15 Best Pubs In Dublin For Guinness, Music, And Irish Atmosphere

If you’re looking for the best pubs in Dublin, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you are planning a trip to Ireland, spending some time exploring the pubs in Dublin is almost essential. Dublin’s pub culture is woven into the city itself, and whether you are looking for traditional Irish music, a perfectly poured Guinness, historic Victorian interiors, or lively late-night atmosphere, there is a pub here for you.

Personally, I think one of the best things about visiting Dublin is how different each pub feels. Some are loud and crowded in the best possible way, while others are super cozy, especially on a rainy afternoon.

This guide covers some of the best pubs in Dublin, including historic Irish pubs, famous Guinness spots, traditional music pubs, and a few local favourites that are absolutely worth adding to your Dublin itinerary.

I honestly don’t think you can travel to Ireland, and especially Dublin, without visiting at least one pub.

What Kind Of Dublin Pub Experience Are You Looking For?

One of the best things about visiting pubs in Dublin is that they all feel completely different. Some are packed with tourists and live music, while others feel quiet, local, and almost frozen in time. Before planning your pub stops, it helps to know what kind of atmosphere you are looking for.

Traditional Irish Music Pubs

If hearing live Irish music is high on your Dublin bucket list, you are in luck. Many traditional pubs in Dublin host live music sessions every night, especially around Temple Bar and areas like Smithfield. Places like The Cobblestone and O’Donoghue’s are particularly well known for authentic Irish music.

Historic And Victorian Pubs

Some of the oldest pubs in Dublin are attractions in their own right. Dark wooden interiors, stained glass, and tiny snugs make places like The Long Hall, The Palace Bar, and The Stag’s Head feel so atmospheric. Even if you are not a huge pub person, these historic Dublin pubs are worth visiting for the experience alone.

Tourist Pubs Vs Local Pubs

Temple Bar is famous for a reason. It is lively, energetic, and full of visitors looking for the classic Dublin pub experience. But if you want something quieter and more local, there are plenty of traditional Irish pubs outside the main tourist areas where you will find a more relaxed atmosphere and often slightly cheaper prices too.

The Best Pubs In Dublin For Guinness

Not all Guinness tastes the same, at least according to Dublin locals. Some pubs have built reputations around pouring an exceptional pint, including Kehoes, Mulligan’s, and Grogan’s. Even if you are not normally a Guinness drinker, Dublin is probably the place to try one.

15 Best Pubs In Dublin For Guinness, Music, And Irish Atmosphere

The Palace Bar Is One Of The Best Traditional Pubs In Dublin

Best for: Traditional atmosphere and old-school Dublin charm

When you start your search for pubs in Dublin, there are a few places you’ll see over and over again – and for good reason!

One of those is the Temple Bar, which is the most popular pub in Dublin.

On Google alone, the Temple Bar has over 27k reviews and an average score of 4.6 stars. That’s pretty impressive!

Temple Bar originally opened in 1840 and is partially so popular thanks to its colorful past.

When it opened, it was the go-to place in Dublin for a night of debauchery.

Today, it’s best known for having the largest collection of Irish whiskey in Ireland. The collection currently includes over 450 kinds of rare whiskey.

When you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted by live traditional Irish music. So, you can fully immerse yourself in Irish culture while you sip your whiskey.

If you want to sample rare whiskey then you have to make a stop at Temple Bar, Dublin’s most popular pub.

So even if you only have one day in Dublin, put this on your list!

The Celt Is One Of The Best Local Pubs In Dublin

Best for: Hearty Irish food, live music, and a welcoming local atmosphere

One of the best pubs in Dublin if you want the full immersive Irish experience is The Celt.

The Celt is located in northern Dublin and is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Also daily, starting at 9:30 pm they have a live band that plays traditional Irish music.

What makes it the full experience is the pub’s vast menu. When you visit The Celt, you’ll get to try not only Irish beer and whiskey, but Irish food too!

The Celt might be the best pub in Dublin for food thanks to its classic Irish menu.

