Best Pubs in Dublin: 22 Pubs You Must Visit in Dublin
- The best pubs in Dublin range from centuries-old institutions like The Brazen Head to hidden local gems like The Confession Box
- Music lovers should head to The Cobblestone or O’Donoghue’s, while a properly poured pint of Guinness is best found at Mulligan’s or Toner’s
- A relaxed approach works best, so pick a handful of best pubs that suit your evening rather than trying to see all 22 in one night
Dublin without a pub crawl is like Rome without a church tour. It just doesn’t add up. Whether you’re after a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, a session of traditional Irish music or a cosy corner to chat with strangers who’ll feel like old friends by closing time, the best pubs in Dublin have something for everyone.
I’ve spent years wandering in and out of Dublin’s pub doors, sometimes for the atmosphere, sometimes for the history and honestly, sometimes just because it started raining. This guide pulls together the pubs that keep pulling me back, along with a few honest notes on what makes each one worth your time.
What Makes a Great Dublin Pub
Before we get into the list, it helps to know what you’re actually looking for. Not every pub in Dublin is created equal and the “best” one really depends on what you want from your evening.
Some visitors want the full trad music experience with fiddles and bodhráns going late into the night. Others want a quiet snug where they can read a paper and sip a pint in peace. Then there are those chasing the history, the pubs where writers, rebels and everyday Dubliners have gathered for centuries.
The best pubs in Dublin usually tick a few boxes: a proper pour, genuine character and a welcome that doesn’t feel put on for tourists. I’ve tried to cover all these angles below.
Best Historic Pubs in Dublin
1. The Brazen Head
Often called the oldest pub in Ireland, The Brazen Head dates back to 1198. The building itself has seen everything from secret rebel meetings to modern-day tourist crowds and it still manages to feel authentic. Grab a seat in the cobbled courtyard on a dry evening if you can.
2. The Long Hall
Tucked away on South Great George’s Street, The Long Hall is a proper Victorian pub with ornate mirrors, dark wood and a bar that seems to stretch on forever. My favourite spot in town for a slow pint and some people watching.
3. Kehoe’s
Kehoe’s on South Anne Street feels like stepping into someone’s front room, which makes sense since the upstairs used to be the publican’s actual home. It’s a favourite among locals and writers alike and the snug at the front is worth fighting for.
4. Grogan’s Castle Lounge
Grogan’s is a bit scruffy around the edges in the best possible way. It’s long been a haunt for artists and writers and the walls are covered in local artwork. No fuss, no frills, just a proper pint and good conversation.
5. The Palace Bar
Just off Fleet Street, The Palace Bar has a beautiful Victorian interior and a literary history to match. James Joyce and other Irish writers used to drink here and it remains one of the more atmospheric spots for a pint away from the Temple Bar crowds.
Best Pubs for Traditional Irish Music
6. The Cobblestone
If you’re searching for the best pub in Dublin for traditional music, The Cobblestone in Smithfield is the answer most locals will give you. Sessions here are unamplified and unscripted, which means you’re hearing music the way it’s meant to be played.
7. O’Donoghue’s
O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row has serious musical pedigree. The Dubliners started out playing here and the pub still hosts sessions most nights. It gets busy, but that’s part of the charm.
8. Whelan’s
Technically more of a live music venue with a proper pub attached, Whelan’s on Wexford Street has hosted everyone from unknown local acts to internationally famous names. Worth checking the listings before you go.
9. L. Mulligan Grocer
Set in Stoneybatter, L. Mulligan Grocer combines a great whiskey selection with regular acoustic sessions. It’s a bit further from the city centre, but locals will tell you it’s worth the walk.
10. Peadar Kearney’s
Named after the man who wrote Ireland’s national anthem, Peadar Kearney’s on Dame Street offers nightly trad sessions in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. A solid choice if you’re staying nearby and want music without the queue.
Best Pubs in Dublin for a Proper Pint of Guinness
11. Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street
Some Dubliners will argue that Mulligan’s pours the best pint of Guinness in the city and I’m not about to disagree. The pub has barely changed since it opened in 1782 and the staff take their pouring seriously.
12. Toner’s
Toner’s on Baggot Street is another contender for best Guinness in Dublin. It’s a classic old-style pub with wooden floors and shelves lined with jars, giving it an old grocery shop feel that adds to the character.
13. The Stag’s Head
Just off Dame Street, The Stag’s Head is a beautifully preserved Victorian pub with stained glass windows and a genuinely warm atmosphere. The pints are excellent and it’s usually less rammed than the best pubs closer to Temple Bar.
