It is impossible to cross Dublin without passing a pub. The most fun solution is to not pass any of them and instead visit as many as possible. Temple Bar may be famous for its pubs, but it’s just the start. With 666 licensed pubs in Dublin, I am pretty sure that discovering Dublin’s best-loved drinking holes is a national pastime.
The first pub I encountered was Oliver St. John Gogarty (named after the Irish poet and surgeon), located one floor below my hostel room. During my stay, I was regaled with the music and cheers emanating from the pub late into the night.
The Confession Box - Dating back to the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), this pub has a quirky story behind where its name originated. Back then the pub was known as the Maid of Erin and some of the rebels were known to drop in to receive Communion and Confession from sympathetic priests from the nearby cathedral, thus earning the pub the nickname.
The Brazen Head (oldest pub in Dublin) - It is officially the oldest pub in Dublin, dating back to 1198. There’s a wealth of history within this busy little pub. The building that stands today dates back to the 1750s, and it was known to be used by the Irishmen while they plotted against the British Rule.
The Norseman - Back in the 1500s, It was originally known as the Wooden Man Tavern due to a wooden Viking statue outside on the street. The pub is among the oldest bars in Dublin. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don’t have to wait until evening opening times to satisfy any cravings you may have.
The Long Hall - The Long Hall is cozy, beautiful and one of Dublin’s oldest and most visually impressive pubs. The interior, which dates from 1881, has a Victorian-era vibe and is worth a visit during the pub crawl.
Temple Bar Pub - Locals will tell you that Temple Bar Pub is definitely not one of the best pubs in Dublin, but it is a tourist staple so I feel it had to be mentioned. Temple Bar is busy bar on Temple Bar streets. It’s usually always crowded with foreigners slamming down Guinness and listening to Irish music. They play live music 7 days a week. With this also comes the most expensive Guinness in Dublin, but that’s what you get for a bar that has hosted some of the most famous bands throughout history!
Mulligan and Haines - Dublin streets are steeped in literary folklore and this bar is no exception.
It draws inspiration from Chapter 10 of James Joyces’ Ulysses - a passage in which the character Buck Mulligan and his companion Haines entered this once Dublin Bread Company and enjoyed some tasty fare whilst engaging in a humorous exchange. I liked their tagline - "This is a place where stories are shared and enjoyed, music is played, hearts are won and lost and friendships thrive".
The Auld Dubliner - Situated smack in the middle of Temple Bar District, it is a colorful and photogenic pub. Its claim to fame is the fact that on a random day a few years ago, Bono of U2 strolled into this pub and decided to pour pints for everyone. The music is loud, as are the crowds - it is not possible to have a conversation inside this place!
Toners - Visiting this pub is like taking a trip back in time. Much of its decor has been preserved, including original furniture and even interior stone flooring. An established member of the famed beer-brewing Guinness family has himself declared that Toners pub pours the best pint of Guinness. This was also a popular spot with many writers, and rumor has it that Toners was the only pub where the famous poet Yeats would have a pint.
Fitzsimons Temple Bar - It is situated right in the heart of the happening Temple Bar area. It a great place for fun and drinks, with four floors of different bars, nightclubs and best of all, a rooftop beer garden. Not fancy and quite simple in decor, the rooftop terrace is still a great spot to enjoy views over the bustling streets of Temple Bar below.
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