The Best Pubs in Dublin (2024)
If you’re looking for the ultimate pub experience in Dublin, you’ve certainly come to the right place. As one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Dublin is celebrated for its pubs, which are renowned for their friendly atmosphere, delicious food and lively music. Without further ado, let’s discover some of the best pubs that Dublin has to offer!
Top 10 best pubs in Dublin
To put together the list below, we took into account a pub’s popularity, online reviews and overall visitor experiences. We hope that like these visitors, you have a great time in one, several, or all of these best Dublin pubs!
1. The Temple Bar Pub
The Temple Bar Pub is a legendary traditional pub located in the heart of Dublin. They offer a wide selection of whiskeys and beers, as well as a variety of pub grub.
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with live music often playing 24/7, making it a great spot to visit with friends!
Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Read: The Best Dublin Pub Crawls (2024)
2. The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is a historic pub located in the Liberties area of Dublin. The pub dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest pub in Dublin.
They serve a variety of beers, wines and spirits, as well as traditional Irish dishes. The pub is also popular for its live music on weekends and evenings, and its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a night out.
Address: 20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8
3. The Cobblestone
The Cobblestone is a traditional Irish pub located in the heart of Smithfield Square. The pub offers a wide selection of craft beers and ciders, as well as delicious pub grub.
Is warm, and welcoming, and has traditional live music often playing in the background, making it a great spot to visit for an evening of entertainment.
Address: 77 North King Street, Dublin 7
Read: The Best Guinness in Dublin (2024)
4. The Palace Bar
The Palace Bar is a Victorian heritage pub located in the heart of Dublin City. The pub offers a wide selection of beers and spirits (they produce their own whiskey), as well as classic toasties.
With traditional live music on Wednesdays, The Palace Bar is one of the most lively and inviting pubs you can find in Dublin. In the back room, you’ll find pictures of famous past visitors like Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.
Address: 21 Fleet Street, Dublin 2
Read: Irish Sports
5. The Long Hall
The Long Hall is a traditional Irish pub located in the heart of Dublin. The pub has been in business for over 250 years, and its beautiful Victorian-era interior dates back to 1881. It offers a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as classic Irish dishes.
No loud music here, so the perfect place for a pint with friends!
Address: 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
6. John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
John Kavanagh The Gravediggers is an old-school pub dating from 1833 and located in the Glasnevin area of Dublin. The pub offers a wide selection of beers, as well as traditional Irish dishes – special mention for their coddle. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
No music and no TV, perfect to spend a cosy evening with friends you need to catch up with!
Address: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
7. Porterhouse Temple Bar
Porterhouse Temple Bar, Dublin’s first brew pub, opened in 1996. The pub offers a wide selection of craft beers, including their own. Have you ever tasted a Chocolate Truffle Stout? They also serve classic Irish food, along with their famous Porterhouse Burger.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with live music seven days a week. A great spot if you want to listen to traditional music from local talents.
Address: 16-18 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Read: The Best Cheap Pubs in Dublin (2024)
8. The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is a traditional Irish pub located in the heart of Dublin City, behind the Old Central Bank building. The pub offers a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as traditional Irish dishes.
A vegan menu is available. Live music playing 7 days a week.
Address: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
9. The Celt
The Celt is a traditional Irish pub in the north side of Dublin. The pub offers a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as tasty pub food. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, with live music playing every night from 9.30pm.
A pub approved by tourists and locals alike.
Address: 81 Talbot St, North City, Dublin 1
10. The Stags Head
The Stags Head is a traditional Irish pub established in the 1770s and located in the heart of Dublin. The pub offers a wide selection of whiskeys (about 147!) and beers, as well as traditional Irish dishes.
Breakfast is available during the weekend. They host various events: live music on Fridays and Saturdays, stand-up comedies on Sundays and Mondays, and Irish folklore and storytelling evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Address: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Dublin on a Budget (2024)
The Best Pub Food in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, home to the best pub food in all of Ireland. From hearty Irish staples to modern gastropub fare, the city’s pubs are renowned for their delicious and diverse menus.
Let’s explore together some of the city’s best pubs for enjoying a yummy pub meal. Grab a pint and let’s get started!
