Pubs in City Centre

One of Dublin's finest Victorian pubs. The Stag's Head on Dame Court features stunning stained glass, mahogany woodwork and a marble bar counter dating from 1895.

A Dublin institution just off Grafton Street. Kehoe's draws a loyal crowd of regulars, after-work drinkers and visitors who pack its tiny snug and stand-room-only front bar.

The unofficial HQ of Dublin's creative class. Grogan's on South William Street is famous for its toasties, its art on the walls, and a crowd that spans writers, musicians and characters of every kind.

Victorian splendour on South Great George's Street. The Long Hall's ornate interior - with its antique clocks, chandeliers and a bar stretching the full length of the room - makes it one of Dublin's most beautiful pubs.

Frequently cited as serving the best Guinness in Dublin. Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street has been pouring pints since 1782 and its old-school charm is completely undiminished.

A legendary comedy and music pub on Wicklow Street. The International Bar's upstairs comedy club has launched careers including Dylan Moran, Dara O'Briain and Tommy Tiernan.

The pub where The Dubliners started. O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row is synonymous with Irish traditional music and hosts sessions most nights of the week.

Dublin's political pub. Doheny & Nesbitt's on Baggot Street has been the unofficial watering hole of Leinster House politicians, journalists and barristers for generations.

A stylish neighbourhood pub near the Iveagh Gardens. P.Mac's blends traditional character with a strong craft beer selection and one of the best outdoor terraces in central Dublin.

Dublin's oldest and most iconic LGBTQ+ venue. The George on South Great George's Street has been at the centre of Dublin's queer nightlife since 1985, famous for its drag shows and club nights.

A rock and metal institution just off Grafton Street. Bruxelles has been Dublin's home of heavy music since the 1980s, with Phil Lynott's statue standing guard outside.

Quirky traditional pub near St Stephen's Green with a distinctive name and relaxed atmosphere popular with locals.

Famous literary pub immortalised in James Joyce's Ulysses. Art deco interior with quality seafood and cocktails.

Elegant Victorian pub next to the Gaiety Theatre, favoured by actors and theatre-goers with its ornate marble bar and gas lamps.

Historic literary pub off Grafton Street once frequented by Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh. Unchanged Victorian interior.

Reputedly the smallest pub in Dublin, tucked below street level on Dawson Street. A novelty visit but genuinely cosy.

Intimate old-school pub on Fleet Street with original Victorian snugs and a loyal local following.

Cavernous former sausage factory on Fade Street with soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and a tapas-style food menu.

Speakeasy-style bar above a clothes shop on Fade Street with no signage. Popular late-night spot with cocktails and DJs.

Spacious late bar popular with a younger crowd, known for its cocktails and weekend DJ sets on South Great George's Street.

Stylish late bar in the Powerscourt Centre courtyard with DJs, cocktails, and one of Dublin's best outdoor terraces.

Opulent Parisian-themed bar on Dawson Street with dramatic botanical decor, weekend DJs, and elaborate cocktails.

Multi-floor late-night venue in a Georgian townhouse on Leeson Street with different vibes on each level.

Grand cocktail bar and restaurant in the Powerscourt Centre with a dramatic multi-level interior and weekend DJs.

Hip hardware-shop-themed bar on Wicklow Street with creative cocktails and a buzzy late-night atmosphere.

Named after the author of the Irish national anthem, a friendly traditional pub on Dame Street with nightly live music.

Dublin's most legendary nightclub with multiple dance floors and bars. An institution for late-night revelry since the 1990s.

Dublin's most famous hotel bar in the Shelbourne, a horseshoe-shaped social hub where politicians, celebrities and locals mingle over cocktails.

Intimate cocktail bar in the five-star Merrion Hotel with the feel of a private club and expertly mixed drinks.

Stylish cocktail bar in the Westbury Hotel just off Grafton Street, known for inventive cocktails and an upscale atmosphere.

Trendy late bar on South Great George's Street that has been a staple of Dublin nightlife for decades, popular for weekend DJ sets.

