The doorman at our hotel told us to go here for food and traditional Irish music after our tasting at Jameson on Bow St. It was a 5 minute walk which was perfect! This ended up being our favorite restaurant while visiting Dublin. It was so great in fact, we went back the next day! Our first visit ended up being on Valentines Day. My wife and I aren't too fancy and we just wanted to get some good pub grub. My wife got the Guinness beef stew and I got fish and chips. We got a ton food and we couldn't have been happier. The Guinness tasted amazing and they had a truly massive Irish Whiskey menu with most of the pours being very reasonably priced. Our second visit was literally the next day. My wife got the bangers and mash and I stuck with the fish and chips because I'm boring and not very adventurous. Lastly, a story we have been telling everyone. Our server was a young man named Shane. We had him for both of our visits. Here in the US, we are expected to tip 20%...well...this is not the case in Dublin, Ireland. We were told that tipping is not expected, but if you get some great service you can throw a Euro or two in to tip. Well, we loved Shane and he did an amazing job and put up with my shenanigans so we tipped him 10 Euro after our first visit. When we came back the next evening, he told us not to tip him because we tipped way too much the day before. Can you imagine that ever happening here in the US?!? He gave us a hug and told us he hoped we would visit again some day. Cheers to you Shane and thank you Darkey Kelly's for giving us a great couple of evenings! read more

the drink and the chips were amazing!!! no major complaints about service or price. we were in the back/corner room so we didn't get to experience the live music which was a bummer though read more

Order the guiness stew. It was the best we have ever had. We even went back the next night for more.

This is a really fun spot to experience an Irish pub. this place has great craik (fun/vibe). There were a couple of musicians playing traditional Irish music and the ambience was fun and upbeat. It was very crowded though. We went quite early and were given a small square table with 5 stools for our party. Most or all of the patrons appeared to be tourists. Even though it got very crowded in the midst of our meal, we never felt rushed. I ordered the Irish Guinness beef stew with mash potatoes and it was very good. The sauce was delicious but the beef could have been slightly more tender. Hubby's lamb shank was good too although he said he's had better before. The pasta carbonara was ok. read more

Restaurant was faIrly quiet on a winter's Monday night, but the food was still perfect. read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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This place is awesome. I walked in and the place was packed. There's a mix of old timer locals (this is their place!), tourists, and a live band was playing. Irish shanties. The old guys knew the words. They served food after 6, unlike some places (Baker Bar). I got the beef stew. Massive portions with good bread. Hearty. The bartenders are working their tails off. Everyone is getting a Guinness. Nice service. They checked on me a few times during my meal. The tourists are annoying but what can you do. This elderly cheap couple from the US would not move over or leave or order anything. Anyway. Loud. Great atmosphere. Btw they have 200 Irish whiskeys, if that's your thing! I paid with credit card, and unlike some places (Boxty House), they don't have an additional line for tip. These guys work so hard and don't expect a tip! Give them a little tip. read more

Hopped over to Darkey Kelley's, just off of Temple Bar, from our nearby hotel for dinner one night. We picked it based on the unique history of the building, as well as its classic Irish pub style decor. We were able to grab a table right away despite it being nearly full. Server was quick to assist us. We ordered the fish and chips and Korean chili wings to share. The fish and chips was incredible. Large portion of fish and very airy batter. The wings were fairly small, but came with a decent number still. The sauce was tasty and abundant. We left before the music started but it appeared to be a good crowd gathering for the evening. read more

Darkey Kellys - The Fish and Chips and The Korean Sweet Chili Wings. - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Returned for lunch, and again found the place worthy to recommend. My wife and split a tuna melt, and found it enough to share and quite good. Service was helpful. Definitely one of the better Irish pubs and restaurants we've visited in Dublin. read more

Place is great for dinner, but busy. Music starts around half seven, early for many pubs. Food is great and service amazing. Highly recommend. read more

Food was amazing! I got the beef & Guinness strew, absolutely delicious. My boyfriend got the shrimp and salmon sandwich, which he also really enjoyed. Not a place to write home about but if you're looking for an easy place to pop in for food, this is the spot. Great food, good prices, good service. Like an Irish pub experience. read more

Our family picked this pub on a whim during our first night in Dublin and we LOVED it! They have friendly staff that welcomed us back and remembered we are musicians, so they made sure that we had seats close to the band playing. We went three times! It was such a blast, and the food was really delicious. The staff was more than accommodating and we were sad to go! Sláinte!! read more

Darkey Kellys - We really enjoyed the music!! - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

The food is very good, the music and atmosphere are nice and relaxing, the staff is so nice and kind, and the service is quality!

