Traditional Pub entertainment in Ireland
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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.
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Auld Dubliner
Predominantly patronised by tourists, 'the Auld Foreigner', as locals have dubbed it, has a carefully manicured 'old-world' charm that has been preserved – or refined – after a couple of renovations. It's a reliable place for a singsong and a laugh, as long as you don't mind taking 15 minutes to get to and from the jax (toilets).
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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.
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Kennedy's
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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K
Brazen Head
Reputedly Dublin's oldest pub, the Brazen Head has been serving thirsty patrons since 1198 when it set up as a Norman tavern. Though its history is uncertain, the sunken level of the entrance courtyard clearly indicates how much street levels have altered since its construction. It's a bit away from the city centre, and the clientele is made up of foreign-language students, tourists and some grizzly auld locals. Robert Emmet was believed to have been a regular visitor, while in Ulysses, James Joyce reckoned 'you get a decent enough do in the Brazen Head'.
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Peter's Pub
A pub for a chat and a convivial catch up, this humble and friendly place is more like Peter's Living Room, and is one of the few remaining drinking dens in this area that hasn't changed personality in recent years, and is all the better (and popular) for it.
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Patrick Conway’s
This gem of a pub has been lining up drinks since 1745 and joyous fathers – including Colm Meaney’s character in The Snapper – have been skulling celebratory pints at its bar since the day the Rotunda Maternity Hospital opened across the road in 1757. Upstairs is the fantastic Boom Boom Room, one of the best places in the city for good live music.
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Oval
This is a great little pub, where young and old come together in conversation and rich, creamy pints go down a treat. The Tardis effect is evident once you walk through the door: it is much bigger than it looks from the outside, spreading over three floors.
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Neary's
One of a string of off–Grafton St, classic Victorian boozers once patronised by Dublin's legless literati, Neary's is a perfect stop-off day or night. It combines great service, a bohemian atmosphere and attractively worn furnishings, and is popular with actors from the nearby Gaiety Theatre.
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Nealon’s
The warm and cosy decor of this traditional pub is matched by the exceptionally friendly staff. It’s a bit of old Dublin on a street getting ready to take off, so catch it while you can. There’s live jazz on Sunday.
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Doheny & Nesbitt’s
A standout, even in a city of wonderful pubs, Nesbitt’s is equipped with antique snugs and is a favourite place for high-powered gossip among politicians and journalists; Leinster House is only a short stroll away.
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Sean O’Casey’s
The antithesis of the Dublin superpub, this is the kind of place where the male drinkers (and there seems to be only male drinkers) look up and grunt when you walk through the door. It’s a Kerry pub, decked out in the county’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) colours, and is particularly lively when Kerry are playing in Croke Park.
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Long Stone
Don't be fooled by the 'Old Man Pub' feel of this place – the flagstone floors, earthenware jugs and lace curtains are merely the dressing for what is the traditional pub equivalent of an uberbar. The difference here is that unlike so many obviously trendy places, this place is just about a good night out – so grab a table, get some drinks and settle in for the night.
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