If the Colosseum is the major attraction of Rome, and the Eiffel Tower is the hallmark of Paris, then the main ‘must visit’ spot of Dublin are the famous pubs! In fact, you can find about 17 pubs just at 1 square kilometer of Dublin’s area: from ancient cozy establishments with a long history to super-modern youth mega-pubs. But which one to choose? In order to make your choice easy, check out the list of the best Dublin’s pubs…
Kehoe’s Pub
(photo by Lao Lao)
Local residents say that Kehoe’s is one of the last truly iconic Dublin pubs. In addition, it’s also one of the oldest ones – the establishment was founded in 1803! Despite all the historical significance and the corresponding original decor, Kehoe’s atmosphere is simple and democratic. This fact proves a huge popularity of the pub among the locals who flock there on the evenings of Friday and Saturday. They say that it’s very crowded in Kahoe’s during these days!
Address: 9 South Anne Street
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12.30am, Sunday 12.30pm-11pm
The Stag’s Head
(photo by Jim Linwood)
Visitors call it a pub-museum because of the rich design in the style of the Victorian era with oak panels, stained-glass windows and a real stuffed deer head. By the way, the latter feature gave the name of the establishment! Stag’s Head opened its doors in 1894 – then it was the first Dublin’s pub with electric lighting. The bizarre design attracts not only the common visitors, but also stage directors. In the Stag’s Head a lot of British films were shot. Another highlight of the pub is free comedic performances and live music!
Address: 1 Dame Ct
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-12.30am, Friday-Saturday 11am-1.30am, Sunday 12pm-12am
The Merry Ploughboy
(photo by Julie Reeman)
This is another ‘old-aged’ pub in Dublin, which has been operating since the 1730s. In the Merry Ploughboy you can immerse yourself in the true atmosphere of Ireland, seasoned with national music, dances and, of course, masterpieces of local cuisine. The owners of the establishment are a group of musicians who perform in their own pub, and on the ‘backstage’ they invite the acting groups from all over Ireland. These concerts are held in a separate room. By the way, locals usually don’t attend bar shows. So, if you didn’t manage to go to the concert, you can feel like a real Irishman!
Address: 16 Edmondstown Rd, Rathfarnham
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 12.30pm-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-12.30am, Sunday 12.30pm-11pm
Gravity Bar
The pub is situated on the top floor of the famous Guinness Museum. In the building of the former beer factory there is an exposition that tells about the history of the Guinness brand, about the brewing techniques and shows a collection of ancient barrels and advertising posters of Guinness Company. Particularly noteworthy is the hall called ‘The Choice’, narrating about the dangers of alcohol. After the theoretical part, go to practice and go up to the Gravity Bar! In addition to delicious beer, you will certainly enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree views of Dublin opening from the pub, because all of its walls are made of glass!
Address: St. James Gate, Ushers
Working Hours: Monday-Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm
McDaids
Not all Irish pubs are distinguished by the atmosphere of luxury or fun – some of them can be really scary! For example, let’s mention McDaids decorated in art-deco style. At the end of the XVIII century there was a city morgue. Then the aura of the building was corrected transforming it into a church. Whether it worked or not, you can check on your own experience. However, it was successfully checked out by the Irish writers James Joyce and Brendan Bien – the former regulars of the McDaids pub.
Address: 3 Harry St
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 10.30am-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 10.30am-12.30am, Sunday 12.30pm-11pm
The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head was opened in 1198, and it was one of Robin Hood’s favorite relaxing spots. There are low ceilings in the room – just as it was customary to build many years ago, and very appropriate in this case old-fashioned furniture. If you are looking for a place with a truly Irish spirit, then first of all you need to visit the Brazen Head Pub.
Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, Merchants Quay
Working Hours: Monday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am-12.30am, Tuesday-Thursday 10.30am-11.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm-11.30pm
Sinnott’s Bar
(photo by BXYoung)
According to the organizers of the James Joyce award, Sinnott’s Bar deserves the title of a real Irish pub. It’s famous for its excellent iconic local food and live music. The walls of the hall are decorated with numerous portraits of famous historical figures of Dublin.
Address: South King Street
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-2.30am, Sunday 12.30pm-11pm
Dublin’s pubs are the most iconic establishments of the city, which can tell a lot about Irish history and spirit. So, you should definitely check out some of the pubs presented in this list while visiting Dublin. By the way, it’s recommended to make use of Dublin car rental in order to find the desired establishment easily and quickly.