Absolutely loved this pub and restaurant. Another yelper described it as a hopping bar, and I couldn't agree more! And don't sleep on the food. My colleague had this spot on her wish list of places to visit so we came here for a group dinner. We walked in around 7pm with quite a big bunch and no reservations. The bar area and restaurant itself was packed, but the staff was super accommodating in finding space for us. The ambiance here is spot-on. They had live music the night that we visited which was a of fun, and the decor was charming. I know it may be a deemed a tourist bar, but we actually met quite a few locals that mentioned they frequent this spot. I wasn't even sure I was hungry so I asked the waitress if they could whip up something light for me. I went with a green salad and balsamic chicken, and a side of scallion mashed potatoes (which ended up being a huge portion and very filling). While I ordered a 'no frills' meal, my colleagues went all out so I got to try quite a few bites from other plates. The Braised Lamb Shank entree was massive and beautifully plated. This was easily split between 2 people. The other dishes we tried were Beef and Guinnes Stew, and the Thai Green Curry. Each one was delicious. Drinks were great and came out quickly despite how busy it was. Overall, just a great experience and space. read more

Darkey Kellys - Outside - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Got recommended this by a friend and it was so worth it!! The food was big portions and so worth it!! They got a big group in quick and were able to get us service fast!! They have a lot of traditional irish dishes well worth the try! Kinda hot on warmer days but well worth it for the food. read more

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

The food here was amazing. Reasonably priced too (for Dublin). I had the fish and chips and my partner had the bangers and mash. I think she's a convert now. Beers are reasonably priced too (again for Dublin) and the bar staff were professional and fun. We went on a live music night but said outside in their patio. Music was great, patio was quaint and cozy. Even during the heat wave Definitely would recommend. read more

This was a perfect Irish pub experience! Irish music playing heavy wood furniture & stools, great drinks, friendly service. Fish and chips was lovely, Crispy and light! Strawberry drink was great I had to have two. We weren't rushed at all. read more

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Food was amazing and the espresso martini was equally amazing. The only draw back was the time it took to get our meals but certainly worth the wait! Hoping to make it back for the baileys cheesecake' read more

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Great live music and an even better crowd. The energy was amazing and made for such a fun night. read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I was in Dublin 3 days and ate their Guiness Irish Stew 2 of the 3 days for supper. It was awesome! Live traditional Irish musicians played each time I was there and the staff was friendly and attentive. They have a HUGE selection of whiskeys and lots of beer on tap. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a great traditional Irish Pub! read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Love it here! Food was outstanding and staff was fantastic. We had fish and chips and by far were the best we've ever had and The Guinness stew was just as incredible. Cant wait to come back.. Dublin!!! read more

Man oh man the stew. Where do I begin? Comfort in a bowl? A dish to warm the bones? Just full of vitamin yum? Have you ever had a dish that tastes good to the last spoonful? This was it. I wasn't expecting this much flavor, nor was I expecting to be wowed by a stew. But hey, that's one of the best things about traveling and going to spots off a gut instinct. Having tried the Irish stew at a few other famous pubs here, this is bar none the best in Dublin. The live music was great. My buddy had the fish and chips but my other friend who had the carbonara said it was one of the best he's had in the city. Once again though. The S T E W. Epic. read more

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

It had a newer and fresher feel compared to the other pubs we encountered. Not a bad thing, simply an observation. It was a bit tucked away but so happy we stumbled across this place. The staff were exceedingly friendly and attentive. The binders and mash were exceptional. The presentation was wonderful. The bangers ere delicious and the potatoes were an excellent foundation. The Devine gravy wrapped up the dish to perfection. Absolutely recommended. read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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If you are looking for a lively Tourist Bar with Genuine Irish Music 7 days a week, this is your spot. Please don't take "Tourist Bar" wrong. In this case, it just means they are not playing. soccer and rugby in lieu of Irish Music. It's also not TGI Fridays, it's fairly authentic with some rebel songs intermixed with Irish standards. We arrived on a Sunday Night at 6:45. They don't take reservations so you can expect to wait. There is no one in charge of a list so recommend you figure out who is in charge and checking back. It worked. We were a table of 4 and we waited on the patio with a beer for about 35 minutes. You could easier sit out and eat on a temperate night. However, you'd miss the music which is the whole point. Once we were seated at the table, it took about another 20 minutes to get a order in. You kind of have to wave for attention. The food actually came quickly after that. The food was very good. Stand out was problemly the Seafood Chowder which came with loaded with Mussels and Brown Bread. The Vegan Burger, Fish and Chips, and ubiquitous Beef Guinness stew were all spot on and served at proper temperature. Also of note, They have like 100 irish whiskeys on the menu. If you are from out of town, and want a quintessential irish experience, won't be disappointed read more

