Cosy Pubs In Dublin

In a city home to over 750 boozers, you're never more than a stone's throw away from a good pint. But, between neon-lit bars and bustling student hangouts, it can be hard to find a place to rest those weary legs and sink into a sofa by a roaring fireplace with a Guinness and a good book. That's why we've rounded up the cosiest pubs in Dublin for your hunkering down pleasure, from mahogany-decked gastropubs to craft beer hideaways.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 11th October 2024




BrewDog Outpost Dublin

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While it may not seem like your typical pub, BrewDog Outpost Dublin has roaring fires and lush foliage making it a relaxing and snug place to kick up your feet. Overlooking the docklands, you'll get to cosy up with the iconic brand's range of beer (32 taps to be precise) alongside an array of scrumptious eats - think Buffalo wings with a blue cheese dip and Korean loaded fries, followed by ooey gooey deep-fried Oreos. Better yet, it's dog-friendly too so bring your pooch along for extra homey points.

Nancy Hands

Nancy Hands, named after the first female owner of a public house ever, is one of the cosiest pubs Dublin city centre's got to offer, boasting gorgeous wooden carvings, panelled floorboards and an antique stampage box. It's located right near the Guinness Brewery, so you'll be able to bask in the creamy head and rich body of one of the finest pints around, as well as wolf down tempting dishes like bacon, kale and cheddar croquettes, peri peri chicken and ham and cheese toasties. There's plenty of beer, wine and cocktails on the cards to wash it down with, alongside regular live Irish music if you fancy hanging around for entertainment.

The Rag Trader

With everything you'd expect from the warmest of boozers - a traditional look, fireplaces, wallpapered or wood-panelled walls, and classic pub grub from sister bar Dakota - The Rag Trader is a great choice for your next outing. Located on Drury Street, which was the former popular rag trade district, it boasts a stock of more than 100 whiskies, as well as stout, craft beer and cocktails. Venture over to delight in tipples from 12pm 'til late and pair them with a buttermilk chicken burger or an 8oz dry-aged striploin steak.

The Long Hall Pub

The Long Hall was established around 1766 and still bears a lot of its original features as one of the city's oldest and most beautiful boozers. From handcrafted engravings to antique clocks and ornamental glassware, this place has looks on its side alongside delicious pints, spirits and grub, proving it's more than just a pretty face. Settle down for the night among ox-blood-coloured walls and curious trinkets, nurse a delicious Guinness and nibble on the famous Irish Tayto chips for the full snug experience.

Kehoes Pub

If you head down Anne Street, you'll find one of Dublin's cosiest pubs tucked away among the shops. Decked out with stained glass mahogany hideaways and nodding to its 19th-century Victorian roots, the award-winning Kehoes provides an escape with live music, comedy and some of the finest pours in the city. It's a truly quintessential spot to hang out with your mates, a glass of Slane Irish Whiskey in hand, chattering over hearty grub. 

Black Forge Inn

Black Forge Inn is a pub owned by MMA fighter Conor McGregor that comes decked out with chandeliers, dangling foliage and bursts of natural light through arched windows on the ceiling. It's a great place to come to get out of the cold and tuck into local fare, sourced from Ireland's premium suppliers. Devour chargrilled dry-aged Irish John Stone steak alongside chips and buttermilk onions (a dish that'll certainly warm the cockles) and finish with a glass of Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey. 

The Palace Bar

One of the city's most-loved pubs, The Palace Bar is a Victorian gem in the heart of Dublin. It boasts a history that stretches back two centuries, and famous faces have frequented its rustic, mahogany and oak walls. A favourite of the 40s Irish Times editor R.M. Smyllie, his footsteps led to many more news correspondents making it their local watering hole. The place once described by Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh as the 'most wonderful temple of art' features live music and a house-brand whiskey that has kept punters coming back time and time again.

The Porterhouse Temple Bar

The Porterhouse Temple Bar flaunts a slap-up selection of beers, Irish ales and stouts. It opened in 1996 as Dublin's first pub brewery and, after naming a home-brew 'Wieserbuddy', gained traction. To this day, it still avoids serving mainstream sips and continues to pour its own sweet, golden elixirs. You'll find cosy corners to hideaway in here, low-hanging lights and a buzzing atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities to catch live music from local acts and a menu of delicious eats, including bar snacks and mouthwatering burgers.

The Bleeding Horse

A pub for all seasons, The Bleeding Horse is a Dublin bar that draws in sports fans, literature buffs (thanks to its mention in classic novels like Ulysses by James Joyce) and craft beer lovers alike. You'll find the 17th-century spot perched on Upper Camden Street, retaining some of its pretty period features from its renovation in 1992 and serving a great pint of Guinness. Friendly and perfect for hunkering down in with a novel, it's got a little something for everyone from cocktails (think espresso and pornstar martinis) that wash down kimchi and cheese croquettes, to juicy burgers and one epic whiskey list.

The Stag's Head

Coupling old-world values and Irish charm, The Stag's Head has some seriously stunning interiors. From wrought-iron chandeliers to carved mahogany fittings, the Victorian pub is a rare treasure that can be accessed via a narrow passageway off Dame Street, or through Exchequer Street or Georges Street. Here you'll find the hum of traditional music and be able to tuck into hearty plates like fresh haddock and chips or beef and Guinness stew alongside a delicious pint, glass of red or your favourite spirit and mixer. 

The Temple Bar

One of the best cosy Dublin pubs that needs no introduction, this iconic boozer offers the holy trinity of pubbing; great beers, food and a fully-licensed garden. The Temple Bar has also won awards for its live music programming (ten years in a row, as a matter of fact) and claims to house the largest collection of whiskeys in Ireland. Come here for an unrivalled snug ambience, good craic and tunes, then stay for its oysters and gourmet pastrami sandwiches washed down with an exclusive The Temple Bar 14-year Malbec Cask.