14. John Kavanagh’s (The Gravediggers)
Sitting right beside Glasnevin Cemetery, The Gravediggers has been in the same family since 1833. There’s no music, no television and no fuss, just a very well kept pint served through a hatch in an old stone wall.
15. Doheny & Nesbitt’s
A short walk from Merrion Row, Doheny & Nesbitt’s is popular with politicians and journalists thanks to its proximity to the Dáil. The traditional snugs make it a great spot for a quieter chat over a well-poured pint.
Best Pubs in and Around Temple Bar
Temple Bar gets a mixed reputation among locals, largely because of the price of a pint, but a few spots there are still genuinely worth a visit.
16. The Temple Bar
Yes, the pub actually called The Temple Bar is touristy and yes, it’s expensive, but the building itself is gorgeous and the live music is consistently good. Go once for the experience, just don’t expect a local’s prices.
17. The Porterhouse Temple Bar
If you want something other than Guinness, The Porterhouse is one of the better options in the area. It’s a craft brewery with its own range of stouts, ales and lagers brewed on site.
18. The Auld Dubliner
Sitting right on the corner of Temple Bar Square, The Auld Dubliner has a solid pub menu alongside live music most evenings. A reliable choice if you’re already in the area and don’t fancy wandering too far.
Best Hidden Gem Pubs
19. The International Bar
Just off George’s Street, the International Bar has a great mix of comedy nights upstairs and a genuinely local crowd downstairs. It doesn’t get the same attention as some of the bigger names, but it should.
20. The Confession Box
Tucked in behind the Pro Cathedral, this tiny pub gets its name from its role as a meeting spot for rebels during the War of Independence. It’s small, unassuming and full of character.
21. Slattery’s
Slattery’s on Capel Street is a proper local’s pub with sport on the telly, a friendly crowd and none of the tourist markup you’ll find closer to the river.
22. The Bull & Castle
Above the Fishamble Market, The Bull & Castle pairs an excellent food menu with a strong beer and whiskey selection. A great stop if you want a proper meal alongside your pint.
Tips for Doing a Dublin Pub Crawl the Right Way
If you’re planning to visit a handful of these places in one trip, a bit of local knowledge goes a long way. Best pubs in the city centre get busy from early evening onwards, especially on weekends, so arriving before 6pm gives you a much better chance of a seat.
Most traditional pubs don’t take bookings for casual visits, so it’s first come first served. If music is the priority, check social media pages beforehand since session nights can change with little notice.
Tap water is always free if you ask and most pubs are happy to point you toward the nearest chipper if hunger strikes later in the evening. That’s simply how Dublin works.
So, Let’s Explore?
Dublin’s pub scene is one of the city’s genuine strengths and honestly one of the reasons people fall in love with the place. Whether you’re chasing history, music or just a properly poured pint, this list should give you a solid starting point.
My own advice is not to try to see them all in one night. Pick two or three that match what you’re after, take your time and let the conversations happen. That’s really what a good pub in Dublin is all about.
If you are not into beer, but into Whiskey and Distilleries, I’d recommend you check this content here.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the oldest pub in Dublin?
The Brazen Head is widely recognised as the oldest pub in Dublin, with records dating back to 1198. - Where can I hear the best traditional Irish music in Dublin?
The Cobblestone in Smithfield and O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row are two of the most respected spots for traditional Irish music sessions. - Which Dublin pub serves the best pint of Guinness?
Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street and Toner’s on Baggot Street are frequently named among the best for a properly poured pint. - Are the pubs in Temple Bar worth visiting?
Some are, though prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in the city. The Porterhouse and The Temple Bar itself are both worth a visit for the atmosphere. - Do I need to book a table at Dublin pubs?
Most traditional pubs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking isn’t usually possible or necessary for a casual visit. - What time do pubs in Dublin close?
Most pubs close between 11.30pm and 12.30am during the week, with later hours often permitted on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. - Which Dublin pubs are best for a quiet pint?
John Kavanagh’s (also known as The Gravediggers) and Toner’s are both known for a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. - Are Dublin pubs family friendly?
Some pubs allow children during the day, particularly those with food menus, though most become adults-only spaces after early evening. - What should I try besides Guinness in a Dublin pub?
Irish whiskey, local craft stouts from places like The Porterhouse and a hot whiskey on a cold evening are all worth trying. - Which area of Dublin has the best pubs?
The city centre streets around George’s Street, Dame Street and Merrion Row have some of the strongest concentrations of the best pubs, with Smithfield also worth a visit for music lovers.