Large multi-floor venue on Dame Street with live music, DJs, food and a late licence. Popular for nights out.

Subterranean cocktail bar beneath the former Stephen's Green Hibernian Club with an intimate setting and carefully crafted drinks.

Stylish multi-floor bar and restaurant on Drury Street with a coveted rooftop terrace and Italian-inspired menu.

Handsome traditional pub in a former bank near Trinity College with ornate Victorian decor and good pub food.

Spectacular bar and restaurant in a converted Victorian bank with soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and a dramatic interior.

Large Victorian pub opposite the tourist office with multiple bars and rooms, carvery lunches, and live music.

Small, cosy pub tucked away off South William Street. A locals' favourite away from the tourist trail.

Cool cocktail bar and eatery on Fade Street with creative drinks and a relaxed urban vibe.

Self-pour craft beer bar with over 50 taps, live sport, and a modern casual atmosphere.

Cosy traditional pub in the Dame Court alley with a buzzy outdoor drinking area popular on sunny evenings.

Traditional pub on Chatham Street near Grafton Street, a locals' hideaway from the tourist trail.

Underground bar on Dame Street with a constantly updated eclectic craft beer menu featuring the best Irish microbreweries.

Wonderfully unchanged old Dublin pub on Leeson Street, a time capsule with no TV, no music, and no food.

Traditional sports pub on Exchequer Street popular with rugby fans, near Grafton Street.

Old-fashioned pub on Aungier Street with a classic Dublin pub interior and a local crowd who have been coming for years. No gimmicks, just good pints and conversation.

Traditional pub on Duke Street, starting point of the famous Dublin Literary Pub Crawl.

Historic Duke Street establishment with literary connections, now a modern bar and restaurant.

Cosy pub near Trinity College named after the J.P. Donleavy novel, popular with students and locals.

Quiet traditional pub near Trinity College offering a peaceful escape from the nearby tourist bustle. A favourite of students and academics who value a good pint in calm surroundings.

Traditional pub next to Pearse Station, making it one of the handiest pints in Dublin for commuters. Trinity students and DART travellers keep it busy, and the atmosphere is always friendly.

Classic pub on Merrion Row near St Stephen's Green with a long-standing reputation.

Large traditional pub on Pearse Street with multiple rooms and a carvery lunch trade.

Pub and townhouse on Pearse Street with rooms upstairs and a traditional bar below.

Sports-friendly pub on Townsend Street near Tara Street station with screens and pub grub.

Traditional pub on Pearse Street with the kind of old Dublin character that you cannot fake. Quiet during the week, it fills up nicely at weekends with a mixed local crowd.

Former cutler's shop turned craft beer bar at the Parliament Street end of Dame Street.

Bar on Dame Street connected to Thomas Read's with outdoor seating and a central location.

Upmarket gastropub opposite Christ Church Cathedral with a focus on steak, craft beer, and whiskey.

Modern craft beer bar on Dame Street from the Galway Bay Brewery group. A good selection of Irish craft on tap with knowledgeable staff who genuinely care about what they pour.

Named after Jonathan Swift, this cocktail-focused bar on Dame Street serves well-crafted drinks in a sophisticated but approachable setting. Good for a date night or a catch-up with friends.

Beautifully restored Victorian pub on Aungier Street with creative cocktails and craft beer in a cosy setting.

Tucked-away pub on Fitzwilliam Lane with a loyal local following despite its very central location. It feels like a secret that the crowds on nearby Baggot Street somehow missed.

Traditional pub near Government Buildings on Merrion Street Upper. Civil servants and political types have been ducking in here for a quiet pint for years, and the atmosphere is suitably discreet.

Old-school lounge bar on Upper Leeson Street near the canal. It has that classic Dublin lounge feel with comfortable seating, low lighting, and a crowd that appreciates the quiet life.

Traditional pub on Sussex Terrace near the Grand Canal. A peaceful local away from the city centre bustle, perfect for a contemplative pint by the water on a summer evening.

Craft beer bar tucked away off South Great George's Street, living up to its name. You would walk past it if you did not know it was there, but the beer selection rewards the effort.

