The Best Pint

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Dublin pub guide · By Tom Hart · Updated 26 Oct 2026

The best pubs in Dublin

The pub Dublin's guides agree on most is Bowe's, 31 Fleet St. It's on 5 of the 10 lists we read, and Reddit recommends it too. Best for fine Guinness and around 200 whiskeys, a short walk from Temple Bar (checked 26 Oct 2026).

Ranked on how many of 10 published lists and awards name each pub, plus what locals recommend on Reddit. Every card says what the pub is best for and who said so.

Showing all 29 pubs, best first
#1 Photo to come

Bowe's

★ 4.7 (1,708)

31 Fleet St, D02 DF77

Best for fine Guinness and around 200 whiskeys, a short walk from Temple Bar.

TraditionalGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times
Why it's here

“Inside, it’s a warm, cosy and gregarious place with fine Guinness and even better craic.”Traverse

  • On 5 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals (#1), Condé Nast Traveller, Traverse, The Irish Road Trip, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 5 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 1,708 reviews
  • Score 14 = 2 × 5 lists + 4 Reddit
#2 Photo to come

The Palace Bar

★ 4.6 (4,568)

21 Fleet St, D02 H950

Best for an 1823 interior with a stained-glass back room on Fleet Street.

TraditionalLive music
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats

Why it's here

“Palace Bar is a classic for a reason, and one I would definitely return to on my next trip to Dublin.”The Wanderbug

  • On 5 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Lonely Planet (Get Lost), Traverse, Eating Europe, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 6 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 4,568 reviews
  • Score 14 = 2 × 5 lists + 4 Reddit
#3 Photo to come

The Long Hall

★ 4.6 (4,424)

51 South Great George's Street, D02 DV74

Best for a crimson-ceilinged Victorian interior, virtually unchanged since 1881.

TraditionalCosy
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times
Why it's here

“Virtually unchanged since 1881, its cosy lounge is blanketed by a glossy crimson ceiling, with elaborate wooden partitions, antique clocks, globe lamps and red leather bar stools.”Condé Nast Traveller

  • On 5 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, The Wanderbug, Condé Nast Traveller, Eating Europe, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 6 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 4,424 reviews
  • Score 14 = 2 × 5 lists + 4 Reddit
#4 Photo to come

Grogan's

★ 4.6 (3,815)

15 William St S, D02 H336

Best for a pint and a toastie on the pavement, under local artists' paintings.

Traditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Plus the no-frills toasties are legendary.”Condé Nast Traveller

  • On 6 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, BBC Travel (#3), Lonely Planet (Get Lost), Condé Nast Traveller, Eating Europe, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 3,815 reviews
  • Score 14 = 2 × 6 lists + 2 Reddit
#5 Photo to come

The Cobblestone

★ 4.7 (5,774)

77 King St N, D07 TP22

Best for trad sessions every night in Smithfield, with no stage.

Live musicTraditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats

Why it's here

“"It's a music pub, so you have to be there for the music," says Dalton.”BBC Travel

  • On 6 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, BBC Travel (#5), Lonely Planet (Get Lost), Condé Nast Traveller, Traverse, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 5,774 reviews
  • Score 13 = 2 × 6 lists + 1 Reddit
#6 Photo to come

The Stag's Head

★ 4.5 (7,018)

1 Dame Ct, D02 TW84

Best for Victorian decor and a mahogany bar on Dame Court.

Live music
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Nestled in the vibrant area of Dame Court, the Stags Head is renowned for its Victorian-era décor, including stained glass windows and a beautifully carved mahogany bar.”Traverse

  • On 5 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, The Wanderbug, Traverse, Eating Europe, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 7,018 reviews
  • Score 11 = 2 × 5 lists + 1 Reddit
#7 Photo to come

Kehoe's

★ 4.5 (4,494)

9 Anne St S, D02 NY88

Best for a Victorian snug and a famous Guinness off Grafton Street.

TraditionalGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats

Why it's here

“"Everything that makes an Irish pub good is Kehoes," he says of the 19th-Century pub, whose façade is inscribed with a James Joyce quote and has mahogany-bedecked interiors.”BBC Travel

  • On 5 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, BBC Travel (#1), The Irish Road Trip, Eating Europe, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 4,494 reviews
  • Score 11 = 2 × 5 lists + 1 Reddit
#8 Photo to come

1 Prospect Square, D09 CF72

Best for Guinness with no music or TV in a family pub from 1833.

TraditionalGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Food

Why it's here

“"There's no music; there's no TV. It's a pilgrimage for Guinness people."”BBC Travel

  • On 4 of 10 lists (BBC Travel (#2), Condé Nast Traveller, The Irish Road Trip, Lonely Planet)
  • Google 4.7★ from 4,210 reviews
  • Score 8 = 2 × 4 lists + 0 Reddit
#9 Photo to come

Mulligan's

★ 4.7 (4,065)

8 Poolbeg St, DO2TK71

Best for a pint in dark wood surroundings at a pub dating to 1782.

TraditionalGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats

Why it's here

“This was my most visited pub in 2025 and each pint was a great one.”The Irish Road Trip

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, The Irish Road Trip)
  • Recommended 5 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 4,065 reviews
  • Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit
#10 Photo to come

The Lord Edward

★ 4.4 (909)

23 Christchurch Pl, D08 RK00

Best for an upstairs room overlooking Christ Church Cathedral.

Traditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Food

Why it's here

“A wonderful pub in the heart of the city dating to 1967…”The Irish Road Trip

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, The Irish Road Trip)
  • Recommended 4 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.4★ from 909 reviews
  • Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit
#11 Photo to come

Walsh's

★ 4.7 (1,454)

6 Stoneybatter, D07 A382

Best for Guinness, stained-glass snug doors and trad nights in Stoneybatter.

CosyLive music
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on

Why it's here

“…stained glass snug doors, dark polished wood, and vintage decor create the perfect setting for a…”The Irish Road Trip

  • On 2 of 10 lists (The Irish Road Trip, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 3 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 1,454 reviews
  • Score 7 = 2 × 2 lists + 3 Reddit
#12 Photo to come

The Blue Light

★ 4.7 (2,904)

Barnacullia, D18 PF72

Best for a pint with a view over the whole city from the Dublin mountains.

ViewsGood craicTraditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —no data
Why it's here

“If you’ve been exploring the mountains or hiking the Wicklow Way, there’s no better spot for a post-walk pint; the cinematic views are at their best as the sun goes down and the city lights begin to flicker on.”Condé Nast Traveller

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Lonely Planet (Get Lost), Condé Nast Traveller)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 2,904 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit
#13 Photo to come

The Old Royal Oak

★ 4.7 (973)

11 Kilmainham Ln, 11

Best for a no-nonsense traditional pub near Kilmainham Gaol.

CosyGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Old Royal Oak is a no-nonsense pub, and I mean that in the best possible sense.”The Irish Road Trip

  • On 2 of 10 lists (The Irish Road Trip, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 973 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit
#14 Photo to come

The Temple Bar Pub

★ 4.6 (42,697)

47-48 Temple Bar, D02 N725

Best for the famous, touristy Temple Bar pint, at premium prices.

Live musicGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Yes, it might be the most touristy of Dublin’s famous pubs, but the Temple Bar pub is worth a visit just for the experience.”Traverse

  • On 3 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Traverse, Eating Europe)
  • Google 4.6★ from 42,697 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit
#15 Photo to come

Devitt's

★ 4.6 (3,508)

78 Camden Street Lower, D02 C642

Best for trad music most nights and Guinness stew on Camden Street.

Live musicGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Their Guinness stew is excellent!”Traverse

  • On 3 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, Traverse, Eating Europe)
  • Google 4.6★ from 3,508 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit
#16 Photo to come

Bonobo

★ 4.6 (2,157)

119 Church Street Upper, D07 E128

Best for pizza, good pints and outdoor space in Smithfield.

Beer garden
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Owned by the same people, Bonobo and Kodiak have slightly different personalities but the exact same energy: excellent pizzas, great pints and outdoor spaces where every night feels like a Saturday.”Lonely Planet (Get Lost)

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs, Lonely Planet (Get Lost))
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 2,157 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit
#17 Photo to come

Toner's

★ 4.5 (3,555)

139 Baggot Street Lower, 139

Best for a snug that's regarded as the best in Dublin, and a beer garden.

Beer gardenOld pubGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Its second claim to fame, after Yeats, is its snug, which is regarded as the best in Dublin.”The Wanderbug

  • On 2 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 3,555 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit
#18 Photo to come

Dudley's

★ 4.5 (911)

48 Thomas St, D08 Y44A

Best for trad music on the way to the Guinness Storehouse.

Live music
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Dudleys is directly on the route to Guinness and they often have traditional music being played.”Ireland by Locals

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals, Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 911 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit
#19 Photo to come

McDaid's

★ 4.4 (1,612)

3 Harry St, D02 NC42

Best for a moody Victorian bar on Harry Street that used to be the city morgue.

Traditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —no data
Why it's here

“One of my favorites is McDaid's, a subdued Victorian bar on Harry St with stained-glass windows and dark wood interiors.”Lonely Planet

  • On 2 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Lonely Planet)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.4★ from 1,612 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit
#20 Photo to come

Kodiak

★ 4.7 (899)

304 Rathmines Rd Lower, D06 W3Y1

Best for pizza, good pints and outdoor space in Rathmines.

Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Owned by the same people, Bonobo and Kodiak have slightly different personalities but the exact same energy: excellent pizzas, great pints and outdoor spaces where every night feels like a Saturday.”Lonely Planet (Get Lost)

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs, Lonely Planet (Get Lost))
  • Google 4.7★ from 899 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#21 Photo to come

O'Donoghue's

★ 4.6 (6,549)

15 Merrion Row, D02 PF50

Best for trad sessions where the Dubliners played some of their first gigs.

Live musicGood craicTraditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —no hours listed
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“Musical heritage runs deep here, with the Dubliners performing some of their earliest gigs within these walls in the 1960s.”Condé Nast Traveller

  • On 2 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Condé Nast Traveller)
  • Google 4.6★ from 6,549 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#22 Photo to come

Doheny & Nesbitt

★ 4.6 (2,949)

5 Baggot Street Lower, D02 F866

Best for over 100 whiskies and quiet snugs midweek on Baggot Street.

Live musicTraditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“They are whiskey specialists and have more than 100 whiskies.”Ireland by Locals

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Ireland by Locals (#3), Lonely Planet (Get Lost))
  • Google 4.6★ from 2,949 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#23 Photo to come

Briody's

★ 4.6 (704)

97 Marlborough St, D01 PP92

Best for a no-fuss old man's pub with a good pint.

Locals' pubCosy
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Food

Why it's here

“Briodys - classic old man pub.”r/Dublin

  • On 1 of 10 lists (The Irish Road Trip)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 704 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
#24 Photo to come

Neary's

★ 4.5 (2,246)

1 Chatham St, D02 EW93

Best for one of the city's most beautiful pub interiors.

TraditionalCosy
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food

Why it's here
  • On 1 of 10 lists (The Irish Road Trip)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 2,246 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
#25 Photo to come

129 The Coombe, D08 NP52

Best for an unmodernised interior and Victorian snug in the Liberties.

Traditional
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“"It's got all the old features; it's got the Victorian snug as well.”BBC Travel

  • On 2 of 10 lists (BBC Travel (#4), Condé Nast Traveller)
  • Google 4.5★ from 1,434 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#26 Photo to come

Caribou

★ 4.6 (371)

30 Stephen Street Lower, D02 XY61

Best for craft beer and spicy margaritas for a long night out.

Sunday roast
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“It’s relaxed, fun and always busy in a way that feels natural rather than overcrowded – perfect for a long night with the girls.”Lonely Planet (Get Lost)

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs, Lonely Planet (Get Lost))
  • Google 4.6★ from 371 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#27 Photo to come

Tom Kennedy's

★ 4.5 (906)

65 Thomas St, D08 VOR1

Best for a creamy Guinness in a 1750s building on Thomas Street.

Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“With a plump, creamy head, zero bitterness and the perfect temperature, this is widely regarded as the best Guinness in Dublin City Centre for good reason!”The Irish Road Trip

  • On 1 of 10 lists (The Irish Road Trip)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 906 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
#28 Photo to come

The Hairy Lemon

★ 4.4 (8,113)

41- 42 Stephen Street Lower, D02 NV08

Best for walls covered in memorabilia and a lively Guinness crowd.

Live musicGood craic
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“The atmosphere is lively and welcoming with a great pint of Guinness.”Traverse

  • On 2 of 10 lists (Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs, Traverse)
  • Google 4.4★ from 8,113 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
#29 Photo to come

The Brazen Head

★ 4.5 (21,688)

20 Bridge St. Lower, D08 WC64

Best for nightly music in a pub that claims to be Dublin's oldest, though locals call it touristy.

Live music
Pint€ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“It is a Dublin institution!”Traverse

  • On 3 of 10 lists (The Wanderbug, Traverse, Eating Europe)
  • Google 4.5★ from 21,688 reviews
  • Score 2 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit − 4

More ways to pick a pub in Dublin

Where this comes from

Each pub scores 2 for every published list or award that names it and 1 for every Reddit recommendation (up to 4), minus any Reddit comments against it. To get on the page a pub needs two lists, or one list and two Reddit recommendations, so one writer's favourite can't top it. Google rating only breaks ties. Every card shows its score and the sources behind it, and quotes are checked word for word against the page they came from.

We read Google's business data for 733 Dublin pubs on 26 Oct 2026, covering review topics, rating, hours, busy times and listed features. Nobody paid to be here. How we rank has the detail.

Hours, busy times and features come from Google and can change. Check with the pub before a special trip.