What are the best bars in Dublin? If you’re traveling or living in Dublin, you may want to know this. Drinking, especially drinking in a bar, is not only a need for gathering and communication for the Irish, but also one of the foundations of the entire Irish culture. You can drink, eat, gather, write, think, listen to music, and dance in a bar. At the same time, the bar is the place for many family gatherings, birthday celebrations, funerals, and memorial services, and it is also a romantic place for Irish couples to have a first date.
10 Best Bars in Dublin
If you don’t go to a bar to drink something when living in Ireland, you will definitely not be considered to have integrated into the country. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the premier place to try Irish stout for the first time. Here is our list of 10 best bars in Dublin. The order doesn’t matter, it’s what you like that counts.
1. McDaid’s - A Classic Pub in Dublin City Centre
Looking for the best bars in the Dublin city centre? McDaid is in a great city centre location just off Grafton Street, and the first thing you notice when you walk in is its ornate high ceilings (the more observant may notice a trap door behind the bar, with steep stairs leading down to the wine cellar).
If you plan to stay the night, just climb the narrow stairs upstairs.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM–11:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM–12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 3 Harry St, Dublin, D02 NC42, Ireland
2. L. Mulligan Grocer - Dublin's Best Traditional Pub with Craft Beer
Source: lmulligangrocer.com
If you’re looking for a “White Hag”, “Trouble Brewing”, or a “Crafty Hen”, this is the place. Don’t even think about ordering “Guinness” or “Budweiser” here – it’s all craft beer with lots of interesting names.
As the name suggests, L Mulligan Grocer in Stoneybatter used to house a grocery store, and the back of the pub is now a first-rate restaurant serving clever, creatively styled Irish food. Try the spiced crab or the slow-roasted pork belly.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 3 Harry St, Dublin, D02 NC42, Ireland
3. Toners – Yeats’s favourite pub
Source: tonerspub.ie
The Toners Pub on Baggot Street is one of the oldest and best bars in Dublin, dating back to around 1818, and has an old wooden bar filled with memorabilia and drawers dating back to its days as a general store.
One of the best features of the pub is the large “snug” just inside the front window, with wooden benches and a separate door. It is said that the poet WB Yeats loved to drink here.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
🍻 Address: 139 Baggot Street Lower, Saint Peter’s, Dublin 2, Ireland
4. Johnnie Fox's Pub – The Highest Pub in Ireland Established 1798
Source: johnniefoxs.com
Johnnie Fox’s Pub in Dublin is one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, having been established in 1798. Known for being the “highest pub” in the country, the pub is situated in the quiet town of Glencullen, surrounded by the scenic and peaceful Dublin Mountains. It started out as a small farm.
Johnnie Fox’s Pub embodies the spirit of “Old Ireland” and has meticulously maintained the originality of its historic architecture. It is a living testament to the country’s rich heritage. This is a unique and atmospheric Irish pub famous for its traditional Irish music and dance performances.
However, Johnnie Fox’s is a little far from the city center. If you want to come here to taste the drink and food, it is best to have a friend who can drive with you.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: Glencullen, Co. Dublin, Ireland
5. The Cobblestone – One of the Best Music Bars in Dublin
Source: cobblestonepub.ie
Situated in the heart of Dublin City, The Cobblestone has been a much-loved family pub for the past 35 years and is a vibrant centre for Irish music, dance and culture. At Cobblestone, you can enjoy upbeat jigs, reels and horns, as well as songs sung in both Irish and English. The owner of the pub Tom is dedicated to transforming this small pub on Smithfield Square into a musician’s haven, providing a welcoming venue for locals and visitors alike.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22, Ireland
6. The Norseman – Pub Food and Live Entertainment
Source: norseman.ie
Beer, whisky, food, music – these four words sum up what Norseman Temple Bar is all about. This is a whisky and craft beer house where quality is the top priority.
The Norseman is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin. Its Norse building that dates back to the 16th century when it was known as the ‘Wooden Man’s Tavern’ due to the wooden statue of a Viking on the corner.
If you love food, The Norseman is also one of the best places to eat in Dublin Temple Bar, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. You can check the daily menu on the website and find out want you want to try, such as Crispy Chicken Burger, Chocolate Fudge Cake, etc.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Next day)
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next day)
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Next day)
🍻 Address: 28E, Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
7. Palace Bar – a Temple Bar Classic
Source: thepalacebardublin.com
The Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh once described the Palace Bar on Fleet Street in Dublin city centre as the “most wonderful temple of art”.
