When visiting Dublin, Ireland you can’t help but find yourself enjoying a pint of Guinness at one of the many traditional Irish pubs. Even if you don’t want to drink (most pubs will have .0% Guinness or you can grab a pop/water), I highly recommend visiting a few pubs. Most of the bars are really old and full of history and will have traditional Irish live music. Here’s my guide to the best pubs to visit in Dublin, Ireland. These recommendations are based are my own experience visiting the bars and ones highly recommended to us by our local Dublin tour guide.
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Stag’s Head
Stag’s Head is an incredible pub to visit if you love history and appreciate old architecture. This pub was recommended to us by our Dublin tour guide and it did not disappoint. It opened in 1770 so as you can imagine, the decor and vibe is very old-timey. You could spend the entire time looking at the intricate woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. It has very manly viking vibes. There’s a small patio out front but I actually recommend sitting inside. That’s where the history is and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time.
The bartenders are fun and when my husband asked if they had a drink menu the bartender responded with “I’m a talking menu”. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table and enjoy. Cheers!
O’Neill’s
O’Neill’s is another Dublin pub that you can’t miss. It was recommended to us by a local Dubliner and it did not disappoint. One thing I’ve noticed about the pubs here is that most of them serve food and that the food is really good. We walked past O’Neill’s earlier in the day and were mesmerized by the beautiful building and unique way the windows curve.
O’Neill’s is a multi-level pub and each room feels like a new experience with its own vibe. The dark wood fixtures, fire places, stained glass, wall art and large mirrors all come together to create the perfect old-timey, traditional Irish pub vibe.
As I mentioned, there are different levels and another bar on the second floor. There’s plenty of seating, live music at night and a full dinner menu. They have a great system where you grab a menu on your way in, pick what you’d like to order and head to the bar to order. The bartenders were fun and playful.
The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is a popular bar and definitely on my list of the best pubs in Dublin. Its claim to fame is that it’s the oldest pub in Dublin. That fact alone makes it a must-visit.
It’s become a little touristy but honestly, it’s worth a visit. We first headed inside to grab a bite to eat for dinner.
Upstairs it feels like you’re in someone’s home which is what I’ve come to realize is the norm here in Ireland and part of its charm.
After we finished dinner, we headed outside to enjoy a drink on the patio. They have a few different sections to sit in. It’s a chill atmosphere and the perfect place to soak in the history of Ireland, people watch, book your Dublin tour, and enjoy a pint of Guinness.
They have live traditional music at 9pm every night and 3-6pm on Sundays.
The Cobblestone Pub
The Cobblestone Pub is one of Dublin’s most popular spots to listen to live traditional music. It’s a small space but that’s what makes the experience. Tourist and locals alike standing or sitting, shoulder to shoulder, enjoying the music.
At one point during our time there the bartender whistled and asked everyone to quiet down because there was a flute solo starting. It was truly a magical experience to have everyone quiet in the pub (that never happens!) listening to the flute. Goosebumps.
The music starts at different times throughout the week so just make sure you check their schedule if you’re hoping to catch some music.
If it looks packed full from the front door, head around the corner to the side door. You’ll be able to get in that way.
Porterhouse Temple Bar
Gogarty’s
Gogarty’s is a great spot if you want to listen to live music and enjoy a pint, especially during the day. Many pubs have live music, but some don’t start music until around 9pm so if you’re looking for an afternoon thing to do, this is a great option. We enjoyed a pint of Guinness and the music by two young men on guitar and violin. The second time we visited, we enjoyed a nice lunch and the music by a guitar duo. It was a great experience all around.
Fitzsimons Roof Top Patio
If you happen to be in Dublin when the weather is sunny and warm (consider yourself extra lucky), Fitzsimons has a roof top patio or as they call it, a ‘roof garden’ to enjoy. It’s full of flowers, patio lights hanging from corner to corner, and picnic tables to sit at. They also have lots of seating inside with live music to enjoy.
For full transparency, the rooftop doesn’t have a view of Dublin or anything, it’s more like a patio.
