- The Brazen Head (Dublin City): Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198, located on Lower Bridge Street in the Liberties. A historic coaching inn with a warren of cozy rooms, live music nightly, and hearty dishes like beef and Guinness stew. Once a meeting place for rebels like Robert Emmet, it’s steeped in Irish history. Expect a tourist-heavy but authentic atmosphere with cavernous, musty interiors, live trad music, and a lively beer garden. Ideal for history buffs and those seeking a quintessential Irish pub experience.
- The Stag’s Head (Dublin City): A Victorian gem on Dame Court, dating back to 1770, known for its elegant interiors. Features stained glass windows, a carved mahogany bar, and a mounted stag’s head. Renowned for its Guinness and traditional music sessions in the Stag’s Tail downstairs. A favorite of James Joyce. Visitors can enjoy a beautifully preserved pub with a lively yet refined vibe, great pints, and occasional music. Perfect for a pint near Grafton Street, though it’s busy on weekends.
- The Long Hall (Dublin City): A stunning Victorian pub on South Great George’s Street, established in 1766. Hosts a glossy crimson ceiling, antique clocks, and red leather stools, unchanged since 1881. Known for its attentive bartenders and excellent Guinness. Expect a glamorous, time-warp atmosphere with cozy seating and a warm welcome. Ideal for a quiet weekday pint, as weekends are packed.
- Kehoe’s (Dublin City): A historic pub-grocer on South Anne Street, first licensed in 1803, near Grafton Street. Features original mahogany drawers, stained glass doors, and a literary history with patrons like Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh. Offers a cozy snug and excellent Guinness. Visitors can enjoy a no-frills, traditional pub with a lively yet respectful atmosphere. Great for a pint or two, though boisterous crowds may be asked to leave.
- The Palace Bar (Dublin City): A Victorian pub on Fleet Street, established in 1823, known for its literary connections. Features a stained-glass dome, an upstairs whiskey bar with over 100 Irish whiskeys, and a history of hosting journalists and writers like Flann O’Brien. Offers lively trad sessions. Expect a grand, bustling pub with excellent whiskey, music, and a tourist-heavy crowd. Arrive early to avoid overflow from Temple Bar.
- O’Donoghue’s (Dublin City): A cultural landmark on Merrion Row, famous as the birthplace of The Dubliners folk band. Offers live trad music seven nights a week, a cozy interior, and a history with visitors like Bruce Springsteen. Known for its warm atmosphere and toasted sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant, music-filled pub with a welcoming vibe and great Guinness. Perfect for trad music lovers, though it’s busy most nights.
- The Cobblestone (Smithfield, Dublin City): A family-run pub in Smithfield, dubbed “a drinking pub with a music problem.” Hosts trad sessions seven nights a week (Mon: 19:00, Tue–Fri: 17:00, Sat–Sun: 14:00), led by superb musicians from the Mulligan family. Offers a no-frills, authentic vibe. Expect a lively, local atmosphere with exceptional music and decent pints. Arrive early for a seat, as it’s a top spot for trad enthusiasts.
- The Confession Box (Dublin City): A cozy, traditional pub located on Marlborough Street in Dublin City, known for its welcoming atmosphere and historical significance. Famous for its role during the War of Independence, when priests used it to hear confessions from IRA members, hence its name. Offers a warm, intimate setting with great Guinness and a strong sense of local history. Expect a small, authentic pub with friendly staff, excellent pints, and a community vibe. Ideal for those seeking a historic, less touristy experience near
- Nancy Hands Bar & Restaurant (Parkgate Street, Dublin City): At 30-44 Parkgate St, Dublin 8, Nancy Hands is a Victorian-style gastropub near Phoenix Park, offering fine dining, craft beers, and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Its authentic Victorian decor, complete with antique furnishings and a turf fire, creates a time-capsule ambiance. The pub’s extensive menu, featuring Irish classics like lamb shank and seafood chowder, paired with a wide whiskey and craft beer selection, makes it a standout in Dublin’s competitive pub scene. A sophisticated yet welcoming pub with high-quality food, an impressive drinks menu (including Irish whiskeys and craft cocktails), and a warm, historic setting. Live music, often trad or folk, may occur on weekends. Ideal for tourists visiting Phoenix Park or the Guinness Storehouse, or locals seeking a refined pub experience.