This Irish pub in downtown Dublin is inviting and fun. We came here our first day in Ireland. The restaurant is rustic and warm. The wait staff are very nice and attentive. Everyone can find a place at this restaurant. There was a bachelor party brewing at the bar with lads singing as we came in. In the corner sits a father and his daughter while across the room a group of retirees enjoy lunch and lively conversation. Everyone coexisted in peace and harmony over pints of Guinness! We had one dish here, the fish and chips. Let me tell you lads, this is the right decision. The fish is fried in a delicately thin batter. The flesh was thick, hot, and flaky. I'm not sure how they managed to prepare such a large piece of fish to be hot and juicy while the outside remained crunchy and not greasy. It's served with tartar sauce and you may as well ask for extra now. Of course we had our fish and chips with a pint of Guinness. It was a nice pairing on a cold rainy day in Dublin. Our bellies were very happy as we ate and drank with the sound of Irish lads singing in the background. read more

Darkey Kellys - The best fish and chips we've had in Dublin. Light batter and served with a side of salad. - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Timing is everything as the saying goes. We wanted to listen to music and have dinner, so learned about Darky Kelly's and booked dinner. We came way early for a 6 pm reservation, around 5:30 and went to the bar. We found a booth for 4 near a stage and ordered drinks. Turns out live music is only in the bar....so we stayed with help of the server. Rainy night in SoHo was played.......highlight!! The fish and chips are great. The seafood chowder is chock full of seafood seafood plus has an order of mussels mixed in. More than a meal. Come here. read more

Darkey's has to be my favorite pub in Dublin. I've been to many pubs and restaurants in Ireland throughout the years but this place just feels like Ireland and I always come back. This pub is jamming with a mix of American music but they also play traditional Irish songs every other song. I love that. Food and drinks are all reasonably priced. They had a wide range of great ciders and craft beers; and they are consistently pouring the traditional none other than Guinness pints. They also have many different types of whiskeys. Very comfortable atmosphere so you can just sit back and relax. Service is wonderful as well. Food: I really enjoyed their fish and chips and their Guinness stew served with mashed potatoes. I really enjoyed their chips here but just wish their mashed potatoes were warm when it came out with the stew. However the stew really was the star of the dish; it was so good you would think someone's Irish grandmother was in the kitchen stewing it for hours. I also wish the stew had more carrots and potatoes. But regardless of those minor changes based on my personal preference, the food was exceptional, especially for the price. I'm looking forward to trying their burgers here next time. read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Ahhhhh. Fell in love with Darkey Kelly's once live music started. If you're in Dublin for a weekend and looking to start off your Saturday night right, this is a must stop. The place does get packed so I suggest showing up around 5:30-6. Live music start at 7. Oh. I forgot about the food. Ordered fish & chips and bangers & mash. Of course, definitely had Guinness on tap. And that kept flowing. Ha. Guinness. With those two types of plates. Oh. My. God. The best combo I've ever had. Throw in live music....ugh. I just died and went to heaven. If I'm ever back in Dublin, I'd relive this all over again. read more

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Fun pub. Excellent food and live music. My wife had the fish n chips, and I the pasta carbinara. Aliong with an Irish whisky and Guinness, it was well worth the walk. Yes it's a bit of a tourist trap. read more

This pub was attached to our hotel. Came down for the live band. Had a hard time finding a table because it is that popular. Did nit have the food, we had already ate, but the dishes that came by looked great. Great drinks. read more

Darkey Kellys - The bar. - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I wish I could live in Dublin just to go to this bar every night. The waiters are super friendly, funny, and not gonna lie easy on the eyes. They had great beer recommendations that perfectly matched mine and my friend's tastes. The bangers and mash was very savory and flavorful, I usually don't like mashed potatoes but thoroughly enjoyed these. The portion size was great value too, made perfect left overs. The live music they have every night is so enchanting, especially this one Irish solo artist who was playing one night, I wish I could remember his name, he was SO good. The crowd is a good mix of locals and tourists. Definitely a must-see pub in Dublin. read more

Darkey Kellys - Fish and chips, bangers and mash, Rockford cider, Orchard Thieves Blood Orange cider3 - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

After a long day of walking through the rain, this was the perfect spot for an Irish meal and atmosphere. It was pretty crowded but we found a spot at the bar to order drinks and dinner.. I'm convinced that every meal on their menu is a 10/10. I had the Irish meat stew and also had the chance to try the bangers and mash and they were packed with flavor. They also have a wide selection of beer on tap as well as many other drink options. The live band was playing authentic Irish music that the whole crowd seemed to enjoy! read more

Darkey Kellys - Irish stew - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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We were recommended to go here by our tour guide - excellent suggestion! The staff was friendly, the food phenomenal, and the live band fantastic! We sat outdoors in the back, met a lot of locals who were friendly and willing to share their recommendations on drinks, food, places to see etc. 10/10 would recommend and we will go back in the future! We highly recommend the chowder read more

True Irish pub. Amazing Guinness stew. Great live music & atmosphere. Jam-packed be prepared to wait a bit.

