Best Pubs In Dublin

For international dishes and an array of beer, wine and cocktails in the heart of Dublin, head to Nancy Hands. It was named in honour of the first female public house owner and is one of the cosiest pubs around. Featuring intricate wooden carvings, panelled floors, and an antique stampage box, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Situated just a stone's throw from the Guinness Brewery, it serves the perfect pint of the iconic stout alongside dishes like bacon, kale, and cheddar croquettes, peri peri chicken, and ham and cheese toasties. With a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails to complement your meal, and live Irish music regularly playing, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the local vibe. You're also encouraged to showcase your own talents.

Boasting a spacious alfresco area by the water and microbrewery in the centre of the bar, BrewDog Outpost Dublin is a fabulous haunt to visit with friends. The sleek, industrial decor with exposed brick walls, open spaces, and contemporary finishes creates a trendy yet comfortable setting to enjoy a pint, and then a game of shuffleboard afterwards.

Alongside their flagship beers like Punk IPA and Hazy Jane, the bar offers a rotating selection of seasonal specials and limited-edition brews. Choose from 30 taps of craft beer, alongside Korean loaded fries, burgers and messy wings. Don't forget to take some pictures in the Berlin-style photo booth too.

The Rag Trader is a traditional-looking pub made up of wallpaper and wooden panelled walls, alongside vintage furniture, trinkets and warming fireplaces. But that's not all, as it'll take a fair few visits here to make your way through the over 100-strong whiskey collection, plus an inviting selection of craft beer and stout.

Sister venue Dakota provides the classic pub grub, so stop by any time from 12pm until late, and enjoy drinks paired with hearty bites like a buttermilk chicken burger or an 8oz dry-aged striploin steak.

There are plenty of reasons to swing by The Bath Pub, whether you fancy hanging out in the beer garden, watching live sport or having a few pre-gig cocktails. Since opening in 2012, its become a favourite in the Beggars Bush area.

As with any great Irish pub, it's known for its expertly poured pints of Guinness. The creamy, smooth stout is a crowd-pleaser, but the pub also offers an excellent selection of craft beers, Irish whiskeys, and spirits, ensuring there's something for everyone. Alongside their extensive bar collection, this venue serves as one of the best pubs in Dublin for food - we mean freshly baked pizza and sandwiches.

This corner-hugging boozer is one iconic Dublin pub. Known for its vibrant red exterior and electric atmosphere, The Temple Bar is a legendary spot and a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential Irish experience.

The pub's cobblestone surroundings add to its charm, and the inside is equally inviting, with dark wood furnishings, Irish memorabilia, and nooks that make it feel timeless. It dates back to 1840, and today you'll find it hosting an array of live music performances and sporting one of the largest collections of whiskey in Ireland. And on the menu? Guinness, beer, and more, paired with gourmet toasted sandwiches or oysters. 

The Stag's Head prides itself on its history and traditional Irish charm. Step inside, and you're instantly transported to a bygone era. The polished mahogany bar, gleaming brass fixtures, and intricate stained-glass windows create an air of elegance, while the stag-themed decor - from the magnificent stag's head mounted above the bar to subtle nods throughout - ties it all together with character.

One of the best pubs in Dublin city centre, it offers real ale, spirits and wine, and an ample choice of home-cooked classics. Think fish and chips or succulent beef and Guinness stews - the kind of food that pairs perfectly with good company and great conversation.

For a pub more on the swish side, mosey down to Peruke & Periwig. It stands out for its sophisticated, yet warm interior, featuring a mix of Victorian-inspired decor with rich, dark wood, velvet upholstery, and quirky touches that evoke the feeling of a vintage speakeasy. Decked out with candles, plush seating and old-school frames, it's the perfect place to settle into if you're looking for signature cocktails and gorgeous gastro grub.

Sip on the likes of The Duchess, made with lychee cream cheese and hibiscus, or The Penacho featuring mezcal aromatised wine with floral flavours, and devour sharing plates of peach and prosciutto or bruschetta. 

The Palace Bar is a fab shout if you're on the hunt for more traditional drinking dens and the best pubs in Dublin with live music. With a history spanning over two hundred years, its rustic mahogany and oak interiors have welcomed countless famous visitors.

Among its regulars was R.M. Smyllie, the Irish Times editor from the 1940s, whose influence attracted many fellow journalists to make it their favourite pub. Today, the bar continues to draw crowds with its lively entertainment and signature house whiskey, ensuring that revellers keep returning for more. 

