DanckTravel

You’ve made it to Dublin! The beer is cold, the pubs are cozy, and the stories flow as freely as the whiskey. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pub-goer or a total newbie just trying to figure out if “a pint of the black stuff” is your vibe (spoiler alert, this is a reference to Guinness), this city has something for everyone.

I’m about to spill the tea on the best places to drink in Dublin. By tea, I do mean beer, whiskey, and unimaginable joy.  

You all already know where I enjoy my tea. 

In Boston Harbor. 

History of Pubs in Irish Culture

Irish pubs play a huge role in Irish culture and history. The tradition of Irish drinking establishments dates back centuries, rooted in community, storytelling, and, well, a love for the ‘craic.’  

This is Irish slang for ‘fun’ and NOT what you are thinking.  My first few days after moving here were interesting as I kept assuming people were asking about something else and, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why people were assuming I had that on me.  Yes, I was tired from the move and was still a bit rumpled in my athleisure wear (ie old sweatpants and a giant sweatshirt), but did I look that disheveled?!? 

And then a kind soul took pity on me and explained to me what ‘craic’ was.  So I am being the kind soul to you right now and making sure you look less foolish than I did. 

You are reading this blog, so you’re probably still going to look foolish on your travels, but let’s try to lessen that, shall we? 

Back to pub history.  Pubs weren’t just about knocking back a few ales; they were the heart of Irish villages—places where people gathered to share news, music, and exaggerated tales about that time Seamus caught the biggest fish ever (lol. Come on, Seasmus. We can SEE the fish). 

Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and the pub scene exploded, with whiskey and stout taking center stage. It became as much about the atmosphere as the booze, with bartenders doubling as therapists and comedians. Sure, the times have changed, but Irish pubs have held onto their charm.

The Temple Bar Experience  

Ah, Temple Bar. Tourist central but so iconic it’s impossible to skip. Love it or hate it (I’m on the fence), experiencing the area’s lively, almost electric atmosphere is a rite of passage. 

Walk down these cobblestone streets, and every few feet, you’ll hear live music pouring out from the pubs, and see maybe one or two drunk stags stumbling around trying to make it to the next pub.  It’s magical.  

And also pricey, so keep that in mind as well.  

Temple Bar Pub  

This one’s the OG of Temple Bar. 

Yes, it’s crowded.
Yes, drinks are overpriced.
And YES, you should give it one visit.

Let me be clear, ONE visit is ENOUGH. Once is fine, there are so many better pubs in Dublin, but the iconic red pub is impossible to skip. If you go here every night during your visit in Dublin, you are a wealthy fool who will be broke by the time you leave. If you are wondering how people afford to travel, it’s by not going here every night.

The bright red exterior and fairy lights scream, “Take a selfie, tourist!” Plus, the live music here is excellent. 

The Auld Dubliner  

Just steps away, the Auld Dubliner is a cozy pub offers a slightly more relaxed vibe.  They have a delicious Irish stew that pairs well with a pint, great live music and, I cannot stress how much more relaxed this pub is over Temple Bar Pub.  

The Porterhouse  

Now here is one of my favorites in Temple Bar!  The Porterhouse is Dublin’s oldest microbrewery and serves a wide variety of their own beers along with guest brews. The pints are great and the selection is unique compared to a normal pub. They also have live music here as well and plenty of areas to sit and enjoy your pint. 

Traditional Pubs Beyond Temple Bar 

Now, here’s where Dublin really shines. Let’s get away from Temple Bar.  These next two bars are still a bit touristy but worth the visit. 

The Brazen Head 

Established in 1198, The Brazen Head lays claim to being Ireland’s oldest pub. Imagine sipping on a Guinness surrounded by walls that have seen everything from medieval feasts to modern-day gatherings! As someone who loves history, you know I was having a great time there.  

Also the live music there happens nightly and is amazing. Add in the friendly bartenders and the good food, there’s a lot to love about the Brazen Head. Wondering how friendly the bar staff is at the Brazen Head?  When we politely asked if we could take some photos of a stuffed mammoth at the bar, they said yes. 

O’Donoghue’s 

If Irish music is your jam, don’t miss O’Donoghue’s. Known as the birthplace of The Dubliners, this pub’s traditional music sessions are legendary. 

