Pub entertainment in Dublin
-
A
Gravediggers (aka Kavanagh’s)
The gravediggers from the adjacent Glasnevin Cemetery had a secret serving hatch so that they could drink on the job – hence the pub’s nickname. Founded in 1833 by one John Kavanagh and still in the family, this pub is one of the best in Ireland, virtually unchanged in 150 years. In summer time the green of the square is full of drinkers basking in the sun, while inside the hardened locals ensure that ne’er a hint of sunshine disturbs some of the best Guinness in town. An absolute classic.
reviewed
-
B
Church
We don’t normally go in for superpubs, but this one deserves a mention. Irish patriot Wolfe Tone, who was baptised here, and Arthur Guinness, brewery founder, who married here, might have conflicting views on the fate of this remarkable early 18th-century church. The glorious restoration features an enormous organ and historically important wall plaques and inscriptions. Expect a well-heeled crowd.
reviewed
-
C
Brogan’s
Only a couple of doors down from the Olympia Theatre, this is a wonderful old-style bar where conversation – not loud music – is king. The beer is also pretty good.
reviewed
-
Strawberry Hall
Strawberry Hall alone makes it worth the trek to the Strawberry Beds, a totally unspoilt bit of countryside. The Strawberry Beds run alongside the northern banks of the Liffey between the villages of Chapelizod and Lucan, roughly along the western edge of the Phoenix Parkand, and is one of the city's most beautiful getaway spots. Have drinks at the utterly wonderful Strawberry Hall, reputedly Dublin’s second-oldest pub and one of the best-kept secrets in town. This place alone makes it worth the trek.
reviewed
-
D
Searson’s
What could easily be dismissed as yet another characterless superpub, with the warmth and ambience of a train station, is actually a pretty decent bar with the option of Old Man pub at the front and trendy, modern bar at the back. Something for everyone then: lunchtimes it’s packed with office workers, weekend nights it’s packed with the same crowd in jeans and designer shirts and, when the rugby’s on, the Irish green. Two Havana Clubs and Coke, please.
reviewed
-
E
O’Brien’s
The unofficial HQ of media types and advertising execs, old-fashioned O’Brien’s is the embodiment of all the aspirations of the Celtic Tiger, a place where prosperity and forward-thinking can flourish amid the powerfully nostalgic reminders of a time gone by. Which pretty much means that O’Brien’s hasn’t changed its décor all that much, but the bathrooms are absolutely spotless.
reviewed
-
F
Mulligans
Outside the northeastern boundary of Temple Bar, Mulligans has scarcely changed over the years. It featured as the local in the film My Left Foot and is also popular with journalists from the nearby newspaper offices. Mulligan’s was established in 1782 and has long been reputed to have the best Guinness in Ireland, as well as a wonderfully varied collection of regulars.
reviewed
-
G
Kennedy’s
Not to be confused with the home of the terrific underground nightclub on Westland Row, this is a proper traditional pub where literally nothing has changed in 50 years, including some of the clientele. Tread softly and speak even quieter so as not to disturb the contemplative atmosphere of a bar that seems oblivious to what’s happened to Dublin in the last 20 years.
reviewed
-
H
Fallon’s
Just west of the city centre, in the heart of medieval Dublin, this is a fabulously old-fashioned bar that has been serving a great pint of Guinness to a most discerning clientele since the end of the 17th century. Prize fighter Dan Donnelly, the only boxer ever to be knighted, was head bartender here in 1818. It’s a genuine Irish bar filled with Dubs.
reviewed
-
I
Pavilion
One of the most enjoyable drinking experiences in town can be had on a pleasant summer’s day on the balcony of the Pav, the cricket pavilion overlooking Trinity’s playing fields. Grab a beer and a sandwich before settling down to enjoy the spectacle on display: a cricket match or just the other punters getting drunk and trying to play Frisbee.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Grogan's Castle Lounge
A city-centre institution, Grogan's has long been a favourite haunt of Dublin's writers and painters, as well as others from the bohemian, alternative set. An odd quirk of the pub is that drinks are marginally cheaper in the stone-floor bar than the carpeted lounge, even though they are served by the same bar!
