In Dublin for a weekend and looking for the most authentic Irish pub experience? Then our handy list will help you find the best spots for Guinness, traditional Irish decor and great craic.
The city nowadays is full of new and vibey bars, but it’s hard to beat a nice traditional pub, especially when visiting Ireland and looking for an authentic experience.
Here’s our pick of the best traditional places, make sure to comment if we are leaving any out.
Sheehans pub – Chatham Street, Dublin 2
We start right in the city centre with a pub filled with character, and usually people, such is its popularity right off O’Connell Street.
It’s a brilliant place for a pint of Guinness and sitting down in a cosy pub that is exactly what you’d expect a traditional Irish bar to look like if you’re visiting as a tourist.
The pub is now in its third generation of family owners as it approaches its 90th birthday – it is well worth a visit, plus they do food if you want to drop in for a bite to eat.
The Cobblestone – Smithfield
A traditional Irish pub and music venue in the heart of Smithfield and run by the Mulligan family, The Cobblestone is as Irish an experience as any pub can offer.
They pride themselves on their Guinness and is home to terrific Irish artists multiple nights a week – the atmosphere is great and the bar staff friendly.
For those unfamiliar with Dublin, it’s only a quick Luas red-line trip out from the city centre and well worth it.
The Long Hall – George’s Street
The Long Hall is a Victorian style pub in the centre of Dublin and known for its traditional snugs and polished dark wood – it also happens to be one of Ireland’s oldest pubs.
Established in the 1800s, The Long Hall is regarded as one of the most beautiful settings for a pint in the capital and serve up some of the best Guinness you can find in Ireland.
Toners – Baggot Street
Another of Dublin’s oldest pubs, with a plethora of snugs and a great buzz especially as it heads closer to the weekend – Toners is one of the most popular bars in the capital.
It has a huge outdoor area for a sunny day and is one of many lovely pubs on Baggot Street. It’s often thronged with office-workers after a 9-5 but it’s big enough to hold a big crowd.
It’s another dark-wooden themed setting if that’s what you’re looking for.
Cassidy’s – Camden Street
Another hugely popular Victorian style pub along Camden Street, home to live music, especially on a Sunday, it’s the place to be if looking for traditional Irish music session.
It’s lined with GAA memorabilia and a fine place to watch a match with a big-screen TV.
The Stag’s Head – Temple Bar
A Temple Bar pub with chandeliers, polished granite, old barrels and ceiling-high mirrors – it’s a great place to head as part of a traditional Irish pub crawl.
It’s a really fabulous pub right in the heart of the city and is extremely popular with both locals and tourists, again known for serving some top Guinness.
Kehoe’s – Anne Street
Head in, put on a pint of Guinness and sit by the fire in one of the most atmospheric traditional Irish pubs in Dublin.
Many would regard the pub that’s been open since 1803 as having the very best pint of Guinness in the city and it’s hard to find a place with a better atmosphere to drink one in.
It’s just off Grafton Street so you won’t struggle to find it, and it should be high on your list if looking for a traditional Irish pub experience.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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