Modern Bars and Craft Beer Gems  

Dublin isn’t just about stouts and traditional pubs. The modern bar scene here is thriving, with more cocktail bars and craft beers spots opening all the time. 

The Vintage Cocktail Club (VCC)  

I LOVE the Vintage Cocktail Club. It’s hidden behind an unmarked black door in Temple Bar and let me tell you about the menu.  The menu is based on history!!!! Are you excited???! I AM!!!!! The cocktails are delicious, the wait staff are great and the menu offers a lot of different options andddddd has a prohibition page! Isn’t that fun?? Are you having fun?!

You should be, otherwise you are uncultured and I can’t stand you.  

But what else is new.

You do need a reservation to get in here, so make sure to book ahead. 

The Glasshouse Dublin  

This trendy bar is right next to the 3Arena and has a very unique vibe. Because of its location, The Glasshouse is a perfect spot to kick off the night before a show at the 3Arena or after to wrap up your night.  I don’t remember the name of the cocktail I got here, but it was served to me in a teapot which was fun! It was not a hot cocktail so that did throw me off a little, but I’m a sucker for fun ways to serve cocktails. 

They also have ticketed nights.  We went to the hip hop night, and I had a blast dancing around.

Peruke & Periwig  

A whimsical blend of quirky décor and delicious cocktails, Peruke & Periwig is a must for cocktail lovers.  In case you’re a follower of our TikTok page, this bar was mentioned in one of our posts as a Girls’ Night that went wrong for me.  If I had known 13,000 of you were going to see that, I would have kept that night to myself TBH.   

BrewDog Dublin  

Calling all craft beer lovers! BrewDog serves up a dynamic range of beers brewed in-house. This spot oozes modern, energetic vibes and doubles as a hangout space with great food.  They do have Wings Wednesday and that is something I can highly recommend.  I had to be rolled home afterwards by my friends, but I left so happy.  

They also have fried oreos as a dessert that I HIGHLY recommend.  One thing to note is that you can play “rock, paper, scissors” to try to win a free dessert, but don’t underestimate the staff.  They are expert mind readers and will leave you flabbergasted after they wreck you in every game. 

But the oreos are def worth paying for, so try your luck anyway and get one. 

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites  

Want the authentic, less-crowded Dublin drinking experience? Go where the locals go.  

The Long Hall  

Stepping into The Long Hall feels like stepping back in time. Ornate wood panels, red wallpaper, and a timeless ambiance make this one of Dublin’s coziest spots.  

Fallon’s  

A little off the beaten track, Fallon’s is a charming pub that is a favorite among locals. Last time I was there, it was cash only so bring some cash along just in case! 

The Cobblestone  

Known for its no-frills traditional Irish music, The Cobblestone isn’t just a pub; it’s an experience.  They have live music every night and I highly recommend going for the experience. 

The Stag’s Head

Another one of my favorites! Located on the corner of Dame Court and Dame lane, the Stag’s Head has a cozy interior and has the reputation of being one of Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pubs.  It was actually featured in the Film ‘A Man of No Importance.’

The Dame Tavern

You ever have one of the moments of clarity where you realize, you may be the problem?  As I feel like I may be the problem as I mention another one of my favorite pubs.  The Dame Tavern is located right across from The Stag’s Head and is another place I love.  They always have fantastic music on, but it does get quite crowded inside, so if I’m there, you’ll find me enjoying my pint outside with plenty of company.   

Wine Bars for a Change of Pace  

We all love a pint or a glass of whiskey, but sometimes your girl is feeling a Rose Day and who is she to ignore the wine call? 

Piglet Wine Bar  

Located in Temple Bar, Piglet offers an excellent selection of fine wines and small plates. As it is a small space, I recommend making a res beforehand and checking out the menu before going.  They have a limited selection of wines on site, with more bottle available if you call ahead and ask to have a certain one.

Ely Wine Bar  

For those serious about their vino, Ely is heaven. Their extensive menu includes organic and biodynamic wines, so there is a huge selection here.