reviewed
-
K
Dawson Lounge
To see the smallest bar in Dublin, go through a small doorway, down a narrow flight of steps and into two tiny rooms that always seem to be filled with a couple of bedraggled drunks who look like they're hiding. Psst, here's a secret: a certain sunglassed lead singer of a certain ginormous Irish band is said to love unwinding in here from time to time.
reviewed
-
L
McDaid’s
One of Dublin’s best-known literary pubs, this classic boozer was Brendan Behan’s ‘local’ (until he was barred) and it still oozes character. The pints are perfect, and best appreciated during the day when it’s not full of our type. Thankfully, there’s no music – just conversation and raucous laughter.
reviewed
-
M
Swan
John Lynch’s pub (known to all as the Swan) is home to two kinds of punter: the in-for-a-pint-and-a-chat tippler that doesn’t venture far from the Victorian front bar; and the more animated younger person, who finds solace and music in the side bar. A beautiful marriage that works because neither troubles the other.
reviewed
-
N
Hughes' Bar
Directly behind the Four Courts, this bar has nightly, if impromptu, sessions that often result in a closed door – that is, they go on long past official closing time. The pub is also a popular lunchtime spot with barristers working nearby.
reviewed
-
O
Gill’s
Just a stone’s throw from Croke Park, this unashamedly old-fashioned boozer was one of Brendan Behan’s favourites and the place where his friends chose to wake his passing when he died. If you’re on your way to Croker for a match, or just want to try out a good old-style pub, there are few better.
reviewed
-
P
Long Hall
Luxuriating in full Victorian splendour, this is one of the city's most beautiful and best-loved pubs. Check out the elegant chandeliers and the ornate carvings in the woodwork behind the bar. The bartenders are experts at their craft – an increasingly rare experience in Dublin these days.
reviewed
-
Q
Ron Black’s
Despite its cavernous size, this upmarket watering hole manages to retain an inviting atmosphere, thanks to plenty of warm wooden panelling, leather sofas and huge soft lights. The newly opened champagne bar upstairs attracts be-suited young men and smart-dressed girls who aren’t afraid to flash their cash.
reviewed
-
R
Old Stand
Refreshingly unreconstructed, this is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin and seems to be just sauntering along at the same pace it was 10 years ago, as if the whole Celtic Tiger thing never happened. It’s named after the old stand at Lansdowne Rd Stadium, and is a favourite with sports fans and reporters.
reviewed
-
S
Welcome Inn
This musty, scruffy, wonderful bar has been a favourite with the city’s college slackers for a couple of generations. They love the oversized lounge and its assorted cast of characters, which these days include groups of Spanish and Italian tourists looking to check out Dublin alcoholics up close.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
Toner’s
With its stone floor and old grocer’s shelves and drawers, Toner’s feels like a country pub in the heart of the city. Though Victorian, it’s not elaborate and draws a crowd of mainly businessmen and hacks. It’s not touristy, but many visitors seek out its simple charms.
reviewed
-
U
Kehoe's
This is one of the most atmospheric pubs in the city centre and a real favourite with all kinds of Dubliners. It has a beautiful Victorian bar, a wonderful snug, and plenty of other little nooks and crannies. Upstairs, drinks are served in what was once the publican's living room. And it looks it!
reviewed
-
V
Cobblestone
This pub is on the main square in Smithfield, an old northside marketplace. There's a great atmosphere in the cosy upstairs bar, where the nightly music sessions – both traditional and up-and-coming folk and singer-songwriter acts – are superb.
reviewed
-
W
Palace Bar
With its mirrors and wooden niches, Palace Bar is often said to be the perfect example of an old Dublin pub. It's within Temple Bar and is popular with journalists from the nearby Irish Times.
reviewed
-
X
Flowing Tide
This beautiful and atmospheric old pub is directly opposite the Abbey Theatre and is predictably very popular with theatre-goers – it can get swamped around 11pm, after the curtain comes down. They blend in with some no-bullshit locals who give the place a vital edge and make it a great place for a drink and a natter.
reviewed
