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Brian Dillon

Dublin pubs: The 60 best boozers in the city

Dublin pubs are the beating heart of the Irish capital. Whether it's a traditional Dublin pub vibe you're looking for or something with a bit of a modern twist, you can be sure to find it amongst the city's many fantastic boozers.

Here are 60 of the best pubs in Dublin.

Stag's Head

Albeit not the oldest, The Stag's Head is indeed one of the most historical pubs in the city. Located at Dame Lane, it comes alive in the summertime.

Read more: Dublin restaurants: 60 of the best eateries you need to try in the capital

The Brazen Head

The Brazen Head is thought to not only be the oldest pub in Dublin but in all of Ireland. Located at Usher's Quay, this spot brilliantly preserves its rich history. You'll get a great pint, wholesome food and often catch some wonderful live music.

Mary's Bar and Hardware

Located on Wicklow Street, Mary's Bar and Hardware is exactly what the name suggests, a bar and hardware shop. Visitors are often delighted to find that there is also a Wow Burger downstairs as well.

J.T. Pim's

J.T. Pim's is located on George's Street and backs onto Dame Lane, contributing to that unbeatable buzz on a summer's day.

Kehoe's

Kehoe's is another one of the historical pubs in the city. Located on South Anne Street, Kehoe's proudly boasts its heritage to visitors by offering a country pub experience in the heart of the city centre.

The Long Hall

The Long Hall on George's Street has been regarded as one of the best pubs in Dublin for decades now. Dating back to 1860, when the original pub backed onto Dublin Castle, this spot is another boozer that retains its old charm. It's also said to be Bruce Springsteen's favourite pub when he visits Dublin.

The Cobblestone

The Cobblestone has been the centre of much debate in recent years with the threat of its closure opening up a wider conversation about the depletion of culture in Dublin. Located in Smithfield, people from all over Dublin have been protesting any potential demolition or closure of this iconic place.

The Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield is beloved by locals (Image: The Cobblestone Twitter)

The Palace Bar

The Palace Bar is a skinny little pub at the edge of Temple Bar that features gorgeous stained glass ceilings, decorative features around the walls and great pints.

Cassidy's, Camden Street

If it's good enough for the likes of Christina Aguilera, this Camden Street haunt is good enough for us.

This is certainly one for the music lovers among us as regular trad sessions bring the place to life.

Cassidy's, Westmorland Street

Not to be mistaken with the previous entry, Cassidy's on Westmorland Street is one of the best dive bars in the city. Offering up tasty ales and lagers, snacks, games and all-round moody vibes, it's a great option for an alternative night out in the city.

P Macs

P Macs on Stephen's Street has very similar vibes to Cassidy's on Westmorland Street, offering up a large selection of beers to try as well as dimly lit snugs and dive bar aesthetics.

The Hairy Lemon

The Hairy Lemon on Stephen's Street never seems to be quiet, so there must be a good reason for that. Perhaps, it's the great pints, comforting grub, interesting memorabilia and on-street seating that adds up to a lovely Dublin pub experience.

Delivery of Guinness beer barrels to traditional Hairy Lemon pub (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Neary's

Neary's on Clatham Street is adjacent to the back door of the Gaiety Theatre and serves perfectly poured Guinness, freshly made food and a selection of Irish whiskeys.

Toner's

This historical pub located on Baggot Street has arguably Dublin's favourite beer garden.

O'Donoghue's

O'Donoghue's, also on Baggot Street, is at its best atmosphere on Thursday and Friday nights when city centre office workers spill into the pub to unwind and have a laugh after a long day and week at the desk.

The Bernard Shaw

Although its unique cultural and dive bar charm was lost when it was forced to move from Richmond Street to Phibsborough, The Bernard Shaw is still a worthy mention on the list.

Between its series of events, great drinks selection, club nights and the drool worthy food offerings in Eatyard to the side of the pub, a night here has to be on your list.

The Bald Eagle

Across the Royal Canal from The Bernard Shaw is The Bald Eagle, a pub that gives exactly what you would expect in trendy, albeit gentrified, Phibsborough.