1. Darkey Kelly’s
Darkey Kelly’s is a renowned pub in Dublin’s oldest district, which is steeped in local folklore and history. Handel’s Messiah was first performed here in 1742 and the street is known as the former fish market for Dublin until the end of the 17th century.
Today, Darkey Kelly’s offers traditional Irish music performances every day of the week and delicious pub food.
The pub is said to be one of the best places in the city for fish and chips, and their beef stew has excellent reviews, and so does their chowder, and so does their burger…!
Address: Fishamble Street, Dublin 2
2. Brannigans
Brannigans is a traditional family-run gastro pub and bar established in 1854. They serve a great selection of beers, wines and spirits as well as traditional Irish pub food that has won them awards in 2018 and 2019.
On their menu, you’ll find the traditional Irish lamb stew and fish and chips among others, as well as burgers made from the finest ingredients. Come and see for yourself!
Address: 9 Cathedral St, North City, Dublin
3. The Legal Eagle
The Legal Eagle is a traditional Irish pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere, located next to Four Courts (hence its name). It is renowned for its delicious Sunday roast, and its flatbreads get great reviews too.
Plus they have 20 craft beers on tap. What more can you ask for? A great place for casual dining!
Address: 1/2 Chancery Place, Dublin 7
4. The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is a charming pub in the heart of Temple Bar. It offers a range of traditional pub food and a good selection of beers.
The kitchen is known for its delicious fish and chips and its venison pie. Their menu includes a good selection of vegan options. Everyone is catered for!
Address: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
5. The Stags Head
The Stags Head is an iconic Dublin pub, established in the 1770s, and located in the heart of the city. Their menu includes a range of traditional pub dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and steak and Guinness pies.
They also offer oysters with a pint of Guinness (we dare you to try!), and serve Irish breakfast during weekends. The Stags Head is ideal if you want to try great quality Irish dishes.
Address: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2
6. Devitts Pub
Devitts Pub is a family-run bar and restaurant located on Camden Street. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. On their menu, you will find pub classics like the full Irish breakfast (we were told it was one of the best in town), fish and chips and the roast of the day.
Go to Devitts Pub when a rugby game is on and you’re guaranteed a great atmosphere on top of your meal!
Address: 78 Camden St Lower, Dublin 2
7. Merchant’s Arch
Merchant’s Arch is a classic Dublin pub, and also a 1821 listed building, located in the Temple Bar area. It has a lively atmosphere and serves traditional Irish pub food. On their menu, you will find classics like seafood chowder, Irish stew and fish and chips that get very good reviews. They also offer vegetarian options.
The Merchant’s Arch is ideal if you want to enjoy nice views of the city while having good traditional Irish pub food.
Address: 48-49 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
8. The Bull & Castle
The Bull & Castle is a traditional Irish pub located close to Christchurch Cathedral. If meat is your thing, you should absolutely try this pub: their steakhouse on the ground floor serves rib eye that has won them a gold award at the World Steak Challenge in 2021. They also offer delicious fish and chips, and have a very impressive wine menu.
The perfect place for a steak paired with the right type of wine!
Address: 5-7 Lord Edward Street, Christchurch, Dublin 2
9. Peruke & Periwig
Peruke & Periwig is a modern pub located in Dublin city centre. It has an intimate atmosphere and a good selection of cocktails. Don’t expect pub classics like bangers and mash or fish and chips, but be ready for their beef cheek and vegan gnocchi.
At Peruke & Periwig, you will have a great dining experience but expect higher prices than in more traditional pubs.
Address: No. 31 Dawson St, Dublin 2
10. L. Mulligan Grocer
L. Mulligan Grocer is a traditional Irish pub located in the heart of Dublin. It has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is known for its delicious food. Their menu includes classic pub food such as fish and chips and Scotch egg, but also other great dishes like a vegetarian kyiv and moules frites.
There you’re guaranteed fresh ingredients and their menu changes depending on what is in season. Prices are a bit higher than in your average pub.
Address: 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
Read: Traditional Irish Dishes
The best pubs in Dublin for live music
If you’re looking for a fantastic night out in Dublin with amazing live music, you’ve come to the right place! Dublin is world-renowned for its lively pub culture, and the city has some of the best pubs in the world for live music.