On their menu, you’ll find dishes like beef and Guinness stew, bangers and mash, and chowder with smoked haddock, salmon, and cod.

Their bar menu is also full of Irish classics like Guinness and Smithwicks on tap.

The Celt is definitely one of the best pubs in Dublin!

Kehoes Is One Of The Best Heritage Pubs In Dublin

Best for: A perfectly poured Guinness and classic old Dublin atmosphere

If you want to visit a traditional Dublin pub, consider a trip to Kehoes Heritage Pub.

Kehoes Heritage Pub started building in 1803 and was finished towards the end of the 19th century.

It’s full of classic Victorian charm with beautifully stained glass doors, partitions, and old Irish snugs.

Kehoes is one of the Dublin city center pubs that has become a popular establishment for both locals and tourists to visit.

Part of that is because of its charm, but partially because it’s also known to have the ‘best pint in Dublin’.

You can visit Kehoes daily from lunch until well into the night. They have different closing times depending on the day of the week.

The Stag’s Head Is One Of Dublin’s Most Historic Victorian Pubs

Best for: Ornate Victorian interiors and a classic old Dublin pub atmosphere

The Stags Head is a traditional Dublin pub that was established in 1770.

At the time, it was a different pub under a different name, but in the same building.

In the 1830s, The Stags Head really became what it’s known for today, under the name ‘John Bull’s Albion Hotel and Tavern’.

It was close to all the theaters in Dublin and fashionable stores.

So people traveling to Dublin to experience the theater and shopping would stay there.

It quickly gained a reputation for excellent food, a good pint, and a nice place to stay!

Today, that reputation continues to draw visitors from all over the world to The Stags Head.

So, stop in The Stags Head for Dublin’s best pub food and a refreshing pint of Guinness!

The Brazen Head Is Dublin’s Oldest Pub

Best for: Irish history, live music, and one of Dublin’s most iconic pub experiences

Dublin’s oldest pub can be found on Bridge Street. The Brazen Head has been in its current building since 1754 and was a coaching inn.

However, there are documents referring to this pub in Dublin as far back as 1653.

Plus, since 1198, there has been a hostelry of some kind on the property.

So, The Brazen Head’s roots are deep in Dublin’s history.

Brazen Head Dublin is open Monday through Sunday, from 12 pm until ‘late’. They serve food in the bar until 9 pm.

It’s an iconic Dublin city center pub and has been for a very long time.

So you definitely want to take the time to visit, grab a pint, and enjoy a traditional Irish meal.

The Cobblestone Is One Of The Best Dublin Pubs For Traditional Irish Music

Best for: Authentic Irish music sessions and a true local pub atmosphere

The Cobblestone describes itself as ‘a drinking pub with a music problem’.

That’s because they’re known for their nightly traditional Irish music sessions.

The family that owns The Cobblestone is a group of renowned traditional Irish musicians, and they play nightly in the pub.

They start are different times, depending on the day of the week.

The Cobblestone is located in the historic Smithfield neighborhood in Dublin.

So it’s a great place to stop for the night after exploring Dublin.

If you want a unique experience at a Dublin Irish pub, then head to The Cobblestone.

There are many places to have brunch in Dublin the next morning!

Mulligan’s Is One Of Dublin’s Most Classic Old-School Pubs

Best for: A traditional pint of Guinness and an authentic old Dublin atmosphere

Mulligan’s Pub is just a two-minute walk away from Dublin’s main thoroughfare.

It’s one of the best Dublin City center pubs and has been open since 1782.

Mulligan’s is famous for a number of reasons.

The pub of course serves classics like Guinness and Irish whiskey. But it’s long attracted famous writers to sit and enjoy a pint.

Irish author James Joyce was a regular at this Dublin bar and in the mid-1950s John F. Kennedy visited the pub when he was a journalist for Hearst Newspapers.

That’s just to name a few of the bar’s famous visitors!

Inside you’ll find an elegant and simple pub reminiscent of the 18th century, thanks to some of its original decor.

You can also see where James Joyce sat for hours and pay tribute to the iconic Irish writer.

