The Irish Pub Guide

It’s that time of the year again when groups of pals head out for the 12 pubs of Christmas.

And if you plan to do that in Dublin, you’ll have no problem finding lots of spots to grab a drink with your group.

We’ve put together a list of boozers that are perfect when you head on the pub crawl, giving you a lovely Christmas feel and most of them having plenty of space if you’re going with a big group of people.

This is not a 12 pubs route in case you’re expecting as much – we’ll have a number of them elsewhere on the website this Christmas.

The Gingerman, Fenian Street

It’s probably Dublin’s most Christmassy pub and therefore we can’t have this list without it.

Decorations hang from every wall and ceiling and you can’t but feel the Christmas spirit when plonked on a stool in here.

Of course, it is no secret this is a Christmas spot so it will be very busy the closer we get to Christmas.

Doyles, College Street

A lovely old-fashioned spot right beside Trinity College, Doyle’s is a great place to meet up with a group of people before you head off on your 12 pubs.

It’s always busy around Christmas time and has a lovely, cosy feel to it, despite being big enough to fit a lot of people inside.

Definitely one to put on your list.

The Bleeding Horse, Upper Camden Street

Thronged all year round, but especially at Christmas time with various work parties and just groups meeting up for a few festive drinks.

It’s another spot with plenty of space but tends to fill up on the busier nights, adding a really nice atmosphere to the place.

Looking out at the busy Camden Street while sipping your drink of choice is a great way to spend an evening here.

Toners, Baggot Street

Another place that’s spacious if you’re heading on a 12 pubs with a big group of people – but seats are at a premium after work hours and at the weekend, such is its popularity.

A huge beer garden – that has heaters don’t worry – is a great spot for drinking with a few mates with a good buzz around you.

Great Guinness here and a top spot for drinking any day of the week.

Fallon’s, The Coombe

On the other side of the city centre but very much within walking distance of everywhere, Fallon’s is an “old man’s pub” so to speak.

It’s old wooden floors and stripped back interior make it a cosy and welcoming spot where they are known for having a great pint of Guinness.

It’s not the biggest, but definitely worth dropping in if you’re doing a 12 pubs anywhere near this place.

The Hairy Lemon, Stephen Street Lower

A lovely, big pub in the heart of the city, there’ll be plenty of room if you’re not heading here too late although it does fill up.

They’ll have Christmas decorations hung so you won’t look out of place in your Christmas jumper and it’s just a very solid pub with nice drinks and a friendly atmosphere.

The Long Hall, George’s Street

There’s not many lists in Dublin we do that don’t include The Long Hall, and this will be no different.

One of the most beautiful boozers in the county at any time of the year, but add garlands and other Christmassy decorations and it’s even more special.

One of the best places to have a quick drink during the festive period, so pop it on your 12 pubs list.

Ryan’s, Camden Street

You could probably do the whole 12 pubs on Camden Street if you really liked, but just to pick out one pub we’d recommend a trip into Ryan’s.

It’s another old-style pub located in the city centre, and very welcoming of big groups looking for a few pints and craic.

It gets very busy at weekends and particularly if there’s any sporting occasion, but worth a visit on your 12 pubs as you get closer to town.