From traditional Irish music to modern indie bands, you’ll find a wide range of music to enjoy in Dublin’s pubs.
Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or an intimate gig, read on to discover the best pubs in Dublin for live music.
1. Whelan’s
Whelan’s is one of Dublin’s most legendary music venues and has been a staple of the live music scene in the city since it first opened in 1989.
The venue has earned a reputation for its intimate atmosphere, with a homely feel and a small stage that encourages audience interaction. It also has a great sound system, which is important for giving an amazing experience to both the performers and the audience. Did you know that Jeff Buckley and Ed Sheeran performed there?
Address: 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2
2. The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub, is located in the Liberties. It’s also a great place for live music: the pub has a long history of hosting traditional Irish music sessions. There, you can expect to live traditional Irish music every night!
The atmosphere of the pub is very inviting and welcoming, making it a great place for a night out.
Address: 20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8
3. The Temple Bar Pub
The Temple Bar Pub is an iconic Irish pub located in the heart of Dublin. It has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to hear traditional Irish music all day.
The pub is known for its good selection of craft beers and ciders and its live music performances, which feature a variety of traditional Irish tunes. The pub also has a great selection of traditional pub food.
Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
4. The Cobblestone
The Cobblestone is an Irish music bar and venue run by the Mulligan family, with five generations of tradition. They host Irish music sessions seven days a week, and also host gigs, classes, talks, and other events such as Na Piobairí Uilleann on the first Tuesday of every month.
The Balaclavas session is held every Wednesday, where Síomha and Jacqui Martin teach Irish music on a variety of instruments. Go to the Cobblestone for authentic Irish music!
Address: 77 North King Street, Dublin 7
5. Fibber Magees
Since 1979, Fibber Magees has been a go-to spot for fans of rock music, with bands such as U2, Thin Lizzy, and Machine Head having performed there. Live bands play every Thursday to Saturday, while rock/alternative DJs spin music 7 nights a week.
People can enjoy a few pints, play pool or pinball, and take advantage of drink promos, all while experiencing the best rock n roll Dublin has to offer. The bar is open 7 days a week until late.
Address: 80-81 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
6. The Celt
At The Celt, located in the north side of Dublin, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome, a selection of classic Irish dishes from the head chef’s menu, and live music from traditional Irish musicians every night of the week!
Check their Facebook page to know what’s on tonight!
Address: 81 Talbot St, North City, Dublin 1
7. Merchant’s Arch
Merchant’s Arch is a good spot for live music. They host a variety of regular music nights and special events with local and international acts.
You can expect traditional Irish music as well as more contemporary hits to keep everybody entertained!
Address: 48-49 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
8. Porterhouse Temple Bar
Porterhouse Temple Bar is a vibrant pub located in the heart of Dublin. It has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to hear traditional Irish music. The pub is known for its excellent selection of craft beers and ciders and its live music performances, which feature a variety of traditional Irish tunes. The pub also has a great selection of traditional pub food, as well as an outdoor area for relaxing.
Address: 16-18 Parliament Street, Dublin 2
9. O’Donoghues Bar
O’Donoghues Bar is a popular and widely recognized Irish music pub located in Dublin. Its walls are often filled with the sounds of music and hosted renowned artists such as The Dubliners and Bruce Springsteen. With a long history of providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for locals and tourists alike, O’Donoghue’s is a great place to enjoy a pint or jam out a tune.
Address: 15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2
10. The Confession Box
The Confession Box is a small venue, popular for its live traditional Irish music. You will like this pub if you want to listen to traditional Irish music with locals, away from the crowd you would expect in Temple Bar.
Address: 88 Marlborough St, North City, Dublin 1
To Sum Up
Dublin is a vibrant city that is renowned for its friendly pubs, delicious food and lively music.
From traditional Irish pubs to modern gastropubs, Dublin offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a great night out with friends or an intimate gig, there’s something for everyone in Dublin’s pubs.
Visiting Dublin and looking for friendly accommodation? Why not check our Dublin hostel for the best in comfort and value. And if you’re after things to do in Dublin or inspiration for a night out in Dublin, we have what you need!