Sports bar near the Aviva Stadium, popular on match days with GAA and rugby fans.

Small traditional Dublin pub with the kind of intimate atmosphere that the bigger venues cannot replicate. Compact, quiet, and perfect for a pint and a chat without distractions.

Named after Michael Collins's fiancee, this Donnycarney local has a strong sense of community and a loyal crowd. It is a solid Northside neighbourhood pub where you can settle in with a pint and the paper without anyone bothering you.

A proper village pub in the heart of Raheny that has been serving the local community for generations. The Cedar Lounge is the kind of place you come to after a walk on Bull Island or along the Raheny shoreline, where a warm welcome and a well-settled pint are guaranteed.

A solid Templeogue local that sits at the Rathfarnham end of the neighbourhood. The Blue Haven is a proper community pub where the locals gather for sport, a chat, and a decent pint without any of the bells and whistles of the city centre.

The newest bar at the Shelbourne Hotel sparkles with style and sophistication, with tall graceful windows overlooking St Stephen's Green. No. 27 offers a lavish selection of spirits, wines, champagnes and cocktails in one of Dublin's grandest hotel settings.

Set in the 18th-century wine vaults beneath the Merrion Hotel, the Cellar Bar is one of Dublin's most atmospheric drinking spots. The stone arches and candlelight create a sense of occasion, and the drinks list is as refined as you would expect from a five-star hotel.

Dublin's original rooftop bar, Sophie's sits atop the Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street with 360-degree views from cityscape to countryside. The glasshouse setup means it is open year-round, and the cocktails, wood-fired flatbreads and buzzing atmosphere make it a perennial favourite.

One of the most dependable all-day dining spots in Dublin city, Balfe's at the Westbury Hotel serves everything from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. The location just off Grafton Street makes it a useful meeting point and the quality never wavers.

Reserved exclusively for in-house guests at the Shelbourne, the 1824 Bar exudes serene sophistication with its lavish selection of spirits, wines and champagnes. If you are staying at the hotel, this is one of Dublin's most exclusive and civilised spots for a nightcap.

A tiny, beloved wine bar in the Creative Quarter that focuses on natural, biodynamic and organic wines alongside cheeseboards and charcuterie from Irish producers. Loose Canon is the kind of place that makes you feel like you have discovered something special, even if half of Dublin already has.

On the Dublin scene for over 20 years, the award-winning Ely Wine Bar has over 1,200 wines on offer sourced directly from producers worldwide. Wine Wednesdays feature guided tastings and talks, and the food menu is equally impressive. A Dublin institution.

Set in a repurposed wig shop on Dawson Street, Peruke & Periwig feels like a secret discovery with its dark, evocative and inviting interior. The cocktails are expertly crafted and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a special evening out with friends.

A buzzing cocktail bar, food spot and live music venue on one of Dublin's best-known lanes. 4 Dame Lane is the kind of place that is always busy because it does everything well, from after-work drinks to late-night DJs.

One of Dublin's newest openings, Jackie's arrived on Aungier Street in 2025 and quickly became a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts. The intimate setting and creative drinks list make it a worthy addition to the ever-growing Dublin bar scene.

Opened in 2024 on Stephen Street, Caribou has quickly made a name for itself with an excellent craft beer selection and a laid-back atmosphere. The food is a step above standard pub fare and the industrial-chic interior feels right at home in the Creative Quarter.

A darts-themed bar that opened on Dawson Street in early 2025, bringing social gaming to the Dublin bar scene. Flight Club is all about having a laugh with friends over cocktails and competitive throwing, and it works brilliantly for groups.

One of the newest arrivals on St Stephen's Green, Chillers opened in late 2025 and has quickly attracted a stylish crowd. The location is prime Dublin real estate and the drinks list is designed to impress without being intimidating.

Attached to the Green Hotel on Harcourt Street, Pen & Player is a brand new cocktail bar with master mixologists behind a one-of-a-kind menu. The setting is elegant and the drinks are beautifully presented, making it a strong contender in Dublin's competitive cocktail scene.

