Updated on January 7, 2023 by Mike
This is the Ultimate List of the Best Pubs in Dublin.
Introduction
Pubs in Dublin have a reputation for being the best in the world and they are. There are many different types of pubs in Dublin that appeal to different groups of people. Some pubs are really social while others are very hip and appeal to a more young hip crowd.
A lot of the more traditional pubs will have a session playing in a corner or on a stage. Here you will soak up the real atmosphere of an Irish pub. All of the pubs on the list below are in and around Dublin city centre. Opening hours vary from pub to pub, normal closing hours are at 11.30 pm Sun to Thurs and 12.30 am Fri and Sat. Some bars open later and I have those details mentioned below. I have visited all of the pubs on the below list at some point over the years.
Best Pubs in Dublin in the Grafton Street Area
The Hairy Lemon
The Hairy Lemon is my favourite pub in Dublin and definitely one of the best pubs in Dublin because it has the best bar staff and the best atmosphere of any other pub in Dublin. It’s located just 500 meters from Grafton street and I can’t forget to mention that some scenes from the iconic movie "The Commitments" were filmed here.
- Address: 41-42 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tel: +353 1 671 8949
Kehoe’s
Kehoe's is another very traditional pub dating back more than 200 years. This pub is full of many different partitioned smug sections. The interior of the bar has been persevered since the later part of the 19th century. Locating just off Grafton street, Kehoe’s is the haunt of tourists, students, shoppers and business people.
- Address: 9 South Anne Street, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 677 8312
McDaid’s
McDaid's pub was a favourite haunt of the famous Irish writer Brendan Behan. This traditional pub is designed in classical Victorian style keeping its stained glass windows and its dark wood interior. It’s located just 100 meters off Grafton street.
- Address: 3 Harry St, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 679 4395
Bruxelles
Bruxelles is a huge establishment has three separate bars and mainly plays heavy rock music. So don’t forget your earplugs. During the day the also host live sports matches on one of the many screens. You can't miss this place as the Phil Lynott statue is directly outside. Late-night bar 7 days per week.
- Address: 8 Harry St, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 677 5362
Café en Seine
Café en Seine is another personal favourite of mine with its elegant art nouveau design spanning over 3 floors. This beautiful bar attracts a young and hip crowd. Late-night bar 7 days per week.
- Address: 40 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 677 4567
John Mulligans
Mulligan's is a legendary pub has a rich and cultural history. Dating back to 1782, this has hosted famous client through the year including James Joyce, Judy Garland, Seamus Heaney and John F. Kennedy. Mulligan’s is one of the few pub’s left in Dublin that serves “real” Guinness. The pub is renowned for its great pint of Guinness and I can vouch for that.
- Address: 8 Poolbeg Street
- Tel: +353 1 677 5582
Best Pubs in Dublin in the Temple Bar Area
The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is another must-see bar in Dublin with its beautiful interior and it has a great beer garden for the summer months. The exterior facade has now become the most photographed sight in Dublin. Late-night bar 7 days per week.
- Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tel: +353 1 672 5286
Oliver St John Gogarty’s
If you are planning to visit Dublin, then Oliver St John Gogarty's must be on your list. This award-winning Restaurant serves excellent Irish food. I recommend having the oysters washed down with a pint of Guinness. Their Bar is separate from the restaurant and has traditional Live Irish Music sessions every day of the week.
- Address: 18-21 Anglesea St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tel: +353 1 671 1822
The Palace Bar
The Palace Bar is a Victorian-style bar with a large stained glass front window. Here you will meet Trinity College Professors and students some of them proudly wearing their Trinity College ties. This pub is also popular with office workers who have just finished work for the day. They will pop in for a quiet pint to unwind after a hard day at the office.
- Address: 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tel: +353 1 671 7388
Foggy Dew
Foggy Dew is one of many pubs in Dublin centre that I’ve seen evolve over the years into a much larger bar. There is a stage where live music is played. It’s mainly a rock bar but traditional sessions are also played here. It attracts a large student clientele. Opened until 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Address: 1 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 677 9328
Other Best Pubs in Dublin close to the city centre
Dylan’s
Dylan’s is a 20-minute walk from Grafton Street, located in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin. The stand out feature of this bar is it’s all year outdoor terrace with heaters and canopies. The outdoor terrace even has 2 tv screens where you can watch sports matches.
- Address: Eastmoreland Lane, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Tel: +353 1 660 3000
The Cobblestone
The Cobblestone pub is located in Smithfield, very close to the Jameson Distillery and a 20 minute from O’Connell Street. This pub may not have the most beautiful interior but it makes up for that with its fantastic atmosphere. Traditional sessions are played here 7 nights per week. Also, you will find that this is one of the cheapest bars in Dublin city centre.
- Address: 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
- Tel: +353 1 872 1799
The Barge
The Barge is a Landmark super pub is about a 20-minute walk from Grafton Street. It housed 4 separate bars and is perfect for watching sport on one of its many tv screens. They also have excellent food with a very good value lunch menu. Late night bar 7 days per week.
- Address: 42 Charlemont Street, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2.
- Tel: +353 1 475 1869
The Bleeding Horse
The Bleeding Horse is another traditional bar in high with two wooden balconies and large windows. This dated back 100s of years. Nobody is for sure why it was called “The Bleeding Horse” but one theory is that it was so-called after a retreating wounding horse from a battle close by in the 17th century. This is an ideal place to watch sport. They also have a beautiful outdoor beer garden. Late bar on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Saturday.
- Address: 24-25 Camden Street Upper
- Tel: +353 1 475 1869
Wrapping Up
I hope that you enjoyed my list of the best pubs in Dublin. These are in no particular order, as they are all good in their own unique way. My personal favourites are The Hairy Lemon, Café en Seine, Dylan’s and John Mulligans.