- L. Mulligan Grocer (Stoneybatter, Dublin City): A gastropub in the hip Stoneybatter neighborhood, blending old-school charm with modern dining. Doesn’t serve Guinness, focusing on Irish craft beers like Trouble and Wicklow Wolf. Offers a seasonal menu with dishes like venison pie and black pudding arancini. Visitors can enjoy a cozy, quirky pub with menus in old books, top-notch food, and unique beers. Perfect for foodies and craft beer fans.
- Toners Pub (Baggot Street, Dublin City): A beloved pub on Baggot Street, dating back to 1818, known for its cozy charm. Features one of Dublin’s best beer gardens, a snug interior, and a reputation for great Guinness. A favorite of locals and literary figures. Expect a warm, traditional pub with a lively yet relaxed vibe and excellent pints. Great for a sunny beer garden visit or a quiet evening drink.
- John Kavanagh’s “The Gravediggers” (Glasnevin): A historic pub by Glasnevin Cemetery, run by the Kavanagh family since 1833. Known for its “Gravediggers” nickname, old-school decor with snugs and fires, and dishes like Dublin coddle. Offers superb Guinness. Visitors can enjoy a quintessential Irish pub with rickety stools, hearty food, and a local crowd. Ideal for a cozy, authentic experience.
- The Old Spot (Dublin City): An upscale gastropub near the Grand Canal, known for its gourmet food. Offers dishes like wagyu burgers and venison loin, with a focus on local ingredients. Features a stylish interior and craft beers. Expect a refined dining experience with excellent drinks and a modern vibe. Perfect for a special meal, though reservations are advised.
- The Chophouse (Dublin City): A Michelin-recommended gastropub in Beggar’s Bush, opened in 2009. Known for its award-winning menu, including dry-aged ribeye and roasted salmon, paired with hearty beers. Offers a three-course set menu. Visitors can enjoy high-quality food in a cozy, upscale setting. Great for a date night or group dining, with a focus on meat dishes.
- The Porterhouse (Dublin City): An independent brewery and pub on Parliament Street in Temple Bar, opened in 1996. Brews its own beers like Plain Porter and Brain Blasta, with a quirky, multi-level interior featuring copper vats. Offers beer flights and pub grub. Expect a vibrant, beer-focused pub with tasty food and a lively atmosphere. Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts and casual diners.
- Mulligan’s (Poolbeg Street, Dublin City): An iconic, no-nonsense pub on Poolbeg Street, serving Dubliners for over 200 years. Known for its historic charm, once frequented by JFK and Judy Garland, and its excellent Guinness. A favorite of journalists and locals. Visitors can enjoy a time-capsule atmosphere with creamy pints and a mix of students and locals. Perfect for a classic Dublin pub experience.
- Johnny Fox’s (Glencullen): Ireland’s highest pub, located in the Dublin Mountains, a 25-minute drive from the city center. Famous for its Hooley Show, featuring Irish dancing and music, plus dishes like Galway oysters and mutton shanks. Known for visits by U2 and The Corrs. Expect a kitschy, rollicking pub with entertainment, hearty food, and a touristy vibe. Ideal for a fun, rural escape with music and dancing.
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County Dublin:
Ireland’s county Dublin combines cultural heritage with urban appeal, with Trinity College’s Book of Kells and Dublin Castle offering historical depth. The Guinness Storehouse provides a journey through Ireland’s iconic stout, while Phoenix Park’s vast green spaces are ideal for cycling. The River Liffey’s scenic walks and Kilmainham Gaol’s historical tours make Dublin a versatile destination for culture and history. Dublin is Ireland’s third smallest county by size (922 square km) and largest by population (1,458,154). Dublin is also Ireland’s most visited tourist county by a margin, with around four million international visitors per year. In terms of hospitality,
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