Topping off our list is The Bleeding Horse. Dating back to the 17th century, The Bleeding Horse is one of Dublin's oldest pubs, and its historical significance is felt the moment you walk in. It boasts wooden panelling, vintage mirrors, and rich decor combined with industrial-style pendant lighting. It's also mentioned in a handful of famous novels, such as the Cock and Anchor by Sheridan Le Fanu and Ulysses by James Joyce. 

Situated on Camden Street, the venue has a scrumptious menu of eats such as BLT wraps, crispy chicken tenders, and beef and Guinness stew. To drink? Plenty of pints and cocktails such as cosmopolitans, espresso martinis and palomas.

The Black Forge Inn, owned by MMA champion Conor McGregor, offers a stylish and inviting atmosphere with its elegant chandeliers, hanging greenery, and natural light streaming through arched ceiling windows.

As one of the top gastropubs Dublin has to offer, it's the perfect spot to escape the chill and indulge in hearty, locally sourced Irish fare. Enjoy a delicious chargrilled dry-aged Irish John Stone steak served with crispy chips and buttermilk onions and round off your meal with a glass of Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey.

The Long Hall is a feast for the senses, with its ornate Victorian design preserved to perfection. The deep red walls, intricately carved wooden panels, and sparkling chandeliers create an opulent yet cosy atmosphere. Long mirrors and brass fittings catch the warm glow of the lights, making it one of the city's finest drinking dens.

Since its opening in 1766, it's welcomed everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Rihanna who've swung by for a pint or two. You'll find a great selection of whiskey here, as well as satisfying pints of Guinness, beers and spirits.

Stepping into Mulligan's is like entering a time capsule, with its unique charm from over 200 years of history, so there's no wonder it attracted famous punters like JFK and Judy Garland. Once a favourite haunt of journalists and writers - thanks to its proximity to old newspaper offices - it's a place where stories flow as freely as the pints. Literary greats like James Joyce and Brendan Behan have graced its bar, and the pub is even mentioned in Joyce's Dubliners.

What's the big deal? Swing by for a world-famous pint and you'll see. The pub takes its beer seriously, and the staff's commitment to pouring the perfect pint has garnered a loyal following. Pair that with a selection of classic Irish whiskeys and spirits, and you've got a drink menu that stays true to tradition.

No matter what sort of drinking venture you're looking for, The Porterhouse can accommodate you. Located on Parliament Street in Temple Bar, this independent brewery and pub has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1996. The interior boasts a quirky, multi-level layout with wooden beams, vintage beer memorabilia, and a warm, cosy vibe.

At the very forefront of the brewing game, it features both a local and worldly selection of craft beer. From the rich and velvety Plain Porter to the hoppy delights of the Brain Blasta, there's a pint for every palate. If you're feeling adventurous, try their seasonal specials or beer flights.

Grogan's Castle Lounge is a popular spot where you can chill out with a pint of the good stuff. Located on bustling South William Street, is a quintessential Dublin boozer renowned for its laid-back charm, iconic pints, and a true sense of community.

The simple yet cosy interior features dark wood furnishings, vintage mirrors, and walls adorned with works by local artists. Grogan's legendary toasted sandwiches are the stuff of local lore. Simple, satisfying, and served with a side of crisps, these toasties pair perfectly with a pint and embody the pub's straightforward approach to good food and drink.

Kehoes is an absolute winner if you're after the best pubs in Dublin for traditional Irish music. Situated in the heart of South Anne Street, this classic joint is a charming hideaway for sipping pints while enjoying live tunes, comedy nights or tucking into delicious plates of pub grub. It dates back to the late 19th century and has retained all the hallmarks of a classic Victorian drinking den.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by polished woodwork, intricate stained-glass windows, and cosy snugs that invite you to settle in. The walls are adorned with vintage mirrors and memorabilia, giving the pub a lived-in, storied feel that transports you to another era. On the menu? Stout, a fine selection of Irish whiskeys, beers, and spirits to suit all tastes.

Located on bustling Baggot Street, Searsons is a Dublin institution that masterfully combines traditional Irish charm with a touch of modern sophistication. The beautifully restored interior features polished wood, leather seating, and a spacious bar that runs the length of the room, giving it a timeless feel. 

You'll find some great food and drinks here. As well as thirst-quenching pints of stout and beer, you'll be able to enjoy signature cocktails like the vodka-based The Maverick and the Velvet Revolver, made with Irish whiskey, Guinness, citrus juice and dusted honeycomb.