If you are spending the weekend in Dublin, you should definitely visit this pub!

O’Donoghue’s Is One Of Dublin’s Most Famous Music Pubs

Best for: Traditional Irish music and a lively historic atmosphere

O’Donoghues Bar is another one of the best pubs in Dublin’s city center.

Unlike most of the pubs in Dublin, O’Donoghues is actually open 7 days a week, starting at 9 am.

That’s because they serve a full Irish Breakfast daily from 9 am to 3 pm.

O’Donoghues’ full Irish Breakfast includes a ton of food, so you can start your day exploring Dublin with a full stomach.

There is sausage, bacon, black pudding, white pudding, fried egg, roasted tomato, hashbrowns, beans, and toast.

No matter what time of day you’re enjoying the full Irish breakfast, you can enjoy it with a pint of classic Guinness.

Throughout the week, they also have live music and other events.

It’s truly one of the best pubs in Dublin’s city center!

The Palace Bar Is One Of The Best Traditional Pubs In Dublin

Best for: Old-school Dublin charm, quiet conversations, and a perfectly poured Guinness

The Palace Bar is a small and cozy Dublin pub that was established in 1823.

It features tons of stained glass, Victorian wooden booths, and a bar with over 100 varieties of Irish whiskey.

It’s in the Temple Bar neighborhood, right around the corner from the famous Temple Bar pub.

But unlike the Temple Bar, The Palace Bar is mostly full of locals looking for a quiet place to enjoy a pint or dram of whiskey.

So, it’s not your typical ‘tourist trap’ style pub in Dublin.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quiet spot to have a drink with friends, away from all the more touristy areas of Dublin.

You’ll of course find Guinness on tap, but they also are known for championing local Irish breweries that maybe aren’t so well known.

So lovers of craft beer will definitely want to make a stop in The Palace Bar.

Murray’s Bar Is One Of The Best Modern Pubs In Dublin

Best for: Live music, energetic atmosphere, and a fun night out in Dublin

One of Dublin’s newest pubs is Murray’s Bar. Murray’s has been open in Dublin for over 20 years and has become a staple in Dublin’s pub scene.

If you’re looking for a more modern Dublin Pub, definitely visit Murray’s.

The pub is full of TVs playing a variety of sports, they have live music on the weekends, and classic pub food.

Their pub menu includes burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and steak and Guinness pie.

Murray’s is open six days a week and everyone of all ages is welcome to stop in for a delicious meal and a good drink.

Doheny & Nesbitt Is One Of Dublin’s Most Characterful Victorian Pubs

Best for: Classic Victorian interiors and a more relaxed local atmosphere

Doheny & Nesbitt has been open since 1867 and is located smack in the middle of some of the most historic landmarks in Dublin.

It’s by the House of Parliament, Trinity College, Stephen’s Green, and Landsdowne Road, just to name a few.

Because of its location, it’s long been a popular Dublin pub. It’s also one of the oldest family-owned pubs in Dublin!

Doheny & Nesbitt is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Their menu is full of traditional Irish food along with some more modern classics like burgers and sandwiches.

The pub itself is full of unique Victorian architectural features, which is another reason people love to visit.

You can hang out at the bar or in one of the two original snugs, which were rooms that only women could use during the Victorian period.

The Long Hall Is One Of Dublin’s Most Beautiful Victorian Pubs

Best for: Stunning historic interiors and a timeless old Dublin atmosphere

The Long Hall is another beautiful Victorian-era pub in Dublin.

It backs ups to the Dublin Castle and originally opened in the 1860s.

At that time the pub became a popular spot for Fenians at the time to gather.

Inside the pub, you’ll find authentic Victorian decor, art nouveau glasswork, etchings of famous people who gathered there, and more.

This pub in Dublin serves a wide variety of drinks and food. They also have their own line of traditional Irish whiskey that you can sample when you visit.

If you’re looking for a beautiful Dublin pub with a great bar menu, head to The Long Hall.

Toners Is A Classic Dublin Pub With One Of The City’s Best Beer Gardens

Best for: Outdoor drinks, lively atmosphere, and a traditional Dublin pub experience

Toners opened in Dublin in 1734 and since then, has become a popular Dublin pub.

