Dublin Pub scene guide

Pub Guide

Dublin's reputation as the city with not just the most, but the best pubs in the world is rightly deserved. Dublin can boast over 970 public houses in its greater county and a huge number of those are in the various districts of Dublin's city centre. Many Dublin breaks include visiting this famous city's Public Houses and even those who do not partake will be aware of the scale and number of these pubs.

For a "near" full listing (as far as we are aware) of all of Dublin "city" pubs, see our Complete Dublin PUB list, but to find out more about the types and character of pubs in this "city of pubs", read on.

About Dublin's pubs

The beauty of the Dublin pub scene is quite literally the fact that there is a pub, or at least a style or theme of pub, to suit everyone.

Dublin's pubs are not just for the pub crawler, or even the regular drinker, but for anyone who wants a good night out and does not mind having the odd drink (it can even be non alcoholic).

Depending upon the pub, that can mean a night or lunchtime that is relaxing, filled with music, includes great food, is part of a pub tour, or simply involves mixing with the friendly locals. In Dublin every kind of pub and pub experience is at hand.

Dublin quite probably has the most diverse range of pubs and bars on the planet and they cover every theme, style, location and size. Some are nothing more than tiny little bars that the locals have visited for centuries, whilst others are large brewery theme pubs aimed directly at tourists.

The best way to really appreciate Dublin's pub scene is to sample as many - and as varied a selection of public houses as is possible - and that is not a difficult task in this city of pubs.

A few of Dublin's "must visit" pubs to start you off

Many visitors to Dublin want to visit an old or historic pub and whilst several lay claim to the "oldest pub" title, it is probably the Brazen Head on Bridge Street that has been pulling pints for the longest.

The Brazen Head

The current Brazen Head building dates from the 18th century, but before that there was an even older sixteenth century Brazen Head on the same spot and there is considerable evidence to suggest that there was a tavern there long before that – from 1198 to be precise.

The Brazen Head is located close to the Guinness brewery and, in addition to serving beer and food, also offers live music every day of the week with a selection of bands over the weekend. – And these are not any old bands, the Brazen Head has hosted the likes of Van Morrison, the Dubliners and has even appeared on a video by US country music star Garth Brooks.

The music and bands are a mix of traditional Irish folk and more modern pop and rock music. This is a "must visit" pub if you are in Dublin.

Davy Byrnes

Davy Byrnes is another historic Dublin pub only this time the history is not in the age of the pub, but rather in its connection with James Joyce, the first son of Ireland's literary heritage.

Joyce was a regular visitor to the pub and a friend of Davy Byrne and he mentions both pub and Byrne in his novel the "Dubliners" and characterizes a member of his "Ulysses cast" (Leopold Bloom) in connection with the pub too.

Aside from its literary connections, Davy Byrnes has a long history and although the pub took its name (from its licensee) nearly one hundred and twenty years ago, there has been a tavern in the same location since 1722.

In addition to its past associations, Davy Byrnes has an enviable reputation for its fish and seafood menu with everything from oysters to salmon and crab. Definitely a pub to say you have visited.

Kehoe's

Kehoe's is what many would describe as a traditional Dublin pub and if that is what you are after, then Kehoe's will definitely score top points. From the outside it is plain and simple with the name emblazoned in red above the windows.

Kehoe's is close to Grafton Street (on South Anne Street) and it has the typical decoration and ambience that you would expect from a traditional Dublin pub. The bar is narrow and the downstairs has two rooms, one small and the other somewhat bigger. The interior has plenty of polished wood and there is a more recent bar upstairs in what used to be the late John Kehoe's flat.

This is a small pub and it is best visited during quieter times if you don't like crowds.

O'Neills Bar

This is another traditional old Dublin pub that has been around for three centuries and you find it close to Grafton Street (on Suffolk Street).

O'Neills Bar is a corner pub with quite an imposing exterior, but a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is spread across several different rooms on different levels. O'Neills Bar is always busy and does good business at lunchtime, partly because of its location close to the shopping district, but also because of its excellent pub food.

The O'Neills Bar has a varied mix of customers (including amny locals) and is a good example of a real Dublin pub.

The Temple Bar

The Temple Bar district of Dublin is considered to be the place to be seen, particularly if you are young or into fashion, music or the arts and if you are, then the Temple Bar is the pub for you.