The food menu is full of comforting delights that will fill your belly, the selection of whiskeys is superb and the pints lovely.

The Bald Eagle in Phibsborough (instagram.com/thebaldeagled7)

McDaid's

McDaid's is located on Harry Street and solely relies on the electric atmosphere created by the people who walk through the door, with no live band or music playing over the speaker. No nonsense, just pints.

JW Sweetman

J.W. Sweetman on Burgh Quay has multiple levels of craic, serving up pints, spirits, the occasional live music set and classic pub grub.

John Kavanagh The Gravediggers

This Glasnevin pub dates back to 1833 and to this day has generations of Kavanaghs behind the bar. Similar to many of the 'proper' traditional Dublin pubs left in the city, you won't find music or TV playing. Rather, you'll great great pints and home cooked food.

Grogan's

Grogan's is a true Dublin gem that lives in the hearts of many. Having been there for years serving up simple pints, toasties and prime people watching vantage points, Grogan's Castle and Lounge has its very own unique atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.

People outside Grogans pub on South William Street (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

Hogan's

If there's one thing Hogan's is going to be on a Friday or Saturday night, it's jammed. Located on the corner of Aungier Street and Fade Street, Hogan's is another classic Dublin boozer that does things simply, but does them so well.

The Bleeding Horse

The Bleeding Horse is one of the many sports bar sin Dublin where you'll experience a magical atmosphere on match days. It's located on Camden Street and also serves up decent grub.

Woolshed Baa and Grill

If there is any sort of sport on, Woolshed Baa and Grill on Parnell Street is a must visit spot. Grab yourself a juicy burger and a pint and watch all the action on one of their many screens. The venue also hosts weekly karaoke nights.

Tapped

Located on Nassau Street, Tapped has a funky outdoor area ideal for after-work pints, stylish interiors and everything on tap from beer to wine to cocktails.

Porterhouse Central (Facebook: Porterhouse Central)

Frank Ryan's

Frank Ryan's in Smithfield is one of the best boozers in the area, offering up pints, live music, great pizza and a lively atmosphere.

Anseo

Anseo on Camden Street prides itself on its unique vibe and even hails itself as Dublin's best bar. That's quite the claim, so it's only right that you test it out yourself.

The Wiley Fox

The Wiley Fox on Eden Quay brings something to the area that it is sorely missing; a decent pub that serves pints, food and the occasional boozy brunch. The food here is from Bosh Burger, so you know you're in for a treat.

W Plunkett

W Plunkett is one of the great spots on Abbey Street, but one you might easily pass. Located opposite Arnott's, it's a traditional Irish pub with a menu of food that will satisfy you after an afternoon of shopping around the Henry Street area.

Bar Rua

Bar Rua on Clarendon Street is a modern take on the traditional Irish pub and is a stone's throw away from the Grafton Street shopping area and many of the city's centre's landmarks.

Slattery's

Capel Street is home to some beloved pubs as well as more modern eateries. One of the traditional Dublin haunts there is Slattery's, which has been frequented by some legendary names in the world of Irish music and film.

Panti Bar

Being one of the go-to place for Dublin's LGBTQ+ community, Panti Bar regularly hosts drag nights, bingo and pub quizzes. Expect nothing but glamour from a pub owned by the self proclaimed queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss.

O'Neill's

O'Neill's on Suffolk Street is a traditional old Irish pub known for its friendly staff and live traditional Irish music.

The Boar's Head

You'll find The Boar's Head on Capel Street serving pub grub and pints. There are two bar areas; the main one when you walk in and the lounge upstairs.

The Black Sheep

Meanwhile, The Black Sheep offers a totally different vibe on Capel Street. This spot offers up an ever rotating list menu of IPAs as well as comforting pub grub.

The Barge Gastropub

While many sunshine chasers will be revelling outside of The Barge at Dublin's Grand Canal, the pub itself is well worth a visit. The food is tasty, the pints are up to scratch and the atmosphere is pretty good too.

The Swan

The Swan on Aungier Street offers up a traditional Irish pub experience as soon as you walk in.