Today, it’s especially popular with the younger crowd.

The atmosphere in Toners can be fairly rowdy, especially if they happen to be hosting a sports event viewing party.

So if you want to enjoy a sporting event while you’re in Dublin, Toners is probably one of the best pubs in Dublin to visit.

However, if you want some quiet, they also have a super charming snug at the front of the pub.

It’s a good place to sit and enjoy a pint in peace.

They also have a pretty decent-sized beer garden in the back of the pub that’s popular in the summer months.

The Gravediggers Is One Of Dublin’s Most Unique Traditional Pubs

Best for: Old-school Dublin character and a quiet pint away from the tourist crowds

At The Gravediggers, you won’t find large TVs with sports playing. You might not even find music playing.

What you will find is a welcoming atmosphere, a good pint, and excellent conversation.

The Gravediggers was established by the Kavanaugh family in 1833. Today, the Kavanaugh family still owns and operates The Gravediggers.

In fact, it’s normal to find three generations of Kavanaugh’s behind the bar serving up pints and good conversation.

You’ll find Gravediggers in a quiet area of North City Centre Dublin.

It’s one of the few historic businesses still located in that part of Dublin.

So if you’re looking for a good atmosphere and a good pint of Guinness, head to the Gravediggers.

Johnnie Fox’s Is One Of Ireland’s Most Famous Traditional Pubs

Best for: Traditional Irish music, mountain views, and a lively night outside Dublin

Johnnie Fox’s Pub is famed for being ‘Ireland’s Highest Pub’, thanks to its location perched on a mountain.

You’ll find Johnnie Fox’s at the Glencullen Mountains, in Dublin County. So it’s not technically in the city of Dublin.

But people travel the 45 minutes to take part in one of Johnnie Fox’s famous Hooley Nights.

Hooley Night is super popular at this Dublin pub.

You’ll see traditional Irish dancing, hear traditional Irish music, and get to enjoy a traditional Irish meal.

Johnie Fox’s is also a living history museum thanks to its almost entirely authentic building and relics within the pub.

If you’re up for the 45-minute drive, you have to visit Johnnie Fox’s Pub.

It is one of the coolest restaurants in Dublin to experience.

FAQ About The Best Pubs In Dublin

What is the oldest pub in Dublin?

The Brazen Head is widely considered the oldest pub in Dublin, dating back to 1198. It is one of the city’s most famous historic pubs and is known for live music, Irish food, and centuries of history.

Which pub in Dublin has the best Guinness?

Many locals argue that Kehoes, Mulligan’s, and Grogan’s serve some of the best Guinness in Dublin. The answer is highly debated, but trying a few for yourself is part of the fun.

Are Dublin pubs family friendly?

Many Dublin pubs are family friendly during the daytime, especially those serving food. However, some become adults-only environments later in the evening, particularly around Temple Bar.

Is Temple Bar worth visiting?

Temple Bar is definitely touristy, but it is still worth experiencing at least once if you are visiting Dublin for the first time. The area is lively, packed with pubs and live music, and has a fun atmosphere, although prices are usually higher than elsewhere in the city.

Do pubs in Dublin serve food?

Yes, many pubs in Dublin serve traditional Irish food alongside drinks. You will commonly find dishes like Irish stew, fish and chips, seafood chowder, and beef and Guinness pie.

What time do pubs close in Dublin?

Most pubs in Dublin close between 11:30 PM and 2:30 AM depending on the day of the week and whether they have a late licence. Temple Bar pubs often stay open later than quieter local pubs.

Dublin’s pub culture is about far more than drinking. The best pubs in Dublin are places filled with music, history, conversation, and atmosphere.

Whether you spend your evening listening to traditional Irish music in a packed pub, sipping Guinness in a Victorian snug, or escaping the crowds in a quieter local favourite, visiting Dublin’s pubs is one of the best ways to experience the city itself.

If you have three days in Dublin, there are many iconic pubs to explore, Have fun.