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Let’s be honest: going to Dublin and not spending serious time in the pubs is not an option, at least for me. The pub isn’t just a bar in Ireland — it’s a community gathering place, a live music venue, a dining room, and the heart of Irish social life all rolled into one beautiful, Guinness-scented package. I did Dublin at Christmas and the pubs were absolutely magical — twinkling lights, live trad music, Guinness flowing, and the warmest craic you’ll find anywhere. (Side note, Dublin is so underrated at Christmas!)
Here’s my honest guide to the best pubs in Dublin — from the iconic Temple Bar institutions you absolutely cannot miss (yes, even the touristy ones) to the local spots that’ll make you feel like a true Dubliner. Note: locals will give you a hard time about Temple Bar being “too touristy” — and they’re not wrong — but as a visitor, it’s 100% worth your time – it looks like a postcard, even if the Guiness comes at a higher price tag.
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Best Pubs in Dublin Map
Temple Bar Pubs — The Iconic Strip
Temple Bar is the beating heart of Dublin’s pub scene — cobblestoned streets, brightly painted facades, live traditional music at all hours, and an energy that’s impossible not to get swept up in. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, the pints are a euro or two more than you’ll pay elsewhere. Go anyway. It’s one of those travel experiences that’s genuinely worth doing.
The Temple Bar
The most photographed pub in Dublin, and for good reason. The Temple Bar pub is an absolute icon — its red exterior is plastered on every postcard in the city, and the interior is everything you’d want from a classic Irish pub: dark wood, old photographs, live music, and a proper buzz. Is it packed with tourists? Yes. Does that make it any less worth visiting? Absolutely not. Get here in the afternoon before the evening crowds hit for the best experience, grab a pint, and soak in the fact that you’re drinking in one of the most famous pubs in the world.
Oliver St. John Gogartys
One of the most beloved institutions in Temple Bar, Oliver St. John Gogartys is the real deal — a proper multi-floor pub with live traditional Irish music running throughout the day and evening. Named after the famous Irish poet and writer, it has more character and depth than most pubs in the neighborhood. The trad music sessions here are particularly good. Great spot for a proper pub dinner too.
The Quays Dublin
Situated right on the edge of Temple Bar near the River Liffey, The Quays is a large, lively pub with a beautiful traditional interior — ornate woodwork, stained glass, and plenty of character. It’s a great spot for live music and has a more relaxed, spacious feel than some of the smaller Temple Bar pubs. Perfect if you want the atmosphere without feeling completely squeezed in.
The Bankers
The Bankers sits just on the edge of Temple Bar and is a bit of a hidden gem in the neighborhood — a proper traditional Irish pub with a great atmosphere, regular live music, and slightly less tourist pressure than some of the more famous spots on the strip. A great addition to any Temple Bar pub crawl.
Classic Dublin Pubs
Oneill’s
Oneill’s is my top pub recommendation in Dublin for first-time visitors who want a bit of everything — great food, live music, a warm atmosphere, and a crowd that’s a comfortable mix of tourists and locals. The pub is a sprawling maze of rooms across multiple floors, each with its own little nook and vibe.. If you only sit down for one proper pub meal in Dublin, make it here.
The Hairy Lemon
A Dublin classic with one of the best pub names in the city. The Hairy Lemon is a friendly, unpretentious traditional pub that’s been a fixture of the Dublin pub scene for years. It strikes a nice balance — enough character and authenticity to feel like a proper Irish pub, without being too far off the tourist trail to find easily. Great for a relaxed pint and a chat.
Local Spots — Off the Tourist Trail
Once you’ve done Temple Bar, venture out to where the locals actually drink. These spots are a bit further off the main tourist drag — which is exactly what makes them special.
Grogan’s (Castle Lounge)
Officially called the Castle Lounge but universally known as Grogan’s, this is one of Dublin’s most beloved local pubs — and the antithesis of Temple Bar. No live music, no tourist menus, no fuss. Just a proper traditional Dublin pub with great art on the walls (Grogan’s has long been a haunt of Dublin artists and writers), cheap pints, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely authentic. A perfect stop if you want a break from the bustle.
Kehoe’s
Just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green, Kehoe’s is one of the most beautifully preserved Victorian pubs in Dublin — original wood panelling, snug booths, and a timeless atmosphere that feels like it hasn’t changed in a hundred years. It’s a bit outside the main tourist zone, which means the crowd tends to be more local. Go for the old-Dublin atmosphere and stay for the excellent pint of Guinness.
The Ginger Man
The Ginger Man is a friendly, comfortable local pub that draws a good mix of after-work Dubliners and savvy visitors who’ve made the effort to venture past Temple Bar. Good beer selection, relaxed vibe, and a great spot to have an actual conversation rather than shouting over a trad band. Named after the iconic novel by J.P. Donleavy — which gives you a sense of the literary-leaning crowd it attracts.
The Celt
If you want to feel as far from the tourist trail as you can get while still being in the city center, The Celt is your spot. It’s got the most local vibes of any pub on this list — a no-frills, utterly genuine Dublin drinking den where you’ll be drinking alongside actual Dubliners rather than fellow travelers. It’s a bit of a walk from the main sights, but that’s sort of the point. Highly recommend if you want a taste of real Dublin pub culture.
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