15 Iconic Pubs in Central Dublin You Need to Visit

When planning a trip to Ireland, one of the first words that comes to mind is “pubs.” And in trying to figure out which pubs in Dublin to visit (because let’s be honest, you can’t visit them all), I almost guarantee you’ll find an overwhelming number, and everyone recommends different ones. Or worse, you find a pub that looks exciting but it’s nowhere near where you’ll be staying.

I’m here to share all 15 of the pubs in central Dublin that I saved for our trip. I found inspiration from nearly every source you can think of – lists of pubs that serve the best Guinness, guidebooks, Google reviews, and, yes, even arguments on Reddit between Irishmen about which of their neighborhood pubs is the best. Some of the pubs have great snugs, others serve a good pint of Guinness; some of the pubs have live music, while others are known for their historic atmosphere or popularity with the locals.

I recommend saving a handful for your trip and visiting one (or a few!) on your night out in Dublin!

15 of the Best Pubs in Central Dublin

So without further ado, here are 15 pubs in the center of Dublin (grouped by location), with a short explanation of why they made my list!

1.) Temple Bar: Perhaps the most talked about pub in Dublin, Temple Bar is worth at least walking past. It may be chaotic inside, but if you’re up for it, pop in for a pint!

2.) Darkey Kelly’s: Darkey Kelly’s, across from Christ Church Cathedral, has a great food menu, and live trad music every day! (Check the calendar on their website to see what time the music starts.) We ate dinner here and absolutely loved the Guinness Stew.

3.)The Long Hall: One of the older pubs in Dublin, The Long Hall is known for is moody, Victorian interior (chandeliers included!) and excellent pints of Guinness. It’s a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

4.) The Stags Head: Another traditional pub (with music!), The Stags Head features stained glass, lots of dark wood and mirrors, and, you guessed it, a stag’s head over the bar. It feels so much like the quintessential pub that it’s even been used in movies!

5.) The Palace Bar: With its stained glass skylight and Victorian architecture, you can’t help but feel the history of The Palace Bar. Truly, this pub feels historic, and it was frequented by some of Dublin’s greatest writers. (Check out the pub’s website for more of their history!)

6.) Bowe’s Lounge Bar: While close to Temple Bar, Bowe’s has a much quieter, traditional pub feel. Visited by students, tourists, and locals, Bowe’s is a “proper” pub for sitting and enjoying a few pints over the afternoon, enjoying great recommendations and banter with the bartenders. Locals also list Bowe’s as pouring a great Guinness.

7.) Mulligan’s: John Mulligan’s has been around for almost 250 years – and it’s still full of rowdy regulars. While the pub itself feels rather ordinary, many consider it the best pint of Guinness in Dublin!

8.) Sheehan’s: A bit off of Grafton Street, you’ll find Sheehan’s – a classic Irish pub (with a matching classic exterior!) run by the same family for over 90 years. The setting is cozy and traditionally Irish, and if you’re looking for a bite with your pint, this is your stop!

9.) Neary’s: If you’re looking for another of the pubs frequented by Dublin’s writers, give Neary’s a try! Often visited by poet Patrick Kavanagh, Neary’s has a plush, Edwardian style (think red velvet, carved wood, lots of lamps and chandeliers) that invites you to grab a pint and stay a while.

10.) McDaid’s: McDaid’s is traditional Dublin pub – lots of wood and an interesting tile pattern surrounding the bar – that traces its history back to the 18th century. (Its building was once the city morgue!) McDaid’s is one of the literary pubs of Dublin, and some of the writers’ portraits grace the walls.

11.) Kehoes Pub: If you’re looking for a cozy snug, try Kehoe’s! This pub was so popular with Dubliners that the top floor (once living quarters!) was converted into more bar space.

12.) O’Donoghues Bar: Well-touted as the pub where The Dubliners got their start, O’Donoghues still draws a crowd each night. Whether you’re there for live music, an excellent pint, or the atmosphere, it would be a great addition to your night out in Dublin.

13.) Doheny & Nesbitt: This pub is the perfect spot for music, antique snugs, and a pint! Doheny & Nesbitt also serves food, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. (We sat at tables in the basement with only other tourists. Not my favorite experience but the food was decent.) The main floor had great ambiance and was full of people just in for a pint and some music!

14.) Toners Pub: Another of Dublin’s age-old pubs, Toner’s has a classic neighborhood feel. Order a pint and settle into one of the snugs for an afternoon or evening chat with friends. They also have an outdoor space if you’re looking to enjoy a bit of the weather.

15.) Devitt’s Pub: Devitt’s is one of the best pubs if you’re looking for a night of music in Dublin! Grab a pint here, and you’re likely to hear a great trad session played by local musicians.

Looking to Explore More of Dublin?

Dublin has more to offer than a great pint! If you’re looking for a full itinerary of what to do and see in Dublin, check out Beyond the Guidebook: A Curated 2-Day Dublin Itinerary.