The Irish Pub Guide

A key part to a lot of trips and holiday breaks to Dublin is visiting some of the fine pubs that the city has to offer.

There is said to be about 700 pubs in Dublin, so if you’re trying to narrow down your picks it can be hard to decide which of those you should pay a visit to.

But we’ve compiled a list of some of the very best pubs for you – whether you’re looking for pub grub, a top pint of Guinness, a bar steeped in tradition or something else, this list will help you.

And of course, if you have any pubs that you think have to be on this list, make sure to leave a comment and help out the many pint-thirsty readers here.

Great picks for pub food

Dublin’s pubs are as good for serving food as they are serving delicious pints, and these places will fill you up – we have a full run down of each right here.

• Doyle’s Bar – College Street
• The Bleeding Horse – Upper Camden Street
• The Celt – Talbot Street
• P Mac’s – Stephen Street Lower
• Camden Exchange – Camden Street
• Doheny and Nessbit – Baggot Street
• The Barge – Charlemont Street
• Sheehans – Chatham Street
• The Ginger Man – Fenian Street
• W Plunket – Abbey Street

Famous and traditional Dublin pubs

If you’ve come all the way to Dublin from afar, you’re going to want to drink in a few spots that really encapsulate Ireland’s, and Dublin’s, unique bar culture.

And these pubs do exactly that with their hugely traditional feel, some are even known to attract the odd star – read more about each here.

• Sheehans pub – Chatham Street, Dublin 2
• The Cobblestone – Smithfield
• The Long Hall – George’s Street (Bruce Springsteen’s favourite)
• Toners – Baggot Street
• Cassidy’s – Camden Street
• The Stag’s Head – Temple Bar
• Kehoe’s – Anne Street

The ‘best’ Guinness pubs in Dublin

The home of Guinness of course, Dublin pubs pride themselves on having a good pint of it, but these are well-known to be amongst the very best when it comes to serving up Ireland’s most famous drink.

Read more about each pub here.

• John Kavanagh – ‘The Gravediggers’
• Walshs – Stoneybatter
• Kehoes – St Anne’s Street
• Mulligans – Poolbeg Street
• Grogans – South William Street
• Fallons – Dublin 8
• The Old Royal Oak – Kilmainham
• Tom Kennedy’s – Thomas Street

Top Dublin pubs for a midweek pint

If you’re around Dublin during the week, you might be worried you’ll miss out on that buzz you were hoping for, but with so many office workers in the city as well as tourists, there’s always somewhere busy.

Try these few pubs if you are a midweek visitor – we’ve more information on each here.

• Dockers – Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
• The Ferryman – Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
• Toners – Baggot Street
• Slattery’s – Rathmines
• The Bleeding Horse – Upper Camden Street
• Grogans – South William Street
• Hogans – George’s Street

Brilliant pubs for live music

There’s plenty of Dublin pubs where you can have some live music playing while you take in the atmosphere of the city and enjoy a few drinks – here’s our pick, with more information about them here.

• Devitts – Camden Street
• The Cobblestone – Smithfield
• Cassidys – Upper Camden Street
• Trinity Bar – Dame Street
• Bad Bobs – Temple Bar
• The Foggy Dew – Temple Bar

Pubs for live sport in Dublin

Looking to watch a big match? You won’t struggle for pubs with a television and football, rugby, GAA etc any day of the week, but these are some of the very best. Get a more in-depth rundown here.

• Sinnott’s – Stephen’s Green
• The Camden – Camden Street
• The Two Sisters – Terenure
• The Living Room – Dublin 1
• The Back Page – Phibsboro
• The Bridge 1859 – Ballsbridge

Pubs for pizza and a pint

Who doesn’t love the great combo of pizza and a pint? Well these spots will sort you right out with delicious pizza, good pints and great vibes.

Extra info can be found here.

• The Back Page – Phibsboro
• Bonobo – Smithfield
• Jackie’s – Dublin 8
• Blackbird – Rathmines
• The Circular – Rialto
• Rascals HQ – Inchicore

Great Dublin pub beer gardens

In the summer months you’re going to want to get yourself to an outdoor area and enjoy some drinks in the sun, these pubs are perfect – read more about each here.

• Toners – Baggot Street
• Fitzsimons – Temple Bar
• Blackbird – Rathmines
• Fade Street Social – Fade Street
• Vintage Cocktail Club – Temple Bar
• The Living Room – Cathal Brugha Street

Best areas for a night-out

If you’re looking for more than just a few pints and want to head out, these area specific guides will definitely help you.

• The pubs around Dublin locals love to have the craic in
• The complete guide to Camden Street, home to some of the city’s best late bars
• Cool and quirky pubs for your Dublin night-out
• The best of Temple Bar – where to try in Dublin’s most famous night spot