The Irish Pub Guide

Winter has arrived and the cold, wet nights call for only one thing….a few pints tucked into a cosy pub in Dublin.

The city comes alive as we head into November and even more so near Christmas with little else to be doing when it’s dark before 5pm.

There’s few better cities in Europe for a winter night and we’ve picked out the pubs you simply have to try when in the capital.

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The Wiley Fox, Eden Quay

A cute little retro bar situated along Eden Quay, pop in for a lovely old fashioned feel to this spot and get cosy with one of their signature cocktails or various craft beers, as well as all the regular lagers and stouts you’d find anywhere else.

The Stag’s Head, Dame Street

Regarded as one of the best traditional pubs in Ireland, The Stag’s Head is one of the nicest spots in the country to enjoy a Guinness at winter time.

Their many snugs are often occupied given its popularity with candles at every table and one of the most unique looking bars you’ll find when wandering around Dublin.

The Long Hall, George’s Street

If it’s good enough for Bruce Springsteen, it’s good enough for the rest of us! Another famous spot in the city centre with polished woodwork and brass features, you’ll feel right at home with a pint of Guinness in here as it freezes outside the door.

The Swan Bar, Aungier Street

An unspoilt Victorian heritage pub, The Swan Bar is one of the city’s finest with various little nooks and snugs where you can huddle in together.

A fireplace adds that extra bit of warmth and they’ve a fine pint of Guinness, as well as everything else to go with it.

Kehoes, Anne Street

A warm pub in the heart of the city, Kehoes is the place to when you’re looking to catch up with friends and not be distracted by loud televisions or music.

Walsh’s, Stoneybatter

We’re going slightly out of the city centre for this one, but still close enough to be allowed on the list we reckon. Walsh’s was the Dublin pub of the year in 2023 and you won’t be wondering why once you’ve stepped inside their yourself.

It has some of the best Guinness in Ireland and you can enjoy it all wrapped up sitting beside their fireplace.

The Brazen Head, Usher’s Quay

Owning the title of Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head is another traditional as they come style pub with a fireplace and a very cosy interior to enjoy some of their wide selection of drinks.

Peter’s Pub, South William Street

A family run pub in the middle of Dublin, Peter’s Pub makes sure that you feel at home rather than on one of the city’s busiest streets when you choose to have a drink here.

The small establishment is extremely friendly and just a lovely place to sit down and relax whether it be for a quick pint, or the first of many.

Idlewild Bar, Fade Street

This lovely ‘secret bar’ on Fade Street somehow manages to be a pretty big space but also keep that element of cosiness.

Let yourself slump into the couches and eat their quality bites, drink their lovely pints and grab yourself some of their highly-rated cocktails.

Whelan’s, Camden Street

A cold, wet and windy night is the perfect time to get yourself into Whelan’s where the dark setting and candle-lit feel will make you forget what exactly is happening outside.

Home to gigs multiple nights a week but also a great spot just to relax and have a few nice pints.

The Dawson Lounge, Dawson Street

Inside the windowless space it’s as dimly-lit and cosy as you’d expect with a classic dark-wooden interior.

There is about space for 40 people although you won’t have too much choice on where to sit as it’s often filled to the brim.

Doheny & Nesbitts, Baggot Street

A landmark pub close to some of Ireland’s most important offices, and one that tends to attract some pretty important people too from politicians to well-known journalists.

Inside the pub is gorgeous and cosy with plenty of room to enjoy a hot whiskey and a few pints.