The Irish Pub Guide

Summer is here and the seaside is calling, the city centre is great but nothing can beat walking along the coast – something Dubliners are spoiled with given the beautiful towns littered along the Irish Sea.

And who can resist a pint in the sun while staring out at the sea? Whether you’re parched for a pint after a walk along the Howth cliffwalk or get a notion while siting in Dun Laoghaire, we’ve picked out some of Dublin’s best.

These pubs either have stunning seaside views or are located right along the coast so you at least have that fresh air feel, just a stone’s throw away from the city.

And if you can think of any better, please do leave a comment and let us know.

The Bloody Stream – Howth

We could make an entire list on Howth – oh wait, we already did – but we’ll narrow it down to one our two for this list. 

The Bloody Stream, just out from the Dart station, is just a terrific summer destination to have a drink or maybe multiple. 

It has a top class beer garden, more seating out the front and it’s lovely and traditional inside – one or Dublin’s very best. 

Joe May’s – Skerries 

A pub right along the coastline out in skerries, Joe May’s has been going since the early 1800s so they know what they’re doing. 

Family fun pub with a traditional interior, it’s ideal if you find yourself around here. 

The Forty Foot(Wetherspoons) – Dun Laoghaire 

Traditionalists might shake their heads at the inclusion of a Wetherspoon chain pub on these lists but when it comes to seaside views, it can’t be ignored. 

The Forty Foot is in the popular seaside town of Dun Laoghaire and has views looking right into the Irish Sea – the pub also happens to be massive so even when busy you might nab a seat. 

It boasts a lot of pints on tap and of course is always that small bit cheaper under the Wetherspoons banner, worth a visit. 

Gibneys – Malahide 

The scenic town of Malahide comes  alive in the summer time, whether it be for huge concerts at the castle or an influx of beach goers, there’s rarely a quiet weekend after April. 

And of course with that there is plenty of pubs and restaurants to keep people entertained when they get there, no more so than Gibneys. 

Enjoying a pint in their beer garden in front of the big screen for a match is one of Dublin’s best pub experiences – and their new rooftop garden boasts space for 300 people.

And as a final add-on, their food is pretty good too. 

The Summit Inn – Howth 

Our second Howth entry – read all you need to know pub wise about Howth here – is The Summit Inn. 

Located, as the name would suggest, up at the top of Howth cliff, a pint here is paired with stunning views of the Irish Sea and Lambay Island. 

Hugely popular in the summer when the cliff walk is at its busiest. 

The Queens – Dalkey 

Set in the beautiful seaside area of Dalkey, this refurbished gastrobar is a much-loved spot to grab a pint and some food.

While having a rich history, the recent upgrade has transformed it into a modern bar with a name for good cocktails and top notch food. 

There’s also a small outdoor area to enjoy your stay.

Oasis Bar and Grill – Portmarnock 

Portmarnock is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and the surrounds aren’t too bad either.

If you’ve just spent a day at the beach or walked up and down the sandy shore, the Oasis Bar and Grill is the ideal place for a quick drink afterwards. 

A sea view is guaranteed and you can of course enjoy a drink Al fresco while people watching along the beach. 

Finnegans – Dalkey 

A family run pub along the famous Sorrento Road, take a seat outside Finnegans on a sunny day and you could be mistaken for thinking you’re in Southern Italy. 

Rich in history, the pub offers a immaculate summer vibe and needs to be on your list of places to grab a pint in 2025.