If there’s one thing Dublin is famous for, it’s the huge number and rich variety of the public houses found littered throughout the city. With this guide, we have chosen 7 of the best pubs in Dublin with each offering something different for every kind of drinker – Whether it’s a quiet pint of Guinness in an authentic Irish pub, an all-night Traditional Music session or simply somewhere cosy to watch the match, this list has something for everybody, all the while managing to successfully circumnavigate the overhyped and overpriced tourist trap that is Temple Bar.
Located just off Dame Lane, this pub is well known for its preserved Victorian interior and large decorative Stag’s head overhanging the main bar. They stock the usual mix of mainstream and craft beers and host free stand-up comedy nights several nights a week. Less than a stone’s throw from the Temple Bar, this is a great alternative for tourists who want the quality atmosphere of a Dublin pub without having to think about the hourly pint increases found in many of the surrounding establishments. It’s little wonder that they’ve won the ‘Best Pub in Ireland’ award numerous times in the past.
Perhaps the most historically significant entry on our list; O’Donoghue’s is a pub synonymous with Traditional Irish Music and has been home to traditional music legends including The Dubliner’s, Christy Moore, The Furey’s and Phil Lynott, photographs of whom adorn the interior walls. Also renowned for serving some of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin, it was hard not to include this establishment on our list. Located on Merrion Row right near St. Stephen’s Green, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a cosy pint and soak up Dublin’s rich traditional music scene after a day of shopping.
While strictly it’s not a pub (they don’t serve alcohol), there are few better places to enjoy a few drinks than The Hideout located on South William Street. It is a ‘Bring Your Own Booze’ pool hall fully equipped with ping pong tables, arcade machines and even coffee machines. At only a fiver a head and very competitive rates for the tables, The Hideout is sure to deliver the best “cheap night out” in Dublin.
Located on Hawkins Street, Chaplin’s is perhaps the most centrally located pub on our list. Interestingly, despite its prime and central location it is very reminiscent of a typical Irish country pub with its small, cosy interior, grumpy landlord and the TV locked to GAA matches and highlights. It is also likely the cheapest entry on the list and is popular with neighbouring Trinity students for its €3.70 ‘student pints’ and all-day pizzas. Chapin’s is an excellent choice of pub and is probably the best place to get a taste of Ireland’s country nightlife without having to leave Dublin at all.
Our next recommendation is the perfect place for every kind of sports fan. Located on Tara Street just up the road from our previous entry, The Ruin Bar caters to sports fans of every kind, with TVs in the double digits showing everything from GAA, football, rugby, golf and everything else in between. As well as this, it boasts a quality food menu and serves the best Beef & Guinness pie in the city. With an impressive selection of mainstream and niche drinks (including their signature ‘wham bar shot’) and its delicious and upmarket pub food menu, The Ruin Bar is perfect for anyone who wants to watch the match (whatever sport that may be) and enjoy some delicious and hearty pub food.
Token is an award-winning bar, restaurant and retro arcade. Located in Smithfield, this venue offers something truly unique. Their street-food inspired menu offers great variety and is updated regularly (their Vegan Big Mac is the latest addition) and their cocktail list is one of the most unusual in Dublin. But what truly sets Token apart from other pubs is their extensive range of arcade and pinball machines, most of which cost 50c a pop and boast built-in pint holders, so you don’t have to enlist someone to babysit your glass while you play. Token offers an utterly unique night out at a fairly reasonable price which is why it earns a spot on our list.
Located alongside the Quays, Sin É is one of Dublin’s most iconic late-night music venues, with live acts from across all music genres performing there 7 nights a week. The bar offers a great selection of Irish craft beers on draught (Kinnegar) as well as a diverse range of foreign beers such as Erdinger and Founders’ Brewery. With its impressively diverse range of both drink choices and live music acts, Sin É is a must-visit for anyone who loves alternative music and quirky beers.
Using this comprehensive list as your guide, you can be sure to get the best out of Dublin’s diverse nightlife scene while avoiding the rip-off tourist traps, allowing you to explore the city like a local! Whatever kind of a night you’re after; whether it’s a quiet night by the fireside in the cosy Chaplin’s or sampling the latest craft beers in Sin É, these 7 pubs offer something a little different which is sure to please everyone!