Pros: - A real solid Irish pub; great music, great pints, just enough seating; enough to keep it intimate. - Great decor and crowd keeps it lively; no hipster bs. Cons: - Get there at the right time otherwise you'll find seating limited. read more

O'Donoghue's - Smithwicks in a harp glass - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

We visited this pub a few years back, and it was adorable. We loved all of the food and drinks we were served, the service was great as well. We especially loved the homemade beef stew and any beer to accompany it. So yummy, hope to come back someday. read more

When you walk into a bar and there's 20+ pints of the black stuff on the counter you know it has to be a great pint and Oh boy it is. Original traditional Irish bar as you walk(more like squeeze) through and then there is a HUGE smoking area which seems to be an alleyway. There is a newer section on the right of this but nothing beats the low stools and craic/atmosphere of the original pub. Have been here a few times, usually at the weekend and has always been busy. So central and great place to pop into or even spend the night (if you're lucky enough to get a stool) before the club. read more

O'Donoghue's - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

NO menus. OK for drinks, but not food. I would not have included this place under the category of "restaurants." Their only choices were soup or ham sandwich. The room they sat us in was cramped and uncomfortable. Would probably not return. read more

Great pub. Go here if you're looking for traditional Irish music and to meet some locals (more on that below). If you're looking for food go elsewhere, as they only had Irish stew and ham sandwiches to eat when we were there. Irish stew in and of itself isn't very good, which is why you don't see it on menus outside of Ireland I suspect. The locals who frequent the pub tend to be into the music scene, so will be seated by the musicians. If you sit away from that area you're most likely going to meet other fellow tourists. On our first visit we didn't sit near the bar area and the music because it was crowded. As a result we spent our time chatting with fellow Americans. On our second visit we muscled our way into the area by the musicians, and struck up conversation with some locals. We had a great time and ended up closing the pub! We also wouldn't recommend ordering a cocktail here, as they do very week pours. Suggest you stick with a pint of your favorite beer. read more

Great place to mingle with locals in a comfortable, historic environment. They always have some hearty Irish Stew available with a fresh slice of Soda Bread. I took refuge in this Pub when Dublin was virtually shut down due to three inches of snow. The bartenders and all the staff are as friendly to the curious international traveler as they are to the locals. Highly recommend you pop in for a Pint and take a break from the hectic city streets of Dublin. read more

Stayed at this inn just after NY day 2018. Heard it was in an ideal location, the Pub downstairs was a happening place and value for the dollar. This was not my experience. We arrived and had to check in at the Pub meaning we had to wait until the bartender had a lull in serving drinks. Checked in and bartender took us to the room. Thank goodness he carried my suitcase and the stairwell was so narrow you have to hold your luggage either in front of or behind you... no elevator. Thank goodness we were on the second floor and not any higher!!! Bartender let us in the room and left. We had 2 sets of keys. When I went to leave, I checked my keys and they did not work. I went back to the pub and the bartender did not believer me so he took my keys and went to physically check himself rather than giving me a new set. Well they keys did not work for him either. We went back to the pub, he served more drinks then finally got a new set of keys for me. Wifi was free but good luck connecting!!! That night around 12pm I heard this very loud clanging like someone is banging a heavy wrench on the pipes. This went on for several hours with small periods of quiet dispersed. The next morning, I saw the culprit... there were empty beer kegs stacked layers high and deep on the sidewalk and street in front of the pub. I changed hotels for my next and told the new hotel of my experience saying I would never stay in a room above a pub again in Dublin. They told me this occurs nightly and depending on how busy it is each night contributes to how long the clanging lasts. read more

It's well-loved but God help you if you ask for anything other than a pint. Wanted a simple vodka martini and got a glass of spoiled vermouth with some brownish limes in it. I know they're not going to make a dragonfruit daiquiri with smoked foam or whatever, but I do think a bar should be able to throw together a basic vodka martini. It's a pretty basic drink. read more

O'Donoghue's - Saddest "martini" ever. The vermouth was completely rotten. - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I hadn't been at O'Donaghue's in years, but we were near by and wanted an after dinner drink. It's a great place for an after work pint or, in my case, a Sunday afternoon digestif! I love the back, with the heaters and random benches. I'm always cozy, even on a cold night. read more

