The Best Irish Pubs in Dublin

By Richard Greenbury
16 Oct 2019

Dublin has a great pub culture, and, in the city, there are around 7000 pubs. Not only the beer itself, but also the Irish music, kind people and the great ambiance are one of its kind! Here we have listed out the traditional and also modern -but the best- Irish pubs that are must see.

O'Donoghues Bar

O’Donoghues is Dublin’s one of the most talked about bars. Here, you can listen to the Irish music while enjoying your drink. This pub is situated right in the historical city center and you can hear the live music just by passing on the street. It has a nice ambiance with a selection of traditional Irish musicians and bands for the “night sessions”. And one last thing to remember, this place is always crowded and busy!

Hours: Mon to Sun 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. / Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. / Sun 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Address: 15 Merrion Row, Dublin City, Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)1 6607194

Website: https://www.odonoghues.ie/

The Long Hall

long Hall

This Victorian pub is from the 1860’s and it takes its name from the long room inside that is endeavored with dark wood and filigree windows. Although the interior is quiet dark, the exterior of the pub looks strong with striking red and white. It gets busy on weekends but definitely suggested to have a peek of the interior!

Hours: Mon to Thurs 12 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. / Fri & Sat: 12 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. / Sun 12:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Address: 51 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 475 1590

Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-Long-Hall-Irish-Pub-956692827842330/

Hogans Bar

Hogans Bar is situated close to the Dublin Castle and it can be easily spotted from the outside with its crowd and big windows. They also play live music most nights of the week and during weekend they serve brunch from 1pm till 4 pm. Usually there are teenagers from age 18 till 25 and it is mainly crowded at nights with students celebrating graduation and so on. The downstairs of the pub is a bit mysterious and dark but if you prefer some quiet space it is a good choice.

Hours: Mon to Wed 1:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. / Thu: 1:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. / Fri & Sat: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. / Sun 2:00 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Address: 35 South Great Georges Street, Dublin, Ireland Dublin

Phone: +353 1 677 5904

Website: https://www.facebook.com/HogansBarDublin/?rf=193607443983352

The Church Café

Church Cafe

The Church is a place that you will never be disappointed once you set your foot inside! This 17^th century former church was converted into a contemporary bar and restaurant where you can enjoy the sound of the organ while having your lunch. It has a great ambiance during the day and also at nights. They have all kinds of shows for almost every night, you can check their website to see the events. The restaurant is chosen as one of the best in Dublin and Dublin’s Favorite Christmas Party Venue in 2018. The building from the outside is stunning, it is a combination of old & modern decorated with lights.

Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. / Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. / Sun 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Address: Junction of Mary St. and, Jervis St, Dublin 1, Ireland

Phone: +353(0)18280102

Website: https://www.thechurch.ie/

The Brazen Head

Brazen Head

This pub is one of the oldest in Ireland! In fact, it dates back to 1198 so when you enter here you can feel the sense of history. Mostly famous people come here since it’s their favorite choice. They have a good reputation for great delicious food, both traditional and contemporary dishes. Food is served daily from 12 to 21:30. Depending on the night you visit; you might be able to catch some live music that varies from traditional to more contemporary.

Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. / Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. / Sun 12:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 679 5186

Website: http://www.brazenhead.com/

The Stags Head

Stags Head

The Stags Head dates back to 1770 and it is known for its Guinness. It has a great ambiance and comfortable couches in the Victorian interior. They have over 147 of the finest whiskeys. In fact, it was awarded the best pub in 2016. You can host your own event here by making an online reservation such as birthdays, engagement celebration or parties. Recommended combination here: The beef and Guiness casserole!

Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. / Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. / Sun 12:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Address: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 6793687

Website: https://stagshead.ie/

McDaid’s

McDaids

McDaid’s is a traditional and classic pub that is situated on the ground floor of a late 18^th century building that was reputed to have housed the City Morgue. The pub was used as a practice of standing the corpses in a vertical position and it is suggested that this might be the reason for the very high ceilings and Gothic style windows. In 20^th century, the place was finally turned into a pub by the owners. Nowadays you can still distinguish the Victorian exterior and hear the slow, peaceful jazz and blues music from the outside. So whether you want to soak up the atmosphere of old Dublin, just check out McDaid’s on Harry Street.

Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. / Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. / Sun 12:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Address: 3 Harry St, Dublin, Ireland

Phone: +353 1 679 4395

Website: http://mcdaidspub.com/

Cellar Bar

Located in the original 18th-century Georgian wine vaults, this bar is a part of the Award- Winning 5-Star Merrion Hotel in Dublin city center. They have a great all-day gastro-pub menu and Dubliners prefer to come here for after-work meetings. The Cellar Bar offers a relaxed ambience along with a full bar service. The menu includes traditional Irish ingredients with dry-aged Steak, honey-glazed Bacon with Savoy Cabbage, Salmon and so on. Vegetarian and Coeliac-friendly dishes are also indicated on the menu. The Cellar Bar has its own street entrance on Upper Merrion Street or can be reached through the hotel.

Hours: Mon to Thu 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. / Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. / Sun 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Address: The Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin City Center

Phone: +353 1 603 0600

Website: https://www.merrionhotel.com/diningcellar_bar.php

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Richard

Richard is the founder of Cribmed. He was born and grew up in New Zealand. In his twenties, he traveled and backpacked extensively before finally settling down in Rome, Italy in 2011.