The best pubs in Dublin… where are they? Well, they are all over town. And they are all over the place, in more ways than one. Finding the best pub in Dublin is easy for some, for others. Because “the best” is always something very subjective, even with an Irish pub, much less with “The Best Sights of Dublin” “Some think that they are all great, others are more demanding, and another school of thought posits that those were of the common are definitely worth it. So trying to make a list of the best pubs in Dublin is kind of like trying to train cats … you don’t know where to start (there are just too many pubs in Dublin), you will run into disagreements (because a local favorite of a person is someone else’s smelly old booze), and finally give up (and quietly cry into a pint of Guinness).
When people come to Ireland, even for a quick two-day weekend in Dublin, one thing on the to-do list (and usually at the top of that list) is visiting an actual Irish pub (which could be a very elusive concept). And then the sheer number of pubs (and they are all Irish, as we are in Ireland) overwhelms many visitors. Then they settle for Temple Bar. Or the nearest pub that seems half decent.
And the sheer variety is mind-boggling. There are ‘traditional’ pubs, gastro-pubs, music pubs, pubs with history, pubs that were built two years ago (but they look like Victorian times), pubs where the locals look at you and you feel like you’re in an old vintage movie. cowboys (strange in the lounge situation), pubs where even the Polish waitress utters a “faith and beg” when ordering from another Guinness with an American accent, pubs, pubs, pubs.
So here is a selection of options.
Dublin’s most popular pubs (maybe)
These are the pubs that are popular with crowds, have good reviews, and where people tend to walk out with a smile. They are worth a visit when you are in Dublin and looking for a decent night out. A starter guide, which should not be treated as a gospel.
Dublin pubs where they really raise the roof
Do you want to party in Dublin? Well, for a slightly off the beaten track experience, follow this list. With it, you avoid the bulk in Temple Bar and delve into the hustle and bustle of some of the less obvious, but immensely popular pubs. Some cosmopolitan, some very down to earth, but all recommended.
Drinking in pubs where Dublin thinkers found inspiration
Have you ever wanted to drink with the best writers in Ireland? At least in spirit? For the literary ensemble, Dublin should surely be the place to go, and some pubs are legendary. A considerable number of establishments have literary connections. Some more direct than others. You can even meet some writers over a pint.
Are you heading to Dublin’s Temple Bar after all?
Okay, Temple Bar. It is the great tourist magnet, so we cannot put it aside even if many feel that it is overrated. To be honest, if I had guests who wanted a true Irish pub experience, I would steer clear of Temple Bar with them. But seeing Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a look at Temple Bar, which is why everyone heads there anyway.
And finally, the best pubs in Dublin… Who decides?
Here’s the thing… there is no agreed scale to measure a pub. In addition to the basics, like serving drinks, not endangering customers’ lives with unsanitary practices and welcoming everyone. But beyond that? Who decides which would be the ‘best pub in Dublin’?
It is true that several awards are given each year. But they often represent a narrow focus. And occasionally they don’t reflect public perception.
For me personally, a good pub would be where I feel welcome, where my arms don’t stick to the bar and / or table, where you can’t find your way to the toilets by following your nose, where a good pint is poured, where the bar staff serve you in a friendly manner (without resorting to the aviary), where your change is correct, where you can sit in peace and quiet if you wish, or on other days enjoy a conversation with other customers. Throw in some pub food and I’m happy. And maybe some live music, on a natural level, of good quality and variety (there are only so many times you can hear “Fields of Athenry” or the slower songs of U2).
So take the above recommendations with a pinch of salt. Pubs may not suit you, but they were fine by me. Not all of them all the time. But there is a time and a place for everything… even Temple Bar.