Sfuso

One of my personal favorites!  The staff at Sfuso are excellent, the wine list has lots of options and the food was amazing! We’ll do another post on food, where I will mention this place again, but right now, we’re talking wine. This place is a great spot to split a bottle of wine and have a cozy chat with a friend.  They have an indoor and outdoor space, but it is small so get a res ahead of your visit. 

La Cave Wine Bar and Restaurant

Another favorite of mine, for the wine AND the food.  Don’t worry, this will be on my recommendation list for food as well, but the WINE.  At La Cave Wine Bar, they have the restaurant split into two sections.  Upstairs looks like a normal restaurant, if they have room for you to sit downstairs, sit downstairs.  It feels more hidden away and will make your wine and food experience feel more IG vibes (on top of already being delicious). 

Olesya’s Wine Bar & Bistro

Apparently every wine bar I go to, I go there for the food as well.  Olesya’s had delicious food, amazing staff and a fantastic wine selection.  We had a harder time deciding where to start, but the staff was great about providing recommendations.  

The Port House Pintxo

Yeah, yeah you already know the drill here.  I also LOVE the food at The Port House.  I know. How shocking. This place focuses on Spanish food and wine, and they have a great selection of both.  

If you ask KDancks, she will probably also tell you how great the lighting is in here for photos.  The place is a girls’ night dream.  

Less Traditional Pubs with a Twist  

Looking for something outside the box? Check out pubs with quirky activities to elevate your night.  

Buskers On The Ball  

Looking to be a bit more active?  At Buskers, you can challenge your friends to a game of beer pong, pool, or shuffleboard while enjoying a pint or two.  

Lane7

From Bowling to Shuffleboard and so much more, Lane7 will let you have fun while sipping on a cold pint.  There’s plenty to do, so if you want to have a more active night out, Lane7 might be your answer. I recommend making a booking before going. 

Pitch.  

My friends took me to Pitch for my birthday and I had a BLAST.  I will say, as someone who has mini golfed (not well), but never properly golfed, I walked in here with A LOT of confidence. More than I should have.  This is a personality trait that I am not working on in therapy, I’ve just accepted it as a hopefully endearing trait like how I can’t measure anything or think I am the same height as everyone. 

I’m endearing af. 

Back to Pitch, it’s a virtual golf simulator where you can play mini games, go to the driving range or play a proper round of golf.  They have a full service bar and food (we didn’t try the food here), and we had a great time.  You do need a reservation.  

Guinness Storehouse

I have been to the Guiness Factory probably 4 times now just due to bringing visitors there. The Storehouse is located in the heart of St James’s Gate Brewery and is a multi-story experience that takes visitors through the history, brewing process and more. 

Things I would recommend at the Storehouse:

• The Guinness Academy: this was actually a lot of fun to learn how to properly pour a pint
• The Gravity Bar: your tour ends here and this is where you get your free drink that is included in the base ticket.  It’s a rooftop space that offers panoramic views of Dublin and they do offer a few different drinks besides the normal pint of Guinness (why you are choosing anything else to drink is BEYOND me). 

Things I would not recommend at the Storehouse

• The Selfie Guinness: Yeah, it’s kind of fun to see your face printed on a Guinness, but that’s all it is. Just your face on the foam. At least with the Academy, you are learning something and you know how much we love learning new things here.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Another one of my favorite places! I have done the cocktail making class here 5 times, and LOVED it every time.  The class is fun and a favorite for when I have people visiting me here.  

Seriously.  

Everyone who has visited me here and done the class with me, says the Jameson class is their favorite night of their visit.  

The Jameson Distillery on Bow Street is a must-visit, even if you don’t love whiskey.  I’ve brought a few people here who HATED whiskey, but tried a cocktail or two, and were immediately converted into whiskey lovers. 

Located in Smithfield, you have a few different options on how you enjoy your Jameson.  You can either partake in the cocktail making class or try one of their other experiences.  It has a cozy feel, and the bartenders are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. 

The George

As one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ bars in Ireland, The George is more than just a pub—it’s a cultural institution in Dublin.  Known for its atmosphere, drag shows, themed nights, and more, The George draws in a very diverse crowd. I’ve always felt very safe while there with friends and have had so much fun while there.  There is the main area, but also downstairs, there is a quieter section.  This quieter section (affectionately called ‘Jurassic’) is part of the original George, which was called Bridie’s Bar. I love both parts of the George, it just depends on what kind of night I’m looking to have. 