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If you're ever in Dublin, Ireland, don't bother with Darkey Kellys! The music may be somewhat traditional, but to have it blasting on speakers is not! We were sitting at the bar in the back, a very decent distance from the stage and I couldn't even hear my husband who was sitting on the bar stool right next to me. Have you ever given a bartender your order when you cannot hear each other? I'm going to guess he knows how to lip read! It was impossible for him to hear my husband's order. I sure hope the guy is wearing some kind of ear protection because he will go hard of hearing, if not deaf, sooner rather than later. If the bands skip the sound system, it would have been good, but it was pure stupidity to have the music blasting the way it was. I couldn't get out of there soon enough! Too bad, we would have had fun if it wasn't for the noise levels! read more

We went around 6pm on a weekday and from the outside, there didn't seem to be any music but once you open the door.. the place was alive with music and a lively crowd. The person in charge of seating told us that there was 4 ppl ahead of us and maybe a 1/2 hour wait. But it was really quick.. maybe 10min to get a table. We had hamburgers and steak and everything was delicious. I had the Red Lolly and it was delicious! Our waiter was nice and friendly. And there was a wide variety of people - young, old and families read more

Loved the live music the fish stew was filled with mussels in the shell and was Amazing the bangers and mash had a delightfully light texture we sat outside and I ordered our food and drinks at the bar and the food was delivered to us. read more

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Some of the best food in Dublin. Is always busy and has great music. Great whiskey selection as well

Although extremely crowded, this was a fun experience worth the wait to get seated. Definitely lived up to the hype. We loved our Guinness and our fish and chips. read more

Two weeks of fantastic Dining across the island and this lunch stood out as one of the very best for multiple reasons. My wife got the seafood chowder and it was essentially an order of delicious mussels on top of a delightful seafood chowder. I got their Cajun chicken bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich which was excellent. I got a local brewery red ale, Brogue, I believe. Very nice. I then perused their EXTENSIVE whiskey list and ordered a Big Smokey by Teeling. I didn't even see it available on the Teeling distillery tour! It was, also, amazing. The staff was super attentive and always hustling. Very convenient to St Patrick's Cathedral. read more

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An older out-of-the-way pub across from Christ Church cathedral, with lively Irish music and some of the best bangers and mash you'll ever tuck into. Not pricey, and not private--you'll get to know the folks at the table next door! But always bustling, with prompt attentive service and delicious Irish fare. read more

Great burger, whiskey, and beer. A perfect pub to visit while in Dublin. Bartenders and other staff were happy to give pointers. read more

Darkey Kellys - Bar - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Outside seating where you order inside and they serve you outside. Delicious fish and chips and beer.

Mediocre. Good spot though. It wasn't the most inviting place I've gone to as far as management but the bartenders and waitstaff were good.

The atmosphere is perfect. It's a great Irish pub. The food was delicious. Recommend the Guinness beef stew. Great flavor. Service was fast and efficient. When you first walk in you may need to ask a team member to find a table for ya. It can get busy. read more

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There was a wait but it was worth it! The best Guinness stew ever, cold Guinness pints and good atmosphere for about $100 for 4 of us! read more

Darkey Kellys - Guinness pints with dinner - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Absolute banging good time. We visited this bar twice and wish we had more nights. Gorgeously poured drafts. Delicious eats coming from the excellent restaurant next door (copper alley bistro.) Very crowded, full of fun people and attentive staff. Of course there's tourists like us but it seemed there were locals coming in for hen nights and birthdays. Excellent music from a manly trad musician who hikes down from his cabin to play for us somewhat obnoxious drunkards, remaining good humored and charming. Forget about the Temple Bar packed like sardines, stay here and really enjoy yourself! read more

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Ordered wing and chips, they were great. Wish the fries were a little crispier but it was fine. Also ordered the stew, which was outstanding!!! Super tender and yummy with lots of mashed potatoes. Great stop, great service! The espresso martini was fabulous!! read more

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Had dinner here after at least 3 people from Dublin recommended it for high quality food and drinks in a traditional pub setting. We both loved the seafood chowder served with dark wheat bread - chock full of fish and shellfish and very flavorful. The drinks menu is extensive with a massive list of Irish whiskeys. Came at 5 o'clock on a weeknight and had no trouble finding a table. Friendly atmosphere and attentive staff. Highly recommended! read more

