It gets busy on weekends, so drop in for a quiet mid-week pint of Guinness to fully appreciate the classic wooden interior, mirrors and cozy décor. This original Dublin pub with its striking red and white exterior thankfully survived the complete reconstruction of the buildings around it during the Celtic Tiger boom. This is where famous Irish traditional band The Dubliners got its start and the members have come back to play here many times. A selection of traditional musicians get together for a “session” each night, playing fiddles, tin whistles, bodhrans and uilleann pipes. Stephen’s Green – that’s if you can get in the packed front door, as the place might be jammed. 20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8, +353, Įven if you’re in the city for just one night, don’t miss a live traditional Irish music session in the front bar of this cozy pub just off St. For food, tuck into beef and Guinness stew or a big bowl of steamed Irish mussels. Famous names that supped a pint or two in the pub include James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Jonathan Swift.

The building was originally a coach house (it’s not known how much of the original remains) and walls are lined with old pictures, papers and ads from the past. Here are 10 of the best places to do all of this and more:ĭating back to the year 1198, the Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and it’s still a lively spot, with live music every night. Or, if the pub has a snug – a tiny private section – set yourself up for a cozy evening of conversation while being served drinks through a sneaky direct hatch into the bar. Get in early and grab a high stool at the bar for some people-watching or eavesdropping on locals. Most places also offer a selection of Irish craft beers and some have food and live music. And, you can go all in with an Irish whiskey chaser.

If you haven’t tasted a Guinness in Ireland, these are the places to try the real thing. And, many of the best ones are hundreds of years old. However, the city’s best pubs are those that still have their traditional character, with ornate bars, mirrors, marble and stained glass. You’ll find everything from old traditional pubs with live Irish music sessions to funky city cocktail bars to superpubs with different levels. Dublin has around 1,000 neighborhood watering holes. It would be extremely difficult to cross Ireland’s capital city without passing a pub. At The Stag’s Head, the Victorian-style pub’s namesake spirit animal watches over much merriment.

Dublin music pub