Golden Book Traveler

Top 10 Pubs in Dublin, Ireland.9/17/2009

Visiting Dublin soon? Make sure you don’t forget to take a gander at some of the most world renowned bars in the world. The Irish love a good drink and you should kick back, relax and enjoy a few rounds with them as well.

I based my criteria on atmosphere, quality of beer, pricing, history, and popularity amongst locals. Here is my list of the top 10 pubs in Dublin, Ireland.

1. The Brazen Head – 20 Lower Bridge St.

Welcome to Dublin’s most famous and oldest bar in the city. The Brazen Head claims to have been established since 1198! We’re talking 12th century folks! Low ceilings and old brick architecture let you feel like your drinking a pint from the good ol’ days. The beer and atmosphere are great as well. The Brazen Head attracts some of the best live music in Dublin and constantly receives top marks for quality of beer selection. The Brazen head is a must visit for first timers to Dublin.

2. The Long Hall – 51 South Great George’s St.

Looking for a bar with the elegance of a Victorian style establishment with some of Dublin’s finest beer selection? The Long Hall is one of the best places to grab a superb pint of Guinness. Located in the trendy area of George’s St., the Long Hall maintains it’s old style theme by keeping things simple. The music is turned down a notch as local conversation fills the air. The Long hall is a must visit for any beer enthusiast!

3. The Stag’s Head – 1 Dame Court

My top 3 choices for top pubs in Dublin have two things in common, they all serve high quality beer and have been around for a long time. The Stag’s Head began serving beer in the 1870′s and was the first pub to have electricity in the city. You will not find a pub in Dublin with a warmer friendlier atmosphere. The Stag’s Head caters to the customer who wants to take a mid-afternoon break to get away from the drama of the real world over a fine pint. Surrounded by wood paneling and stained glass windows, you get the feeling of a noble man in a lavish Victorian style bar.

4. Mulligan’s – 8 Poolbeg St.

Visit Mulligan’s for an experienced staff that knows how to pour the perfect pint. Established in 1782, Mulligan’s attracts famous names like John F. Kennedy and James Joyce, but also caters to the common folk. There are 3 bars and a large lounge upstairs for your seating and drinking pleasures. The walls are decorated with large posters and you will also find darker spaces for your peaceful pleasures. Tourists will enjoy the history and quality of beer while Dubliners enjoy Mulligan’s for its old traditions.

5. Davy Byrne’s – 21 Duke St

Davy Byrne’s is world famous for being featured in the novel Ulysses by James Joyce and attracts a large amount of tourists. The pub is a bit more upscale than most and features and older crowd. At Davy Byrne’s, expect great food service to go along with your pint of beer. Favorites include irish smoked salmon and Guinness pie. Although a well known tourist place, locals do frequently meet at Davy Byrne’s to unwind from the shopping district area.

6. The International Bar – 23 Wicklow Street

The International Bar is perhaps Dublin’s best pub for experiencing live music. Located off of Wicklow St., and at the center of Dublin’s trendiest district, The International Bar provides intimacy with outstanding local live music. Expect quality food and beer sections when you walk in. I recommend this bar as a spot to bring your friends for a night of good conversation, beer, and music.

7. Kehoe’s – 9 South Anne St

Kehoe’s is a small, quaint bar that attracts droves of Dubliners looking to pass the time away. Enjoy one of the best pints of Guinness in the city or relax upstairs where John Kehoe himself once lived. If your looking for a small, local pub with a friendly Dublin atmosphere, Kehoe’s is the place for you

8. Cassidy’s – 27 Westmoreland Street

If Bill Clinton approves, it must be good. Cassidy’s is a bohemium style bar that is owned by Bill Clinton’s cousins. Like The Long Hall, Cassidy’s is well known for having some of the best live music in the city. Enjoy a pint with top notch entertainment and a premium drinking experience.

9. McDaid’s – 3 Harry St

McDaid’s, on Harry St., is a pub located near the city center. Walking in, you will notice the decorative art and high celings, characteristics of a Victorian style bar. McDaid’s is a popular spot for tourists as well as local students. They are attracted by the great selection of beers and one of the highest standards of service in Dublin.

10. 0′ Donoghue’s – 15 Merrion Row

Located in the heart of Dublin, 0′ Donoghue’s always attracts a steady crowd. 0′ Donoghue’s contributed to local folk music by launching one of Dublin’s most famous music groups, The Dubliners. Today many muscians frequent this comfortable bar to entertain the masses over a pint of solid Irish beer.