Darkey Kellys - Seafood chowder with chips - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Ireland's pubs are high in volume on many things: Guinness, fish n chips, and lore. Darkey's does not disappoint. Storied former owner was rumored to be Ireland's first serial killer (with bodies found below the original floors). That doesn't stop weary travelers from grabbing a pint and some much loved chips. We stopped here after trekking around the city all day. It was a welcome respite with great service, locals and tourists, and the traditional feel of an Irish pub. Darkey's was one of our favorite spots during our trip and I highly recommend it! read more

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One of the best pubs we visited during our visit to Ireland. Everything here was spot on; the drink, the food, the staff, the patrons, the ambiance, etc., etc. The bartenders are very knowledgeable on the whiskeys they serve and are helpful in recommending what you should try. They had real Irish music band which engaged with the crowd the night we were there and some people even got up and danced. One of the best fish and chips I tried in town. Prices were fair considering how pricey Dublin can be. The one thing that I did not care for is that opening a tab is not much of an option. You pay as you go and that becomes a multitude of transactions very quickly. Highly recommend visiting. read more

Must try the Irish Stew & Braised Lamb Shank tender & bursting with flavor. The downside was only the portion it is small & on the pricey side. read more

We went in for lunch. The Guinness Irish Stew was phenomenal! Any way to get the recipe now that we are back in the States? This place was incredible especially with the history behind it. Beautiful place, great food and beer! You have to check this place out! read more

Food was excellent for pub type food. I had the Sunday roast meal. Service was average. Ambiance was average. Both quality and quantity of food was great. read more

Of all the Irish Pubs in Dublin--this one get my top score. In fact, we visited many but we came back here for dinner and Guiness a second time it was so good and memorable. Excellent Food: Get the Salmon and the Beef, comes with potatoes and vegetables. Excellent Service Excellent Atmosphere Excellent Music If they were in my neighborhood, I would come here regularly. This Pub is off the radar--we only found out about it because a local in our hotel told us this was the best where the locals like to go. read more

Darkey Kellys - Salmon and Potatoes - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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First day in Dublin, was starving. Business first, popped Yelp open to see what's the best in the area. Darkey Alley bar popped on so I decided to stop by as the walk from Hardrock was only 3 minutes. Upon entering the bar I felt like I was taking back 600 years to the Viking times of good old' bards singing victory songs, and barbarians sharing their war stories, surrounded by chunks of meat, women, and endless ale. I ordered the classic burger with chips and a pale ale. Service was very welcoming and quick. Music was great and made you feel very in-sync with the vibe. Burger came out looking amazing. The ingredients were top quality, cooked to perfection. Juicy tender, leaving each bite hungering for more. Fries were thick cut - dipped in some ketchup with salt - finger licking. Reviews were on point and the food was delicious. If you're in town give them a visit. read more

Darkey Kellys - Victory meal - classic burger with chips & ale. - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Went on a recommendation and really loved the ambiance of the place. It was very welcoming and gave a classic pub vibe. The service was great and everyone was attentive and got all orders correct. Had the fish and chips and it was okay. I probably won't get it again if I'm ever in Dublin again, mostly because they were on the bland side. However, my friend had the beef stew and it was delicious! I wish I had that. read more

Darkey Kellys - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Great atmosphere, great food, will go back! Loved the live music and authenticity of the place.

Live music. Guinness! Irish Coffee! All amazing. Service was also spot on. Great experience! read more

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Stopped in here by chance and had a blast. Crowded but a really fun vibe. Great music, great service even though it was super busy. Had several pints of beer as well as fish and chips. Fish and chips were perfect. Nice portion of food but not too much. Definitely recommend. read more

Darkey Kellys - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

We traveled to Dublin for a couple of days and had a blast! We wandered into this tiny bar that was packed with people, got a table right away, and interacted with the singers and just had a wonderful time. read more

Darkey Kellys - Front Entrance - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

My wife and I went in on a Saturday evening about 6pm and place was packed. We waited about 20 minutes to get two bar stools close to music. Service and food was excellent. She had stew and I had fish and chips. She kept stealing some of my fish and chips because they were so good. First band played to about 645 then next one started at 7. Both were very good. read more

Darkey Kellys - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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Mo was an amazing host. Fantastic spot for great live Irish music. Would highly recommend for dinner and drinks.