Famous Pubs
of Dublin
Brazen Head
If you are looking for a historic Irish pub experience then there is no better pub than The Brazen Head. Dating back to 1198, this southside pub is officially the oldest pub in the country. They’ve had some interesting figures pass through the doors including Irish revolutionaries such as Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Daniel O'Connell as well as literary giants like James Joyce and Brendan Behan.
The pub offers visitors live music and traditional Irish storytelling, so drop in for a bite to eat and learn more about the oldest pub in Ireland.
Tour Stop on Arran Quay
The Stag's Head
A traditional Dublin pub located on Dame Lane, The Stag's Head dates back several centuries. Re-designed in the late 19th century, the pub was extremely popular with the Dublin punters of the day, a young James Joyce even frequented the pub on occasion. The Stag's Head is close to a number of prominent Dublin landmarks including Grafton Street, Trinity College and Dublin Castle. The pub is renowned for it's old Dublin charm and sampling the Guinness here is an absolute must-do if you're looking to try a pint of the black stuff!
Tour Stop on Dame Street
Murray's
Murray’s is easy to find being located at the top of O’Connell Street. They have a great selection of beers and wine as well as an extensive array of Irish whiskeys. They regularly have live music and Irish dancing which is really entertaining. It’s popular venue among Dubs for watching sporting occasions as they have many large tv screens. Extensive menu to choose from and very good quality food, their breakfast is fantastic and yummy desserts too! The staff at Murray’s are always super friendly.
Tour Stop - O'Connell Street Upper
The Palace Bar
This is one of Dublin’s hidden gems. Nestled discreetly away on Fleet Street, away from the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar, The Palace Bar is one of Dublin’s great historic, literary pubs. It is worth a visit just to see the sketch of the great characters like Flann O'Brien and Patrick Kavanagh who were both regulars in the Palace Bar. Visitors will need to get in early to get a seat but the homely atmosphere makes it well worthwhile.
Tour Stop on Bachelor's Walk
O'Donoghue's
O’Donoghue’s is part of the cultural fabric of the capital city. The world famous musicians, The Dubliners used to play many an impromptu ‘session’ in this absolute gem of a pub on Merrion Row. It is also a favourite pub of music legend Bruce Springsteen who drops in any time he’s in Dublin. The pub is oozing with history and uniqueness. It really is a perfect place to settle in for a quiet pint and a toasted sandwich.
Tour Stop on Merrion Street Upper
Davy Byrne's
Davy Byrne's is one of the most historic pubs in the entire city. Situated on Duke Street, the pub has a long association with the Republican movement. The pub was a regular haunt of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith during the tumultuous War of Independence. Indeed, the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic even held a cabinet meeting upstairs in the pub. Today you won’t find any cabinet meetings in this gastropub but the delicious seafood and wide drinks selection mean Davy Byrne's is still well worth a visit.
Tour Stop on St. Stephen's Green
The Long Hall
One of the oldest pubs in Dublin, this pub is a definite favourite for Dubliners. Over 250 years old - this is a pub brimming with history. First licensed in 1776, the pub has been central to events in Irish history - from recruitment for Republicans to being infiltrated by the British.
Similar to O'Donoghue's, "The Boss" has also visited here. And it's little wonder - the Guinness is some of the best you will find in the city.
Located close to the Dublin Castle Tour Stop
McDaids
Located just off Grafton Street, McDaid's is one of the most famous city centre pubs.
Once a popular place for Ireland's literary giants, the pub has welcomed Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O'Brien, J.P. Donleavy and Liam O'Flaherty as regulars.
The pub has a distinctive Victorian charm and when you step inside you find an old style pub with one counter. The dimly lit bar has all the atmosphere of a classic Irish pub, and is loved by the locals and visitors in equal measure.
Located close to our St. Stephen's Green tour stop.
The Arlington
The Arlington pub (in the hotel of the same name) is located in the heart of Dublin city, just beside O’Connell Bridge. Their Celtic Nights with live traditional Irish Music and dance show is famous in Dublin and very much worth a visit. The food is good too, with a very tasty traditional Irish menu. The Irish stew and Ham hock are especially delicious as well as the chicken supreme. Large portions too if that is important to you. They don’t get more conveniently placed then the Arlington, so pay it a visit when you’re in town!
Tour Stop on Bachelor's Walk
Ned O'Shea's
Located a little further up the quays from Temple Bar (if you’re in Temple Bar just head for the river, then turn left and walk for 3-4 minutes) Ned O’Shea’s has that true authentic Dublin pub feel about it. DoDublin customers can even have a go at pulling their own pint of the black stuff, just show your hop on hop off ticket. They have live music regularly as well as set dancing among various other fun events. The food is absolutely fantastic, one of our top tips for Dublin pub food. (fish and chips and lamb stew are especially recommended). Great atmosphere and very reasonably priced too.
Tour Stop on Arran Quay
There is so much to do and see in Dublin but it is impossible to imagine the capital city without its iconic pubs. Dublin city is famous for it's pubs, and they are without doubt the best in the world! Here is our list of the most famous and the best pubs to visit in Dublin
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