Love love love Darkey Kellys! Incredible service, great food and love the live music. The history of the pub is what drew me here, but the pub is a place to hang out for hours. Great location! read more

Darkey Kelly's is a must if you are in Dublin! A little morbid history for you about the place. Darkey Kelly was known in Dublin as a woman that was burned at the stake for witchcraft. She was later found innocent but she indeed had a dark side. They discovered bodies under the floorboards of the brothel she ran in 1761. This suggests that she may have been Ireland's first serial killer!! Fishamble St is where the pub is located and it is one of the oldest streets in Dublin that was the official fish market until the 17th century. With a great good menu and an awesome spirits selection you can't go wrong. You will hear traditional Irish music here but you will also get to hear artists from all over the world. Do yourselves a favor and stop at Darkey Kelly's if you are in Dublin. You will not be disappointed. Sláinte!! read more

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Best Irish stew I've had thus far and the salmon was delicious too, with crispy skin and really flavorful roasted vegetables. read more

Darkey Kellys - Guinness stew - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Amazing spot! Live music, cozy, friendly staff, games at most tables, good drinks and yummy food. Great place to come in from the cold. read more

Darkey Kellys - Bangers and mash - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

This was the best dinner I had while vacationing in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Galway. Darkey Kelly's was right next to my hotel in Dublin, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the beer selection, live music, food, and service. Travel guides will tell you to hit up the Temple Bar. Ignore them. Temple Bar is a tourist trap, and you can hardly fit into the door, let alone expect to get service. Bypass that, and take a short stroll to this pub. The Guinness Stew was to die for. The meat and veggies were melt in your mouth tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. The portion size is huge. I will forever crave this dish. It may very well be my favorite meal of all time. The beer/cider list is extensive. No matter your preference, you'll find something that suits your tastes. If you want a feel of authentic pub atmosphere without the overwhelming crowd, this is the place to go. Sit in a quiet corner, listen to the live music, and relax. Best bar in Ireland. Hands down. Oh, and don't wear a jersey walking in. It's a rule. read more

Darkey Kellys - Falling Apple Cider and Guinness - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Strange - we walked in, sat down at a very prominent table in the middle of the restaurant and were completely ignored. Another couple came in, was greeted, given menus and beers. Although the guys working the bar walked right by our table several times, we weren't acknowledged in any way. After a while, we got up and left. The barman glanced in our direction and then back down at the bar. I'm American and my wife is Mexican. Maybe they didn't like the look of one or both of us? Great that there are plenty of other great options in Dublin. read more

Excellent friendly service. Delicious food, and good live music! I sat outside where the music wasn't too loud and had a pint and stew. Highly recommend! read more

Nice cozy traditional pub with great atmosphere. I had the seafood chowder which was a big bowl and great value!

If you're looking for a traditional Irish pub, this is it! Great Irish music and lively atmosphere. If you're going for dinner, get a seat early because it's also very popular. Some of the best fish and chips on the island. The Guinness stew is excellent too. Good service and friendly staff. You'll have fun here. read more

Anytime we are in Dublin, we make it a point to go to Darkey Kellys. The staff is great, the music is great, and the people are great. If you are ever in Dublin, make it a point to go here. read more

The bar was quite busy and quite loud. We ate our meal at the adjoined Copper Alley; the two places share the bar menu. Copper Alley was an above-average restaurant; we enjoyed the food and beer there. read more

Great food and very good staff. About a 15 minute walk from Guinness Storehouse. Great Guinness stew, good seating, definitely plenty of food for the price. read more

Darkey Kellys - Guinness Stew - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Great vibe but get there early if you want a seat and to eat. Super busy but accommodating to get you a pint. The bands are also incredibly fun!! read more

This pub is a great start (or end) to any Irish vacation. Off the main tourist strip of Temple Bar, this pub is beneath a bnb and across a small street from the hauntingly beautiful Christchurch Cathedral. The building has great character and an interesting past that you can read about as you enter. We came here for our first dinner in Dublin, and it set a high standard. No room at tables so we grabbed a seat at the bar in time to enjoy the trad sesh that was happening. I ordered a local cider, but that was my mistake, when in Ireland, ALWAYS order the black stuff! The food that we ordered was hearty and had great flavor, way better than most of the Irish pubs we tried. I would recommend the Irish stew and bangers and mash. I can't wait to return here when next I visit! read more

Had so much fun. Went to visit for a BDay celebration. Great place. Great atmosphere. Awesome staff. Would definitely go back.

Just got to Dublin yesterday and absolutely love all the pubs. We went to Darkey Kelly's today for lunch and it was spectacular! We've been on holiday for two weeks and I have had fish and chips at least 10 times, but this was the best we had on our entire trip. Also had the potato soup as well and a couple of pints. The service from Mo was exceptional. He interacted with us throughout our stay and provided prompt and courteous service. read more

Darkey Kellys - Fish and Chips, potato veggie soup, Irish coffee and a lager pint - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Being a first timer in Dublin, I was determined to hit up all of the 'hot' spots and naturally came to Darkey Kellys. FORTUNATELY for me, it was right under the hotel I was staying at - Harding Hotel (also would recommend). Since I was so blessed to live on top of this heaven, I was pretty much there every day of my trip...and every night. If you're looking for true Irish food, culture and music, come here. They have amazing staff that welcomes you and are super accommodating, whether it's for food, drinks or both! Don't miss out and make your way to DK's! read more

HYPE live music ENORMOUS fish and chips ENDLESS alcohol selection 5/7 perfect score! read more

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