Dublin Pubs

Pubs and bars in Dublin

Unsurprisingly, one thing you won't have any trouble finding in Dublin is a pub. "A good puzzle", according to Leopold Bloom, "would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub". But things have changed from Joyce's day, when pubs and bars were male-only refuges of serious drinking. Today, Dublin has pubs to suit every taste, from the small local through the traditional music bar to vast continental-style café-bars.

With all that choice, where to start? Here's a list of some drinking emporiums we're fond of. We have of course left out some of our very favourites - you'll have to find those for yourselves!


Our recommended pub list:

Judge Roy Bean's: Located at the bottom of Grafton St, Judge Roy Bean's is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. With soft lighting and a DJ playing all the latest chart toppers, Judge Roy Bean's oozes atmosphere and ambience. Themed after the "Old West" style, Judge Roy Bean's is a good place for a night out, particularly if you like loud music!

Morgan Bar: Located in the Morgan Hotel, the Morgan Bar is an elegant oasis in the heart of Temple Bar. Pale beige and cream tones, polished wooden floors, soft brown leather seating, wide mirrors and comfortable red sofas provide the perfect environment for friends to gather and enjoy an exotic "Morgan Mai Tai" or a selection of carefully chosen wines and beers.

The Knightsbridge Bar: The Knightsbridge Bars are based on a medieval theme, and the fixtures and fittings are genuine articles from the relevant times that have been salvaged from old bars and schoolhouses. Live Irish music and dancing serve to add to the atmosphere in this warm and welcoming bar.

George Frederic Handel's: On Fishamble St, close to Temple Bar, Handel's has to be one of the trendiest bars in the city centre. In the tradition that has been kept up ever since Handel's "Messiah" was first performed there, the bar plays new and modern music in a funky atmosphere, and has been a big hit with both visitors and locals alike.

The Turk's Head: This lively late bar in Temple Bar is a top spot for the outgoing. The music is loud and the crowd are young and hip. There's a large central bar, along with quieter corner areas, furnished with large, comfortable seats. The decor is subtly done in wood, which is highlighted by the soft lighting.

The Temple Bar: Situated surprisingly enough in Temple Bar, The Temple Bar with its old fashioned fronting and modern interior is a lively, popular pub. It can get pretty packed as it is one of the most popular pubs in Temple Bar. Situated right in the heart of Temple Bar, you can't get a better feel of Temple Bar than here!

The Mercantile: This lively late bar on Dame Street is great for a night out. The music gets you dancing even though there's no specific dance floor! For those on a budget you'll be glad to hear that there's no cover charge too!

The Bailey: Previously a gay bar and then a student's bar, The Bailey is now one of the most exclusive bars in Dublin. This is a lively bar, and the trendy chrome decor and bright atmosphere add to the class of this already exclusive establishment. A place to see and be seen, The Bailey is a must. Neat dress essential.

Johnny Fox's : Allegedly the highest pub in Ireland, Johnny Fox's is situated in south county Dublin in the hills of Glencullen. Famed for its "Hooley Nights" Johnny Fox's specialises in seafood. The hooley nights offer a fantastic taste of Irish tradition. With live Irish music, dancing, and a four-course traditional Irish meal, Johnny Fox's hooley nights are well worth a visit.

Fitzsimon's - Temple Bar: With Dublin's largest big screen screen, and a traditional Irish atmosphere, this bar is definitely worth a visit. Warm and trendy, with traditional Irish music and free entertainment, Fitzsimon's offers something for everyone, including set dancing five nights a week. Located in Temple Bar, Fitzsimon's is the ideal venue in which to enjoy major sporting events on the big screen.

The Porter House: A microbrewery, serving its own brews and a selection of imported beers, the Porter House was opened in 1997. A two storey pub with a restaurant upstairs, the Porter House is brightly decorated. Brewing vats can be seen from the streets and they make an interesting decorative feature of this buzzing bar.

The George: The foremost gay pub in Dublin, the George is located on South Great George's St. Popular is its unusual take on bingo every Sunday night. The George is host to many events and parties and the George's disco bar is alive with dancing. If it's a quieter drink you're after, then the front bar is the ideal venue in which to enjoy a cool pint of Guinness or a colourful Pina Colada.