Dublin's finest pubs: A feast of food, pints, and merriment

Irish hospitality and local brews are famous worldwide, and Dublin stands at the heart of it all, offering the best in food and drink.

Explore a curated selection of Dublin's top pubs and nightlife venues, from historic spots dating back to the 1800s to fresh, new locations.

The Black Door Pub

The Black Door is so exclusive that even many Dublin locals may struggle to find it.

This chic, multi-level cocktail lounge/club/piano bar is tucked behind an unmarked black door on Harcourt Street. Inside, the stylish crowd sips champagne and aged Scotch, but the staff is welcoming to all (though you might face a challenge with the doorman if you're dressed casually).

The energy picks up and the music volume rises as the night progresses, continuing until the early hours. If you're seeking a quiet spot to chat, this isn’t the place; however, if you're after lively mingling and perhaps spotting a celebrity, it’s a great choice.

The Black Door, 58 Harcourt St., Dublin 2; +353 1 476 4606

John Kavanagh, also known as Gravediggers

For those few who manage to find this hidden gem on Dublin's Northside, it’s considered the best pub in the city. Run by the same family since it opened in 1833, ‘Gravediggers’ is located next to the historic Glasnevin Cemetery.

The pub earned its nickname by allegedly serving pints to Glasnevin’s gravediggers through a special window that overlooks the cemetery.

John Kavanagh is a rustic, traditional pub, and the only thing they serve here is Guinness. And it’s excellent.

In recent years, the owner has expanded the menu to include outstanding Irish-Italian dishes in a connected room. Though it's tucked away down a hidden alley and requires a bus ride to find, there’s something undeniably special about the place that keeps patrons returning for decades.

John Kavanagh – The Gravediggers, 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland; +353 1 830 7978

Fallon & Byrne Wine Cellar

This upscale grocery store transforms into one of Dublin’s top wine bars. Descend the staircase to discover a cozy, candle-lit wine cellar, complete with high wooden tables and rich, deep wine glasses.

Yes, this is a wine shop and you can certainly purchase a bottle to take home. However, feel free to browse the racks that line the walls, pick out something intriguing, and the staff will open it for you. (Corkage fees vary depending on the evening, but are always quite reasonable.)

The food menu is crafted by chefs from the gourmet restaurant upstairs (definitely worth a visit too). While it's advertised as light bites, it’s substantial enough to create a full meal with sharers and nibbles.

Fallon & Byrne, 11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 472 1012

Mulligan’s

To experience what a traditional Dublin pub looked like centuries ago, look no further than Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street, in operation since 1782. It’s said to have hosted famous personalities like Judy Garland, James Joyce, and renowned Irish sportswriter Con Houlihan.

The wooden floors are soaked with decades of spilled beer, the pew seating isn’t the most comfortable, and the ceilings are lower than most might like, but all of this adds to the unique charm of Mulligan’s.

It’s often said that Mulligan’s serves the best pint of Guinness in all of Dublin. If you’re only having one pint of the iconic drink in Dublin, Mulligan’s is the place to enjoy it.

Mulligan’s, 8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 677 5582

The Long Hall

Beyond traditional – it's more like a master class in history.

A beloved spot for Dublin locals, The Long Hall is a classic pub with exquisite Victorian decor and a level of refined service that keeps patrons coming back.

In addition to perfectly poured Guinness and a selection of well-known international lagers, The Long Hall is also famous for its strong gin and tonics. The bartenders still wear white shirts and black ties, a true nod to its historical legacy.

If there were any doubts, a quick glance at the ornate mirrors and intricately carved wooden snugs (private booths) immediately confirms The Long Hall’s rich history – and its undeniable beauty.

The Long Hall, 51 S. Great Georges St. Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 475 1590

The Black Sheep

As one of the pioneers in Dublin’s craft beer scene, The Black Sheep is an ale pub that offers a select range of exquisite, locally brewed craft beers from Ireland.

Designed like a modern British gastropub, the space has a shabby chic vibe with mismatched furniture, board games, and a cozy, homely atmosphere – but still remains bright thanks to its corner location with plenty of windows.

On tap, you'll find a rotating selection of Galway Bay Brewery ales and other rare Irish craft beers, depending on availability. The Black Sheep also serves up a gastropub-style menu, though the real focus here is on the impressive beer offerings.

The Black Sheep, 61 Capel Street, Dublin 7, Ireland; +353 1 873 0013

Bowes

Bowes is one of those hidden gems that Dublin locals adore, yet it remains largely unnoticed by tourists. Tucked just off the main tourist trail, yet only a short walk from Temple Bar, Bowes is a small, atmospheric pub with deep, weathered wood interiors and stained-glass partitions that transport you to a bygone era.

With minimal seating available, Bowes is more of a standing-room spot, but if you don’t mind that, you’ll find some of the best pints of Guinness and a warm, welcoming crowd in Dublin.

Bowes, 31 Fleet Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 671 4038

Traditional music pubs

Traditional Irish music, often referred to as 'trad,' was once a cornerstone of Irish culture, providing entertainment in small villages and local pubs where the social fabric of Ireland was woven.

Though the daily tradition of live Irish music has faded over the years, there are still many pubs in Dublin where you can experience this time-honored musical style, continuing a legacy that spans centuries.

A true trad session is unplugged and intimate, with musicians gathered around a humble pub table, their fiddles and accordions occasionally clashing as they share too many pints. While touristy pubs often feature watered-down versions of trad, these are a few spots where the authentic sound is still cherished:

The Cobblestone

The Cobblestone humorously refers to itself as 'a drinking pub with a music problem.'

A delightful 'problem' indeed. Every day of the week, some of Ireland’s finest musicians lead vibrant traditional Irish music sessions at this cozy venue. Even American artists have been known to drop by. You’ll find it in the lively Smithfield district.

In 2017, Dinogo shared a drink here with The Cranberries.

The Cobblestone, 77 King Street North, Dublin 7, Ireland; +353 1 872 1799

The Stag’s Head

This iconic venue was awarded the title of Best Pub by the Hospitality Ireland Association in 2016.

If that doesn't impress, the vintage Victorian charm and rich history might. This site has been home to a tavern since the 1780s, with The Stag’s Head officially opening its doors in 1894.

Enjoy comedy performances alongside live music here.

Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 679 3687

O’Donoghue’s

O'Donoghue's pub has been a key part of Dublin’s music scene since the 1930s. It was the birthplace of The Dubliners in the 1960s and has also hosted renowned performers like Bruce Springsteen.

Live music is featured every night of the week.

O’Donoghue’s, 15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 660 7194

The Brazen Head

There’s history, and then there’s *history*. The Brazen Head’s origins date back to 1198.

As for the music, you can enjoy traditional Irish melodies or find yourself entertained by contemporary performers on select nights.

Bands like Straight From the Crate and The Brazen Hussies have a loyal fanbase at this spot.

The Brazen Head, 20 Bridge St, Dublin 8, Ireland; +353 1 677 9549