Estimates suggest as many as five million tourists visit Irish pubs every singe year, with the Irish bar experience something that people all over the world long to experience.
But with hundreds of pubs right across the country, it’s hard to know which places are worthy of a visit and which spots you will regret not visiting when you’re headed on your flight back home.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most famous, memorable and popular pubs here so you can make sure to check them off your list when travelling around Dublin.
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyDublin’s oldest pub – The Brazen Head
Owning the title of Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head is a traditional as they come style pub with a fireplace and a very cosy interior to enjoy some of their wide selection of drinks and a food menu of Irish classics.
According to the owners, the present building was built in 1754 as a coaching inn. However The Brazen Head appears in documents as far back as 1653.
It is a very common spot for tourists to visit and you’ll find yourself very welcome inside these doors.
The Temple Bar option – The Palace Bar
As a tourist, almost everyone is going to go to Temple Bar as it’s one of the most well advertised places to be and you’re guaranteed a busy area, live music and what many see as the real Irish pub experience.
The Temple Bar pub itself, the Auld Dubliner and all the surrounding pubs are worth a visit for the picture alone, but if you’re looking for more of a hidden gem that even locals would frequent, The Palace Bar towards the edge of Temple Bar is the spot for you.
This Victorian spot is not one that is trendy and tries to drag tourists in, but is instead a proper old school Irish pub that is filled with history and happens to pour some of the best pints you’ll find in Dublin.
If you’re looking to avoid a busy tourist trap and prefer a real traditional pub in Temple Bar, make your way to here.
Bruce Springsteen’s favourite pub – The Long Hall
If it’s good enough for Bruce Springsteen, then it’s probably good enough for the rest of us, and The Long Hall pub certainly is that.
A Victorian style pub in the centre of Dublin and known for its traditional snugs and polished dark wood – it also happens to be one of Ireland’s oldest pubs.
Established in the 1800s, The Long Hall is regarded as one of the most beautiful settings for a pint in the capital and serve up some of the best Guinness you can find in Ireland.
Great Guinness in the city centre – Kehoe’s
Head in, put on a pint of Guinness and sit by the fire in one of the most atmospheric traditional Irish pubs in Dublin.
Many would regard the pub that’s been open since 1803 as having the very best pint of Guinness in the city and it’s hard to find a place with a better atmosphere to drink one in.
It’s just off Grafton Street so you won’t struggle to find it, and it should be high on your list if looking for a traditional Irish pub experience.
The trad music spot – The Cobblestone
Located in the heart of Smithfield and run by the Mulligan family, The Cobblestone is a classic Irish pub and live music spot that delivers an authentic Irish experience.
Renowned for its excellent Guinness, the pub hosts outstanding Irish musicians several nights a week – creating a lively atmosphere with welcoming bar staff.
If you’re new to Dublin, it’s just a short hop on the Luas red line from the city centre, and absolutely worth the trip.
The sports pub – The Camden
The Camden brings the full American sports bar vibe to Dublin, right in the heart of the city centre, with wall-to-wall coverage as soon as you step inside.
Recently refurbished into a sleek, modern venue, it boasts more than a dozen screens – including a massive one at the back that shows the main event.
It’s an ideal spot for larger groups looking to catch a game, with a food menu that includes everything from pizzas to loaded fries.
With so many screens around, chances are high that your match will be showing somewhere – making it a top pick for rugby, GAA, Premier League, Champions League nights, international football and pretty much any big event.
The pub grub spot – The Hairy Lemon
The Hairy Lemon is one of Dublin city centre’s most iconic pubs, and its constant buzz of activity is a strong hint that it’s doing plenty right.
Spread across two lively floors, it’s a top spot for drinks with a wide range on tap — but it’s the food that really sets this place apart.
Breakfast is served from 10am to 11:45am, offering everything from a full Irish to avocado toast if you’re starting the day early. After that, a varied lunch and dinner menu kicks in, featuring options like soup, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, stew, curry, bangers and mash, and Dublin’s own coddle.
In terms of price, most dishes will leave you with change from €20, though a few might just push past that mark.
The trip back in time pub – Fallon’s, The Capstan bar
Another gem for Guinness fans, Fallon’s Bar in The Liberties is a character-filled, old-style pub with deep roots in Dublin’s history.
Said to be over 400 years old, its small, cosy interior has held onto all the charm of a place that’s weathered centuries of stories.
Space inside is limited, but in the warmer months, the crowd often spills out onto the street — with locals gathering for a few pints in the evening sun.
Simply put, it’s a great pub.
The beer garden for the sun – Bonobo
Bonobo in Smithfield is another brilliant spot for pints and pizza, offering a laid-back vibe that’s somewhat similar to The Back Page — but without the sporty atmosphere.
The real standout here is the spacious beer garden, filled with long wooden benches that are perfect for sharing and socialising on sunny evenings. It’s the kind of place that draws a crowd, especially on weekends, so arriving early is your best bet if you’re hoping to snag a seat outside.
They’ve got a strong selection on draught, a solid pizza menu, and an extensive cocktail list that goes well beyond the basics. With its relaxed energy and stylish setting, it’s easy to see why Bonobo has become a local favourite.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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