When you think of Ireland you immediately picture a warm and warm bar with music, laughs, and a nice creamy pint of Guinness, you are thinking of Dublin. This city is famous in the world with its warm welcome and friendly people and power of the pubs. Since ancient times when bars have existed and served as a source of the neighborhood of several centuries, pubs in Dublin have been a part of the heart and soul of this city. This guide will take you through the best pubs in Dublin and where to sleep, what is special with it and what you can expect when you walk into their doorsteps. It is your simple, friendly guide to the best of Irish pub culture, whether it is your first visit or a follow-up visit to the wonderful Irish pubs.
What is so Special about Dublin Pubs?
However, before we embark on the list, we need to know why the Irish pubs in general and the pubs in Dublin in particular are so popular.
Irish pubs are places to drink not to drink only. They are the areas where individuals gather to socialize, share jokes, find new acquaintances, listen to music or just to rest after the hard day. Craic (pronounced as crack) in Ireland refers to good fun and a spirited talk and you will encounter it in every pub.
Guinness, the most popular stout beer in Ireland is served in many Dublin pubs. It can be said by both locals and visitors that a pint is even better when served in Ireland itself.
At this point, we are going to discuss some of the best pubs in Dublin, both historic and local unknown favourites.
Read Also:- Formal Dress for Women: Complete Guide to Office, Interview & Workwear Style
1. The Stags Head: Classic Victorian Pub
The Stag’s Head is one of the best pubs in Dublin and the favourite of local people and tourists due to its rich history and Victorian decoration.
The interior of this pub is woody and the environment is very cozy with a vivid old fashion appearance. It is not a newcomer as it was remodelled in the late nineteenth century. The Stag is a good establishment to have a beer in and relax in Irish pub atmosphere and perhaps live music or talk.
2. The Long Hall: Elegant and Amiable
The Long Hall, a well preserved Victorian pub in the George Street is another one of the best pubs in Dublin.
Long Hall is characterized by tall mirrors, wood-cut and welcoming environment. It is said that people enter a fragment of history. This pub is always friendly whether you are having a quiet drink or chatting with new friends.
3. The Palace Bar: Literary and Historic
The Palace Bar is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin as it has served the customers since 1823. The walls have listened to the words of writers and philosophers over years, and the pub itself has an old-fashioned atmosphere that brings one back to the old days of Dublin. It is also said to have an excellent array of whiskies and gins hence it is the best place to be when you feel like having something a little tastier than a beer.
4. Toner Pub: Traditional and Timeless
Toner pub is another jewel in Baggot Street. This is an old traditional pub that goes back to the early 1800s and has been used as a meeting place by generations.
Toner’s has one of the cosy interiors and hospitable employees, thus, making it one of the places where you can experience the past and the present of Dublin. It has a tight spot where one can have a conversation and the positioning of the place has made it a favorite among writers, politicians and local regulars over the years.
5. The Brazen Head: The Oldest Pub in Ireland
Looking for true history? The Brazen Head is then one of the best pubs in Dublin. It was established in approximately 1754, and it is said to be the oldest pub in Ireland.
A combination of ancient stone walls, Irish pub food, live music, and a highly traditional ambiance can be found here. It is a favorite of many visitors, who enjoy its authentic atmosphere and storytelling evenings when musicians sing about the Irish tradition and tell the stories.
6. Temple Bar: The Castle of Pub Culture
Whenever one imagines the Dublin nightlife, they will always imagine the Temple Bar, a vibrant area that has pubs, restaurants and nightlife.
Although Temple Bar is not a pub, but a neighbourhood, the key pub of the same neighbourhood bears the name of The Temple Bar Pub, and is quite legendary. It has cobblestone street, live music and crowds representing all corners of the world in it so it is one of the most thrilling areas where one can experience the pub culture of Dublin.
Temple bar is full of life and fun but it may also be extremely crowd with tourists hence the experience will be crowd but very affordable.
7. Mulligan’s: Guinness and Good Company
Mulligan on Poolbeg Street is regard as one of the most suitable locations in Dublin, where one can have a good time with a bottle of Guinness.
The locals adore its simplified environment and traditional Irish pub image. The memorabilia and old photos of the picture are usually put on the walls to create a feeling of history and belonging.
8. The Cobblestone: Live Irish Music
Irish pubs are inseparable with music, and The Cobblestone in Smithfield is a superb location where one can listen to folk Irish music.
The pub also has music sessions most weeks of the year and is regard as one of the best places which one can listen to live Irish music which is performe by the local musicians. The mood here is loud and inviting to come here especially when one loves good drinks and music.
9. Kehoe Pub: Traditional and Cozy
Kehoe Pub in Anne Street is another popular pub in Dublin. Regulars compliment on its cozy interior, hospitable service and traditional Irish pub ambience.
It is an excellent site to have a bottle of beer, chat with a friend, and be in the cozy atmosphere of the city.
10. Murrays Bar: Food, Drinks and Music
The Bar located on O’Connell Street is not only popular with drinks but also food and music as served at Murray. It is a vibrant gastropod that operates local beers and spirits accompanied by Irish-based cuisine. They also tend to have music and events so that it is an excellent place to go with groups or individuals that want their evening accompanied with food and drinks.
11. Dame Tavern: Number 1 Rated
When it comes to pointing out one of the top rated pubs in review sites, The Dame Tavern must be on the list. It is very popular among the locals and the tourists, with its serviceable staff and vibrant environment. One can generally expect a night out with fantastic drinks, talk and a good party here.
12. Other Dublin Great Pubs to Visit
Although the above pubs are the most renowned and popular, there are several other best pubs in Dublin. Among them are:
- The Confession Box – Adored by its pub-like feel, and massive Guinness.
- Harry Byrnes- A classic pub with a great character.
- The Old Storehouse Bar & Restaurant – 10 miles good especially around Temple Bar.
- The Bank on College Green – A former banking hall has been turn into a trendy pub.
- Bowes Bar- A local pub with strong beverages and ambience.
These pubs demonstrate the diversity and breadth of the Dublin scene, both old and new, and social and fun pubs filled with locals.
Dublin Pub Culture Travel Tips
The following are some of the few tips to maximize your visits to a pub:
Try a Guinness in Ireland
Guinness particularly feels good and gratifying when served fresh in a Dublin pub. Locals feel that there is something magic about it!
Keep an Open Mind
There are pubs that center on food, pubs centered on music and pubs centered on drinks and discussions. Experiment to see what you like most.
Visit at Different Times
The pubs may be quite different in the daytime, early evening or late at night. A midday visit would be quiet and gossiping, after dinner gay and musical.
Respect Local Traditions
The Irish culture of pubs is accommodating and inviting, however, the locals also appreciate the practices of the visitors where they respect the space, chat, wait through rush hours, and listen to the live bands without being excessive are good practices.
Final Thoughts
The best pubs in Dublin are not merely about taking a drink, rather taking a bite of the Irish history and culture, music and friendliness in each drink, each song. There are old traditional pubs such as The Brazen head and Toners, there are music filled gems such as The Cobblestone and they all have a story and feel to them.
When visiting Dublin therefore, do not only visit the popular pubs but also visit the undiscovered ones. Wherever you are, you never know where you will get your favourite pint, your best chat or your next great memory.