The Lucky Duck

The Lucky Duck is also on Aungier Street and offer a similar Irish pub vibe. But what you might not realise is that there is an ultra romantic, chic cocktail bar upstairs.

The Wild Duck

The Wild Duck in Temple Bar is not easily missed as stunning lights drape the bar, which looks like it has been dug into the wall. You'll find tasty food and great pints here as well as ambient lighting in the pub's outdoor area.

The Wild Duck, Temple Bar (instagram.com/thewildduckdublin)

The Hole in the Wall

Often referred to as Dublin's most Christmassy pub because of the seasonal lights and decorations it puts up in winter, The Hole in the Wall is located right beside the Phoenix Park, so it's the ideal spot for when you fancy a pint and maybe a bite to eat after exploring the park.

Lucky's

Lucky's is by far one of the best spots in The Liberties for a few pints and a spot of delicious pizza.

Harry Byrne's

If you're in the Clontarf area, Harry Byrne's is a great go-to with its huge outdoor area and multiple bars.

Hyne's

Paddy Losty's (AKA The Pintman's) favourite Stoneybatter haunt, Hyne's Bar, reopened in 2021 to offer up a classic Dublin pub atmosphere as well as tasty cocktails and a beautifully designed beer garden.

Hyne's Bar in Stoneybatter (Hyne's Bar)

Bru House

Bru House in Fairview is a worthy mention on the list for its range of stunning beers and a food menu full of tasty dishes.

Drop Dead Twice

You'll find Drop Dead Twice on Francis Street in The Liberties. The venue serves cocktails, food, craft beer and regularly hosts interesting events as well.

Arthur's Jazz and Blues Pub

You like jazz? Arthur's Jazz and Blues Pub, also in The Liberties, is where to head for a swingin' time.

Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street

Mulligan's of Pooleg Street has been in operation for more than 300 years, making it one oft he oldest premises in the area.

Barman Noel Hawkins from Mulligans pub, Poolbeg St (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

Johnnie Fox's

Johnnie Fox's is located in the Dublin mountains, giving you an incredible view over the city below. If you plan to do a hike and finish it off with a nice cold pint and a bit of grub, this is the place to head for that.

Davy Byrne's

Davy Byrne's on Duke Street is not only one of the finest pubs in Dublin city centre but it is also a fantastic restaurant, serving modern cuisine and tasty drinks.

Blackbird

Blackbird in Rathmines is a fantastic dive bar to spend a few hours in, with board games to keep you entertained, ambient lighting and a great selection of beers to choose from.

The Forth Corner

The Fourth Corner on Patrick Street in Dublin 8 is home to delicious food, excellent cocktails, nice pints and occasional events you'll want to attend such as boozy brunch.

The Ferryman

Whether it's after a show at the Bord Gais or just a sunny weekend afternoon, you'll probably hear tunes, chatter and laughter pumping out of The Ferryman at Grand Canal.

The Big Romance

The Big Romance on Parnell Street serves fresh craft beer and has a passion for good music, all of which can be experienced through the bar's surround sound speaker system.

Mema's

Mema's is located on Parnell Street and with its neon sign outside, you're not likely to miss it. Once you step inside, you'll find quirky decor, friendly staff and great drink offerings.

McGowan's

McGowan's of Phibsborough throws a great late-night party. Before all of that excitement though, you can pop in for a chill pint and some wholesome grub.

The Celt

The Celt on Talbot Street is a favourite for watching sports in Dublin. Plus, it's a go-to spot on the weekend for trad music.

Fibber McGee's

Located on Parnell Street, Fibber McGee's is the go-to venue in the city for lovers of rock music. With pool tables in the smoking area and great music playing inside, it's always a brilliant night out.

The Big Tree Pub

The Big Tree Pub on Dorset Street has been serving generations and will come alive on the days when a match is being played at Croke Park.

JUNO

Having opened on Dorset Street in 2022, JUYNO is a hip place to go for a cocktail or a pint in the Drumcondra/Dorset Street area.

The Shakespeare

The Shakespeare on Parnell Street is a great Dublin pub in its own right, but the addition of Kimchi Hophouse, which serves amazing Korean food, really makes it a venue that is worth mentioning on the list.

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