Alas, the long awaited guide to the finest drinking experiences in Dublin. There are SO many amazing places to drink around Dublin, and I just couldn’t narrow down the list into one blog post. Instead, I’ve decided to split this drinking guide into a three part series which will touch on the best pubs & craft beer, cocktails & wine, and top places to go for a night out, plus must tries.
In lieu of today being National Beer Day, I bring you the first part of my Drinking Guide: The Top 10 Best Pubs & Craft Beer Spots in Dublin!
In my opinion, out of all the pubs I’ve been to in Dublin so far, these ones are my favorite, and some of the most traditional Irish pubs. Each of them provide good craic & a good Guinness – the essentials of any true Irish pub!
- 1. Porterhouse
Definitely one of my go-tos when friends visit from out of town, or just a great choice to begin if you can’t decide. Known for not only their craft beer, but also lovely gin – this pub is the perfect spot for the lads & ladies. There are two locations, one off Dawson Street and one by Temple Bar. Both have plenty of space and are open late. Porterhouse is always a good craic! They even have delicious food, which adds to the pub essence.
- 2. O’Neill’s
A classic, and another one of my go-tos for out-of-towners. Truly a traditional Irish pub. Located off Wicklow Street, this pub opens most days at 6am for breakfast (or a cheeky pint, whichever you prefer) and continues to serve food all day, and stays open through the night. In my opinion, they have some of the best traditional Irish food, and it’s all at an unbeatable price. So if you’re looking for a true Irish pub with good music, food & Guinness, this is your place!
- 3. The Palace Bar
I first visited this pub when I moved to Ireland after hearing from a friend that it was ‘one of the freshest Guiness’ in all of Ireland’. Though at the time I found that true, I’m not sure I can say the same today. However, Palace Bar still sticks to tradition.
- 4. Cassidy’s Bar
One of the most fun pubs in city centre. You are immediately drawn to it from the outside. This pub is centrally located by the Westmoreland luas, right before you cross over O’Connell bridge. Inside the pub is even more fun, with decorated walls and unique interior design – keeping you bright & cheerful before and after your drinks. They also serve delicious pizza (or so I’ve been told). A plus is that they also offer a selection of craft beers.
- 5. Toner’s
Found south of city centre on Baggot Street, this pub is a local winner. It’s outdoor patio is a hit whenever the sun shines. But fear not if there is rain, the fun continues inside where it is cozy and loud and has all the good pub feels. Toner’s is guaranteed to provide you with a good beer and even better memories.
The Cobblestone
I have yet to go here, but have heard so many recommendations I doubt it won’t live up to them. This pub is in Stoneybatter and one of the oldest in Dublin. So, I can only imagine how good the Guiness is. It is probably most known for its nightly trad music. And I hear if you play any trad instrument you can just show up and play!
Those pubs will undoubtedly provide you with a good drink and good craic, but when it comes to craft beer, there a few more pubs I can’t leave out. Looking for more than a Guinness? A refreshing IPA or sour, perhaps? Fear not, these are my favorite craft beer pubs you need to check out. Their selection will keep you far from bored!
- 1. P. Macs & Blackbird
I group these together since they are technically two pubs with the same owner in three different locations. One P. Macs is located in the hustle & bustle of city centre, while the other stays nestled within Dundrum Town Centre. Blackbird is located along the main road in Rathmines. All pubs have the most unique interior design. The decor splits the pub into ‘multiple rooms’ to mimic the feel of a house. They use antique doors and walls to surround sections of tables, each lit by candlelight. What’s even cooler is that the pubs have board games to keep all family & friends entertained! These pubs serve some of my favorite IPAs, and also have a pizza & pint deal for 10 quid. Even if you’re not into the craft beer scene, these pubs are worth checking out just for their eclectic vibes. Plus they still serve a good Guinness 😉
- 2. Taphouse
Located on the main street of Ranelagh, this pub is always poppin’. They have some of the widest selection of beers on tap, and it rotates constantly, which I love because I know it will give me the chance to try something new each time I visit. When it’s nice out, the rooftop patio is perfect, but during most of the year the cozy seating does just fine. A plus about this spot is that they sell take home Growlers, a definite must for any craft beer fanatic!
- 3. Alfie Byrne’s
When I first went to this pub it was last summer during the beautiful heatwave, so this definitely added to my love of it. Their outdoor seating is still nice without the sunshine, as they provide heat lamps. This Galway Bay Brewing pub is also really cool inside, with a pool table and doors used to separate tables. They serve delicious food and there’s always plenty of seating. All their options on tap have been some of the most unique I’ve found in Dublin – anything from delicious American craft beers to sores and beers infused with wine. This pub has got it all.
- 4. Brickyard Gastropub
Another summertime favorite, but also very nice inside, with a more modern finish. This pub is located right next to the Balally luas stop, connected to a coffee shop (“Grindstone”). Popular patio seating when the sun is shining of course, but also a choice for sports fans as there are multiple TVs inside. They serve good food, and offer beers on tap such as the classic choices of Guinness & Heineken, as well as offer a menu of craft beers.
- 5. Beer Market
This is another Galway Bay Brewing Pub, and is located in Christchurch. If you wandered this area of Dublin before, it’s sure to have caught your eye with its tulip glass logo. There is a good amount of seating out front, but if you fancy some live music or bit of fun, inside is decorated with beer logos. There is some seating and tables provided by barrels, as well as a large table for groups or just meeting fellow beer lovers. Their craft beer menu is numbered, making it easy for you to order beers starting from “1”, ensuring you can try them all by the end of the night 😉 (*Disclaimer: this method of trying all the beers is not encouraged.)
There you have it – the tastiest pints and best pubs you must visit in Dublin! Let me know what you think if you’ve visited them (or once you go), in the comments below.
Sláinte!