The All-Ireland finals are upon us and with 160,000 people heading to Drumcondra over the next two weeks for the hurling and football, pubs around northside Dublin will be heaving.
Many supporters will be looking for a pre-match pint or two to ease the nerves or settle in after a long journey to the capital – and we have the perfect rundown of pubs around Croke Park for a pint right here.
But once the 70 minutes have elapsed and you’re looking to continue your night in the big smoke, these are some of the best spots to continue your night and stay amongst the GAA crowd.
Of course, if there are any pubs you think just have to be on this list, make sure to leave a comment and let us know.
Hogan Stand, North Circular Road
Starting with one of the pubs just outside the ground, as the droves of crowds head out and rush towards buses, taxis and cars, the Hogan Stand is ideal if you are not ready to leave the party just yet.
Immediately after a game it will start to fill up with fans looking for a pint and to chat about the hurling or football they’ve just witnessed.
Inside is cosy while the outdoor area at the front is a great place to get your night-out going with plenty of room and if the weather is co-operative, it’s a hard place to leave.
McGowan’s, Phibsboro
Not all that far from Croke Park, McGowan’s is the ideal spot if you want to keep the night going but don’t really fancy heading into the city itself.
The big bar has a late license so you can head here and spend the whole night with good music, more screens if there is other sport you want to watch and a great atmosphere post-match.
In the immediate aftermath of the game too, you might find it a bit quieter here to start rather than those in Drumcondra.
Ryan’s, Camden Street
If Camden Street is where you’re heading, Ryan’s is likely to be high on your list of pub choices with a rich GAA history and the perfect match-day set up.
This is always one of the busiest spots on a big GAA day and is likely to be particularly jammed on All-Ireland final day.
But if you can get inside, it’ll be full of fellow match goers and with music and craic, it’s an ideal place to spend the night.
Devitts, Camden Street
A bit further up the road is Devitts, another hugely traditional Dublin pub that is busy every Sunday, but particularly so if there is a match on.
Long associated with sport, this will be another popular choice with match goers, trad music livens the place up seven nights a week, they’ve a fine pint of Guinness and you can even get something to eat, which may well be needed after a big day in Croke Park.
Flannery’s, Camden Street
This is the Camden Street spot where many will end their night, the late bar is extremely big with indoor and outdoor seating, live music and a dancefloor area.
Queues usually start to build here later in the evening as match goers look for a spot to party the night away, but no matter how big the queue, you’ll usually get in there eventually.
This is the closest pub you’re likely to get to a nightclub, the next stop for many would be Coppers on the next street over.
Cassidys, Camden Street
Another pub that nearly always has a big Sunday crowd, so it becomes even more lively on a big GAA day like an All-Ireland final.
Trad sessions are the biggest draw here on a Sunday and if you have a happy group of supporters they may well get their own sing song going here.
A lovely pub inside with great pints and plenty of history, definitely one worth visiting.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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