With powerful traces of Viking heritage, Dublin has been forming its rich history since the 9th century. The city is its own museum, with winding streets full of life and stories to tell. The idyllic charm of the Irish capital is summarised by the characters who dwell, bold and charming.
Dublin native James Joyce mused that “A good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub,” and with more than 1,000, it really is no mean feat. The draw of a properly pulled pint of Guinness in a traditional haunt is an aspired travel bucket list item of many, but with so much choice it can be hard to know where to start. Let us guide you through some of the best spots to wet your whistle.
Best pubs in Dublin
Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shopv
8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2
If you’re looking for a unique pub, Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop is for you. Not only is Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop a traditional Irish pub, but it is also a fully functioning hardware store. It’s located just off Grafton Street, but it feels like you’re stepping out of the city centre and right into a pub in rural Ireland.
Colin told us what makes his pub so unique, “Not only will you be able to grab the best pint and toastie deal in Dublin during the week, Mary’s has the largest selection of hardware for sale in any pub in Dublin. And if you’re not suited to toasties or hammers, why not grab a delicious 100% Irish beef wowburger made to order in our basement? Besides the great pints and city centre location, Mary’s is renowned for its charming atmosphere, welcoming bar staff and guaranteed good times and music.”
O’Sheas Merchant
12 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8
O’Sheas Merchant is a family-run business located in the heart of the city. Originally from Annascaul in County Kerry, the family remain close to their roots by continuing to use local produce and recipes.
Karen explained what you can expect from O’Sheas Merchant, “We offer authentic traditional Irish music 7 nights a week from 9 pm, musicians travel from around the world to play. Ireland’s oldest traditional dance, Set Dancing, still occurs every Monday night and all are welcome to join in. Visitors can enjoy a drink in our courtyard sitting on original Croke Park seating.
“We offer Irish whiskey and premium Irish whiskey tasting which is ideal either pre or post-dinner. Guests can educate their pallets around Ireland’s finest whiskies. Guests can learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness behind the bar and receive a certificate on completion.”
The Brazen Head
20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8
The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub. Erica told us more about the pub, which dates back to 1198, “Back in those days, it would have been a coaching inn. The buildings were timber and usually had courtyards, into which coaches could be driven. Plenty of good food and wine was available as well as accommodation. To this day, four of the original bedrooms remain untouched reflecting the timeless history within the walls of this historical building.”
Among some of the framed literary patrons of the past including James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Jonathan Swift, Sarah and Kris from Jetsetting Fools have enjoyed a session at The Brazen Head, “On our visit to Dublin, The Brazen Head was absolutely our favourite pub. Perhaps it was just great timing, but the atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon was spectacular and along with the traditional Irish jam session in full swing, it made for a very enjoyable afternoon.”
The Dawson Lounge
25 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
With a capacity of 40, The Dawson Lounge is as exclusive as it gets. If you’re lucky enough to get in, you’ll have no choice but to get to know everyone around you. The door to the pub looks more like a London telephone box, but it will bring you into the world of the Dawson. The pub may be small, but it isn’t lacking. The tiny space is full of character and culture and what better story to tell than that of the smallest pub in Dublin?
The Stags Head
1 Dame Court, Dublin 2
The Stags Head embodies hidden Ireland. When you stumble upon it, you can see the authentic Victorian exterior and warm glow. The long mahogany bar creates a warm, cosy atmosphere, whilst in pride of place above the spirits hangs a large stag’s bust. Sunlight filters in through the stained glass windows, illuminating the classic Victorian architecture.
“Visiting The Stags Head is a wondrous experience whether you call in when the premises is cosy, warm and glowing at night or in the early morning when an old repository of liquid culture is radiantly illuminated,” Louise, the owner of The Stags Head, told us. “Events vary from ukulele sessions, comedy, traditional music sessions and seasonal James Joyce storytelling so you’ll be sure to always find something going on.”
The Swan Bar
Aungier Street, Dublin 2
Rugby fans, The Swan Bar is for you. This authentic Victorian pub is Dublin’s rugby pub - its owner played for Ireland. Even during his international career, Sean Lynch was behind the bar in The Swan. As Sean’s career went from strength to strength, the team would all head down to his bar on a Friday night to have a drink or two before their big weekend games. The team were even superstitious, always sitting in the same snug. They won 2 triple crowns during that time, so maybe there was something in it!
The rugby connection is still alive today and the jerseys Lynch accumulated in after-game swaps are now framed above the bar. His son, Ronan, now runs the pub and even has a bust of his father on display. Although to meet the real thing, you only need to look behind the bar, where Sean still pulls pints to this day.
The Temple Bar
47 - 48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
The Temple Bar is known as Dublin’s best watering hole. The bar has been open for 160 years and its iconic bright red exterior still draws in people from around the world today. The staff are full of information about the city’s history and sights and are great local tour guides.
The area around The Temple Bar is a hive of activity and that doesn’t stop inside, as the pub has Irish music and is usually full to the rafters with tourists and locals alike. The area is dubbed the cultural capital of the city and you can tell that from the cafes, galleries and boutiques lining the street. The Temple Bar is the perfect place to engage yourself with the overwhelming culture of the city.
