built in 1754, the Brazen Head proudly embraces its ancient roots. You’ll even spot a grand parchment declaring its epic past as you walk in.
Sure, it’s often packed with tourists, but hey, what do you expect from one of the most iconic Dublin pubs? With live music every night and a beer garden that’s perfect for soaking in the atmosphere, it’s the place where history meets the craic.
Looking to experience Dublin pubs at their finest? Don’t leave this institution off your list—you’ll regret it if you do! After all, where else can you sip with centuries of legends?
Discover the Best Dublin Pubs: Don’t Miss Toners!
If you’re looking for a fantastic beer garden, Toners is a must-visit among Dublin pubs! Located on Baggot Street, this lively spot has a spacious outdoor area perfect for enjoying pints in the sun. With bright red letters spelling out ‘Toner’s Yard’ and charming fairy lights overhead, it’s a great place to relax. Just remember to arrive early to secure a table, as it can get busy!
Inside, you’ll find one of Dublin’s coziest snugs right by the front window, adding to the charm.
Address:
Toners, 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
Check Out Best Breweries in Boston: Are These 9 Unforgettable Breweries the Best of the Best?
The Cobblestone isn’t just another one of those Dublin pubs—it’s “a drinking pub with a music problem.” Nestled on a corner in the Smithfield area, this lively spot takes Irish music seriously, and it’s worth the trip outside the city centre. Here, you’ll find trad sessions played by top-tier musicians to an audience that actually appreciates the art.
With a pub built on five generations of the Mulligan family’s Irish music legacy, it’s clear The Cobblestone isn’t messing around when it comes to tunes. So, if you want to experience Dublin pubs where music is the heart and soul (not just background noise), this is your place.
Whether you’re tapping your feet to the rhythm or nursing a pint, you’ll realize this is one of the most authentic Dublin pubs around. Don’t miss it—or you’ll be kicking yourself later!
If you’re a bookworm with a thirst for both literature and pints, Davy Byrne’s pub is your holy grail among Dublin pubs. James Joyce, while gallivanting across Europe, set many of his stories in Dublin, with Davy Byrne’s taking the spotlight in Ulysses. In Chapter 8, Leopold Bloom famously orders a “gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of Burgundy.” And if it’s good enough for Bloom, well, it’s good enough for you!
Frequented by literary giants like Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan, this pub’s biggest claim to fame is its Joyce connection—especially on Bloomsday (June 16), when Joyce fans flock to celebrate all things Ulysses.
So, if you’re hitting up Dublin pubs and fancy a literary pilgrimage, Davy Byrne’s is where you’ll want to raise a glass.
Temple Bar: The Ultimate Tourist Trap (But Worth It)
Yes, Temple Bar is the most touristy of all Dublin pubs, but let’s face it—you kinda have to go. Sure, it’s likely the most expensive pint of Guinness you’ll sip in Dublin, but hey, you’re paying for the experience, right? With its bright red façade, green shrubbery, and a lively, music-packed atmosphere, this pub is as extra on the inside as it is outside.
And if you’re not up for another pint (who are you kidding?), Temple Bar boasts over 450 rare whiskeys—the largest collection in Ireland. So, when you’re ticking off your Dublin pubs bucket list, stop by Temple Bar for the full-on, over-the-top Irish pub experience. Just don’t think about the tab.
Stunning Views at The Blue Light!
For breathtaking views, The Blue Light is one of the top Dublin pubs to visit! Located in the Dublin Mountains, this historic pub has been around for over 300 years. Its terrace offers amazing sights of the city, all the way to the Howth Peninsula. The pub got its name from smugglers who used to look for a signal that it was safe to land their illegal goods, like rum and tobacco.
After a hike on the Wicklow Way or through the mountains, there’s no better place to enjoy a refreshing pint. The views are especially magical at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle!
Address:
The Blue Light, Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 PF72
The Palace Bar: Where Whiskey Dreams Come True
For whiskey lovers, The Palace Bar is a must-visit among Dublin pubs. Tucked away on the eastern edge of Temple Bar, this Victorian beauty is home to an upstairs whiskey bar that’s practically a shrine to the spirit. Don’t let the flashy ‘Whiskey Palace’ sign fool you; this place is more Vegas neon than Vegas dive.
Inside, you’ll find elegant wooden cabinets stuffed with a whiskey treasure trove—from up-and-comers like Teeling and Roe & Co to rare gems like Redbreast’s 17-year-old Single Cask. It’s the perfect spot to savor a dram or two and celebrate Ireland’s whiskey renaissance. So, if you’re on a mission to find the best whiskey in Dublin pubs, The Palace Bar is your royal destination. Cheers!
The Oval: History with a Side of Pints and Proclamations
Nestled on Middle Abbey Street, The Oval isn’t just any Dublin pub—it’s a historic gem. This old-world pub, housed in a grand Victorian building, was famously flattened during the 1916 Easter Rising and rebuilt just six years later. The multi-storey interior is like stepping into a time machine, with Rising memorabilia galore.
But here’s the kicker: while you sip your pint, you’re being watched by the sculpted busts of the Seven Signatories of the Proclamation. These stoic faces—Eamonn Ceannt, Thomas Clarke, James Connolly, Seán MacDiarmada, Thomas McDonagh, Patrick Pearse, and Joseph Plunkett—keep a vigilant eye on your drinking habits. So, when you’re at The Oval, you’re not just enjoying a pint; you’re being part of living history. Cheers to that!
The Confession Box: Secrets, Pints, and a Dash of Rebellion
When folks rave about The Confession Box, they do so with a conspiratorial glint in their eye—like they’re letting you in on Dublin’s best-kept secret. Tucked away on Marlborough Street, this traditional pub exudes a cozy charm, with friendly staff ready to serve you a pint that’s as smooth as their smiles.
Legend has it that during the Irish War of Independence, several men, including Michael Collins, were excommunicated and sought out this pub, then known as the Maid of Erin, to sneak in some Communion from sympathetic priests. Hence, the name The Confession Box. So, when you’re enjoying your pint here, you’re not just sipping on a great brew; you’re part of a rebellious slice of history. Cheers to that kind of divine intervention!
Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street: Dublin’s Timeless Gem Amidst the Chaos
If you’re on the hunt for a slice of authentic Dublin that’s weathered the ages, look no further than Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street. This iconic pub is the epitome of no-nonsense charm, standing resolute as everything around it morphs. From Trinners students to Irish Press journos and even celebs from the long-gone Theatre Royal, Mulligan’s has seen it all.
Tucked between the construction chaos of the Hawkins House site, Mulligan’s is like the pub version of a stubborn old house in the movie Up—only instead of balloons, it’s had to endure a 12-storey eyesore. The result? A cozy haven with a pint that’s as smooth and slightly iron-y as the history that surrounds it. So, grab a seat, enjoy the quiet, and toast to Dublin’s enduring spirit.
The Long Hall: Bruce Springsteen’s Dublin Sanctuary
So, you’ve heard Bruce Springsteen has a soft spot for The Long Hall on South Great George’s Street. Well, the Boss isn’t the only one with impeccable taste! This pub is so renowned that it could practically have its own fan club. With its grand, ornate interior, The Long Hall is perpetually bustling, whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend.
Sure, it might be a bit of a cliché to include it on this list, but let’s be real—if it’s good enough for Bruce, it’s good enough for us. When you finally snag a table, hang onto it like it’s your golden ticket, because getting one is half the fun. Cheers to that!