As the gateway to Temple Bar, Palace Bar is unique in that it has a very regular and loyal clientele, especially sports fans. It’s one of the best sports bars in Dublin. This traditional Dublin pub is located on the edge of the Temple Bar district. You’re likely to meet a small, close group of friends in this pub, enjoying an evening of craic (Irish for “funny”) and witty chat in one of the cosy chairs in the back room.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
8. O’Donoghue’s – A Traditional Irish Music Pub
Source: odonoghues.ie
O’Donoghue’s is one of the most talked about bars in Dublin, and also one of the best music bars in Dublin. You can enjoy live Irish music, meet great people, and stay in comfortable rooms. The pub is located on Merrion Street, just two minutes away from Dublin’s most famous landmark, St Stephen’s Green.
O’Donoghue’s has a rich history and is situated in a historic part of Dublin City. However, its modern musical history is even more storied. Christy Moore and the Dubliners spent many memorable evenings in this pub, enjoying captivating music with the Dublin music lovers who came here.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 15 Merrion Row, Saint Peter’s, Dublin, Ireland
9. The Long Hall – One of Dublin’s Most Charming Pubs
Source: x.com – The Long Hall Pub
The Long Hall is an original Dublin pub with a striking red and white facade that has survived the complete rebuilding of the surrounding buildings during the Celtic Tiger craze.
It is very popular and very busy on weekends. You must come here to have a pint of Guinness and fully appreciate the classic wooden interior, mirrors and charming atmosphere.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🍻 Address: 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 CP38, Ireland
10. The Brazen Head – Ireland's Oldest Pub
Source: brazenhead.com
The Brazen Head dates back to 1198 and is said to be Ireland’s oldest pub. The building was originally a carriage house and the walls are covered with old photos, newspapers and advertisements from the past. It still remains a lively venue with live music every night. The Brazen Head’s mission is to provide you with an authentic local pub experience where you can enjoy Irish music, a wide range of drinks and delicious food in a historic setting.
Famous people such as James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Jonathan Swift have all had beers at the pub. For food, try the beef and Guinness stew, or a big bowl of steamed Irish mussels.
⏰ Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Next day)
- Friday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Next day)
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Next day)
- Food 7 days a week. Live music nightly from 9:30 PM, and on a Sunday 3:30 PM-6:30 PM.
🍻 Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher ‘s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland
Where Are the Most Pubs in Ireland?
Ireland has a population of only 5 million, but has more than 7,000 pubs. County Mayo has the most pubs per capita in Ireland, with one for every 323 people. This is in stark contrast to Dublin, which has one for every 1,649 people.
Despite Dublin having the largest population, the city with the most pubs in the country is not Dublin, but Cork – with 955 pubs compared to Dublin’s 772 – meaning that in Cork there is one pub for every 543 people.
Conclusion
In Ireland, drinking is not so much for a purpose – such as talking business, drinking to drown sorrows, etc. Drinking is a way of life that the Irish have integrated into their bodies. Similarly, the pub is also the best place for them to relax and chat. Imagine that after a tiring work, you walk into the pub and order a favorite drink, eat delicious food, and listen to relaxing music – what could be better!
If you are a student coming to Dublin and will live here for some time, you should experience the customs and culture of Ireland. The pub is an option you cannot miss. Book your student accommodation in Dublin at uhomes.com, choose an ideal room that has an excellent location in Dublin city centre and is close to the best bars in Dublin. Just pick one from the recommended list and start your nightlife! 🍺
FAQ
What is the best street for bars in Dublin?
If you want to experience nightlife in Dublin, there are many options: Baggot Street， Phibsborough Road， Wexford Street， Ranelagh Road， South William Street， New Street, Dame Lane, Castle Street, and more. You can have an amazing pub crawl.
Where do celebrities go out in Dublin?
Top 10 best celebrity hangouts in Dublin are The Temple Bar, The Old Mill Restaurant, The Pig’s Ear, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, Hacienda Bar, The Library Bar, The Bernard Shaw, The Brazen Head, The Porterhouse Temple Bar, and Trocadero Restaurant.
Where is the best place in Dublin for a pint of Guinness?
If you want a pint of Guinness and are looking for a well-reviewed pub, here are some recommended options:
- Toners
- John Kavanagh
- The Lord Edward
- Grogan’s
- Guinness Storehouse
- The Church Café Bar
- Mulligan’s
- Ryan’s Beggars Bush
What pub does Ed Sheeran go to in Dublin?
Ed has visited The Hacienda Bar in Dublin many times, which is his favourite pub. He has also been to many other pubs in the capital, including Doyle’s of Fleet Street and Fitzgerald’s in Sandycove.