With its fire engine red facade this pub is an un-miss able icon of the Dublin pub scene and it is possibly the most recognized pub in Ireland. As you enter the Temple Bar you are not disappointed as the old world feel continues and you are left feeling that you have stepped back in time.

The Temple Bar is definitely a pub to visit, but in truth it is one of the most touristy pubs in Dublin and refurbishments mean that little of what you see is actually is as old as it appears. Still this is a pub that you exclude from your "must visit" list at your own peril.

Walshes

Walshes is a pub for the person who really wants something completely authentic. There are no airs or graces to Walshes and what you see is what you get. The décor looks like it come from the late sixties or early seventies and no concessions are made to tourism.

What you will get at Walshes is an extensive selection of beers, friendly service and an atmosphere that is pure Dublin. This is a small pub, but one which is always frequented by locals and this may be the reason why its prices are lower than many of the "main strip" tourist pubs.

Walshes is in the Stoneybatter area, one of the city's older districts, but easy to reach none the less.

Nearys

This pub sits comfortably close to Grafton Street and Dublin's shopping district, but remains a relaxing haven for all who visit it.

A few years ago, when the euro was first introduced, this pub gained some (negative) notoriety when it exclusively adopted the European currency and refused to accept the Irish punt. A few locals were briefly offended, but things quickly went back to normal and Walshes has a regular cliental of Dubliners and tourists.

For those wanting a genuine Dublin tavern, this one, with its old world lanterns above the door will not disappoint and it is reputed to serve one of the best pints of Guinness in the city. There is also a more modern style bar in the recently refurbished upstairs section of the pub.

Fitzsimons (of Temple Bar)

Located in the trendy Temple Bar district, Fitzsimons with its red and chocolate brown frontage is one of the places to be seen in Dublin.

These days Fitzsimons is very much a traditional pub turned tourist pub, but it still has a big air of authenticity and although its prices represent its popularity and situation in Temple Bar, it still offers a great Irish pub experience.

Fitzsimons is one of the best city centre pubs in which to see live music and it features different bands on most evenings of the week. The pub also has a very large flat screen TV.

Jack O'Rourkes

A visit to Jack O'Rourkes requires you to leave the centre of Dublin and travel to Blackrock village where you will find this magnificent pub.

At street side level the frontage of the pub is black with the "Jack O'Rourkes" name jumping out at you in large gold emboss letters and above this there is a nice stately terracotta masonry facade. This is a pub that deserves attention in every way.

Jack O'Rourkes is also a pub with literary connections. It was regularly frequented by James Joyce (who lived in Blackrock) and other writers like J.P.Dunleavy also enjoyed Jack O'Rourkes hospitality.

Inside Jack O'Rourkes the theme continues and you exactly what you would expect of an Irish pub with a period interior and a good selection of beers. This is a pub for anyone wanting to escape central Dublin for a couple of hours.

Brogans

Brogans is another Temple Bar pub that is very popular, always busy and situated in the heart of Dublin. It tends to attract the younger pub goers although all are welcome.

As ever with the Temple Bar pubs prices are slightly higher than some of the city's more remote areas, but you pay for the atmosphere and ambience of this one.

Inside Brogans make it clear that this is a Guinness pub (although can order anything you like) as the bar is full of memorabilia connected with the famous brewery. Many tourists to Dublin start or finish there night out at this bar and it remains busy during daylight hours too.

Two other points about Brogans are, its Tuesday night poetry recitals (which are usually spontaneous) and the large basement which acts as a kind of disco.

Ha' penny Bridge Inn

The Ha' penny Bridge Inn is not surprisingly next to the Ha' penny Bridge on Wellington Quay in the Temple Bar district. The main pub is downstairs and there is a further bar upstairs that acts as avenue for live music and other entertainment.

This pub is not as trendy as most of the other Temple Bar hostelries and has made a concerted effort to remain as authentic as possible. Inside the decor is pretty much as it was thirty to forty years ago and if you want a real Dublin pub experience in the centre of the city, the Ha' penny Bridge Inn is as close as you are likely to get.

Other plusses for this genuine Dublin pub are the fair prices, friendly and efficient staff and the excellent Guinness.

Eamonn Dorans

Eamonn Dorans is in the Touristy Temple Bar district, but is frequented by locals and certainly has a more than authentic air about it. You can eat from an "a la Carte" menu in the evening and the pub is also a venue for live music every day of the week. There is also a DJ hosted club seven nights a week.

This is definately one of the high points of the Temple Bar pub scene.