Best Old Dublin pubs
Perhaps more than anything, Dublin is know for its pubs - and a trip to Dublin isn't complete until you've visited at least one. And it's the easiest way to get to know the city and its people. Although there are loads of new pubs, it's the old traditional pubs that truly define Dublin. And, while we're tried our best, it's impossible to list the top five or even 10 best pubs in Dublin; some will agree with our choices, some won't. There are some great pubs omitted from this list, for sure, and, while we can't promise this is the definitive list of best pubs, we can promise that every single one on this list is an absolute gem - an indelible part of Dublin's past and present life. And well worth an hour or two (or more).
1. MULLIGANS of POOLBEG STREET
WHERE: 8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, D02TK71 | 14 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday
Mulligan's has been serving pints since 1782 - and it hasn't changed much in that time. This will appeal to some people, but not to others - you hopefully known which category you come into! It describes itself as a "No nonsense pub with a cast of regulars and a lack of modern pomposity" - and that's pretty much exactly what it is. In the past, Mulligan's was an important literary pub, then a theatrical pub and after that a newspaper pub (given its proximity to the Irish Times offices) - John Fitzgerald Kennedy, when a reporter with the Hearst Newspaper, was known to spend time here.
2. KEHOE'S
WHERE: 9 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, D02NY88 | 14 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 10.30am-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 11.30am-11.30pm, Sunday
Located just off Grafton Street, Kehoe's of South Anne St is one of Dublin's oldest pubs at over 200 years old. It's also, however, one of the liveliest and most social pubs you'll ever enter! It's also mostly unchanged from its Victorian origins - and you'll still find original glass mahogany doors, traditional snug and partitions. Choose between the downstairs bar and the upstairs lounge (which used to be the owner's living quarters).
3. THE LONG HALL
WHERE: 51 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02DV74 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 12pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday
Another of Dublin's great Victorian-era pubs, the Long Hall has been around for over 250 years - and, again, has changed barely at all in this time. It still has the original Victorian dispensers for port and brandy by the original mahogany bar, as well as elaborate partitions with gold leaf detail, ornate stained glass and beveled mirrors. The pub takes its name from a long, narrow hall-like snug that used to run behind the bar (this was the women's part of the bar, while the men drank in the existing bar that exists today). As you walk up South Great George's Street, you'll easily notice the Long Hall by its distinctive red and white canopies. (Said, too, to be Bruce Springsteen's favourite Dublin pub).
4. THE PALACE BAR
WHERE: 21 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02H950 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday to Thursday; 12pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday
Yet another of Dublin's great and revered Victorian pubs, the Palace Bar is more than 200 years old. In its own words: "It's a treasure house of mahogany and oak, of gilded mirrors that have reflected the story of the city, of clocks that have ticked lazily across the centuries, measuring the gently passing days". Throughout the 20th Century, the Palace Bar was a meetinghouse for Dublin's literary greats, and it still attracts writers and actors from nearby Abbey Theatre, as well as students from Trinity College, visitors to Dublin and regulars. It's a calm, intimate, friendly and welcoming pub - especially pleasant for an afternoon or early evening visit. As well as the main bar downstairs, you'll find the Whiskey Palace upstairs lounge.
5. THE STAG'S HEAD
WHERE: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, D02TW84 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Monday to Thursday; 12pm-1am, Friday & Saturday; 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday
Modernised in 1895 (!), the Stag's Head was renowned as the most elegant pub in Dublin in its day - stained glass windows, mirrors, wood panelling and the spectacular stag's head above the bar. By Victorian standards, it was lavish. Pretty much unchanged since then, it's a huge favourite among Dubliners - in fact, ask any local what's their favourite pub in the city and the answer will probably be The Stag's Head. Also a nice option for lunch or dinner.
6. NEARY'S
WHERE: 1 Chatham Street, Dublin 2, D02EW93 | 13 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12am, Monday to Wednesday; 11.30am-12am, Thursday-Saturday; 12.30pm-10.30pm, Sunday
Neary's is one of the more 'respectable' of the old traditional Dublin pubs - perhaps due to its long connection to the arts and theatre owing to its proximity to the Gaiety Theatre (just across the street). It's been in business as Neary's since 1887 and nearly the original features remain intact and in use, including the two gas lamps that adorn the front door of the pub. Inside there are four gas lamps still in use - thought to be the last working indoor gas lamps in Ireland. The upstairs Lounge is also well worth a look and there is a small but good menu for food.
7. GROGAN'S or (CASTLE LOUNGE)
WHERE: 15 South William Street, Dublin 2, D02H336 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 10.30am-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday
While it doesn't possess the elegance or quiet grandeur of some of the other old Dublin pubs, Grogan's Castle Lounge (known more commonly as simply Grogan's) is without question a pub that Dubliners have huge affection for - there's a friendliness and an intimacy to its shabby elegance! The outside seats are the perfect perch for people watching on South William Street (perhaps the trendiest street in the city) while inside it's as much an art gallery as a pub where local artists display their works for sale.