Perched in the Dublin Mountains above Stepaside, the Blue Light is one of the most unique pub locations in the county. The views over Dublin Bay are staggering, live music sessions are legendary, and the trek up the hill makes the first pint taste all the sweeter.

Nestled in Kilmacud, the Millhouse is a modern gastropub that takes its food and beer seriously. It draws from the Dundrum and Stillorgan catchment and offers a comfortable setting for a meal out or a few casual pints with friends.

One of the stalwarts of Dublin's Harcourt Street nightlife strip, D-Two in the Harcourt Hotel has been getting Dubliners dancing for years. It is not the trendiest venue in town, but it is reliable, fun and always delivers a good night out.

A Harcourt Street institution and one of Dublin's most popular late-night venues. Dicey's has a massive beer garden and multiple bars across several floors. It is where half of Dublin seems to end up on a Saturday night, and the craic is always mighty.

A mainstay of the Harcourt Street nightlife strip, Tramline hosts club nights and events across multiple floors. It has been a rite of passage for Dublin's younger crowd for years and remains a popular choice for a big night out.

Occupying a prime spot on Merrion Row, Foley & Co is a polished bar and restaurant that manages to feel both sophisticated and accessible. The cocktail list is inventive, the food is consistently good, and the outdoor seating catches the evening sun beautifully.

A craft brewery and bar right on the quays overlooking the Liffey with a multi-floor layout and on-site brewing. JW Sweetman brews its own range and the views from the upper floors are surprisingly good. It is a solid spot for beer lovers near O'Connell Bridge.

A small, intimate whiskey bar showcasing Dingle Distillery's range alongside a wider selection of Irish whiskeys. The Dingle Whiskey Bar is a haven for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted Irish whiskey in atmospheric surroundings near Trinity College.

A well-known local on the North Circular Road that has been a gathering point for the Cabra and Phibsborough communities for years. The Cope House is especially popular on match days and has a genuine local atmosphere.

Made internationally famous when Conor McGregor bought it, the Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh has been transformed into a high-end gastropub. Love it or hate it, there is no denying the investment has brought new energy and attention to this Dublin 12 neighbourhood.

A cosy wine bar on Chatham Street that focuses on organic and natural wines paired with a small food menu. The Wine Pair is intimate and inviting, perfect for a pre-dinner glass or a quiet catch-up with friends over a bottle.

A traditional pub on College Street near Trinity that maintains an old-school Dublin feel despite its central location. Doyle & Co is a good spot for a quiet pint between appointments or before catching a show at the nearby theatres.

The bar at the Burlington Hotel has long been a go-to for pre-event drinks, given its proximity to the RDS. It is a reliable if unsurprising hotel bar, but the atmosphere on rugby match weekends can be electric.

A multi-level gastropub on Exchequer Street that does everything from brunch to late-night cocktails. The rooftop terrace is one of the best in the city centre and the sports coverage downstairs keeps the match-day crowd happy.

A Hawkins Street bar near the Theatre Royal site that has been a late-night option for city centre drinkers for years. Chaplin's is not fancy, but it fills its niche reliably with late hours and occasional live music.

Iconic late-night venue and nightclub on Harcourt Street, famous throughout Ireland for Saturday nights and a party atmosphere that defines Dublin after-hours.

High-level cocktail bar with stunning views across Dublin city, The Rooftop Bar combines craft cocktails with one of the best vantage points in the city centre.

Sophisticated cocktail bar in the Odeon building with craft drinks, late opening hours, and occasional live music on South Great George's Street.

Sophisticated wine bar on Merrion Square with extensive wine list, quality cheese and charcuterie boards, and a loyal base of wine enthusiasts.

Eclectic wine and beer bar on South William Street mixing natural wines, craft beers, and sharing plates in a casual but knowledgeable setting.

Compact wine bar with focus on small producers and natural wines, Piglet serves small plates and shares the Irish wine movement ethos.

Dedicated craft beer bar and bottle shop in the city centre with rotating taps, extensive selection, and knowledge to match any serious beer enthusiast.