Irish Whiskey Museum

Another favorite of mine! Wow. I may have a problem. 

But in my defense, this combines history AND whiskey! What more could you ask for?

The Irish Whiskey Museum is another fan favorite for my visitors.  I have now been there 4 times and the tour itself can vary a bit depending on the storyteller you have.  Most of it will be the same, but I have learned new things each time I’ve gone.

Located in the heart of Dublin on Grafton Street, the Irish Whiskey Museum takes visitors through the history of Irish whiskey by taking visitors through different themed rooms that represent different historical periods. 

Unlike other brand-affiliated distilleries (cough cough Jameson), the museum is independent and provides a pretty unbiased view of the different whiskeys.

After the tour, you can sit and enjoy some additional whiskey in the on-site McDonnell’s Bar.  The Bar offers a wide selection of whiskeys and cocktails, providing a perfect spot to relax, and there are some days that they do have live music here as well.  You can even skip the tour and go right to the bar.  My cousin and I did this before heading out (we did the tour the day beforehand), as the bar is pretty comfortable, quieter compared to other places and the staff is extremely knowledgeable about different whiskeys and had great recommendations. 

Top Tips for a Dublin Pub Crawl 

• Plan Your Route: Stick to one area (e.g., Temple Bar or Camden Street) to avoid excessive walking. 
• Start Early: Dublin pubs are lively as early as 6 PM, and can get crowded very quickly 
• Responsible Drinking: Irish drinking culture is fun but respectful. Pace yourself and know your limits. 
• Tip Your Bartender: While not mandatory, rounding up your bill will always be appreciated. 
• Who pays: Usually people take turns buying rounds instead of everyone going to buy their own pints separately.  If someone buys you a round, make sure to cover the next round. 

Special Occasions 

For festivals like St. Patrick’s Day, or the Christmas season, Dublin pubs take it up 10 notches. Fairy lights, carol singers, and even seasonal drinks like mulled wine add that extra sparkle. 

I think I’ll have to do a separate post on my favorite pubs to go to during Christmas, as I have a lot of opinions (shocking) and I really want to focus on summer vibes over christmas vibes right now. 

Experience Dublin’s Pub Scene for Yourself 

From the iconic bars of Temple Bar to hidden gems only the locals know about, Dublin has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great drinking cities. Whether you’re a tourist in search of live music, traveling solo and looking to meet people, or a seasoned beer enthusiast on the hunt for the perfect stout, there’s truly something for everyone here. 

Your next pint is waiting in Dublin! 🍺 

Author: SDanck

Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin Nightlife

What part of Dublin has the best nightlife?

When it comes to the best places to drink in Dublin, Temple Bar is probably the first place that comes to mind. It’s located right in the heart of the city, and is packed with so many different pubs with live music.  

But! There is so much more to Dublin’s Nightlife than Temple Bar! Areas like Camden Street, Harcourt Street, and South William Street are also good spots that offer a mix of traditional Irish pubs with more modern cocktail bars. 

What is the main drinking street in Dublin

The unofficial “main drinking street” in Dublin is Harcourt Street. With a few clubs and late-night spots, this street is where you’ll find locals and tourists dancing the night away. Clubs like Dicey’s Garden, Copper Face Jacks, and Krystle are Dublin nightlife institutions.

However, if you’re more into traditional pub crawls, then Dame Street and South Great George’s Street are excellent alternatives. These areas are home to some of the best pubs to visit in Dublin, including The Stag’s Head, The Long Hall, and The George—each offering a unique atmosphere and excellent drink selection.

What should you wear to a club in Dublin?

Depends on your vibe and where you’re going.  In cocktail or wine bars, you’ll want to look more put together, whereas a lot of the pubs mentioned here you can visit in jeans and a jumper. Some places will state the dress code on their site (if there is one), but you can also call and ask.  

I’m not calling for you to ask. I am not your mother. 

As you may end up outside (some of these places get really crowded and the best place to enjoy your pint might be outside), make sure to have a jacket with you, even in the summer.  My family keeps telling me they think it’s chilly here, but I think they’re ridiculous.