As I sit behind my computer, I am still wishing I was at O'Donoghue's pub drinking a Bulmer's Berry Cider out of a giant glass. The atmosphere is fantastic and the bartenders here are not only good looking (yes I said it) but extremely nice and fun. Cheers to Patrick. When you think of an Irish pub, this place should come to mind. You can feel the history when you walk in, especially since it's the sight of The Dubliners formation. They have great Irish music at 9:30 on Friday nights, starting at 4:30 on Saturdays and pretty much all day Sundays. Get there early because it gets PACKED. The inside is pretty small but they have a pretty large outdoor area. I met a lovely Spanish girl, a guy from Canada and a local here so you never know who you're going to meet either. Drinks are about what you expect to pay in a city at a well-known pub. They also have the typical toasted ham and cheese sandwiches if you're hankering for a bite to eat (they can do just cheese for you non-meat eaters too). read more

We stopped in here to wait out the crowd at Toners! It was packed for the time and day of the week (afternoon, Thursday) and there was a really good vibe about it. Wait time at the bar wasn't bad at all- we got pints of Smithwick's. It was too crowded to sit inside so we headed out to the smoking area/courtyard, which was popping! The crowd seemed to combine American tourists and young professionals. Although it was loud with all the different conversations, we still managed to hold our own. If I'm being picky, it was a little too crowded, and I kept getting bumped by people walking by. The bar staff members collecting glasses were also having a hard time getting through. Not too much of a problem, however, and a good spot if you're looking for midday pub action. read more

Bono drinks here. That should make it a no go spot of course, but not even Bono can wipe the history of this Dublin institution. My parents would frequently walk home as youths from sessions here, and everyone from Seamus Ennis to Ted Furey, Ronnie Drew to the great Joe Heaney was at home here. All has changed, changed utterly however. It's moe suits and ties than trad sessions these days, but in this corner of the city such a story is not unusual. Historians, either professional or hobbyists, would do well to have a good look at the walls. Charles Haughey with The Dubliners, Pete Seeger in Dublin and posters for classic plays like Executed are found on the walls here. O'Donoghues is a museum. Like Grogans, it's ham and cheese sambos or bust, but nobody is here for the food. The pint, on a quiet day, is beautiful. If you get a seat by the musicians corner at the front of the bar this is an unrivalled Dublin experience. The punters have changed, the pub hasn't really. On a good night, with your mates in and Bono somewhere exotic and far away, it's a great spot. read more

I loved this bar. Very friendly people, lively music, everyone is happy and singing. I had a great experience and really enjoyed myself.

Since this is one of the favourite pubs of one of my Irish colleagues I went there with colleagues a few times. While I normally like staying "outside", close to the barrels and patio heater last time we found a lovely place in the "back room" - which was always full on previous visits of mine. I did enjoy the atmosphere here as it is really cozy - a really nice Dublin pub. What's not great is the drinks selection - they have the "standard" on draft and nothing more, no special beers at all, not even other Irish beers. What's also not great is the bathrooms, one of my colleagues called it one of these "elbow bathrooms", because you want to touch stuff there only with your elbows. And that's exactly to the point of it. I did see a trad session going on in the front when I was leaving, so it's good for that as well. The crowd seems easy-going, mostly Irish, a bit of a break from all that tourist stuff in the city centre/Temple Bar. So overall - I like it, with these two pain points mentioned (beer and bathrooms). read more

Drank here on vacation from the states. I love the 3 bars in 1. My fav was the middle indoor/outdoor portion. I enjoyed a nice Lucky Strike and chatted up some locals. Too bad I had just missed the music session which ends around 11:30 - Overall good times!! read more

Really outstanding Guinness at a reasonable price. They pour it properly here where you have to let it sit and then they add more to it. Not too touristy and the service was great! Lots of locals. Not a lot of vegan options but I was here for the pint! read more

Nice pints of porter..check Great staff..check Good outdoor area and nice vibe..check A place to listen to a session..unfortunately not as the tourists take over. They arrive just before the first note is struck, cameras and back-packs slung loosely over their shoulders and stand directly in front of the musicians (many of them do not even buy a drink). They then proceed to chat loudly amougst themselves drowning out the music audibly and visually (see above back-pack comment) There is no PA system used in O'Donohueswhich is the way it should be, however, not being able to hear the music nevermind see the musicians means that only the "lucky" few latecomers actually see or hear anything...pity really but it is afterall a tourist trap. Overall a great pub but from a trad point of view..."its with O'leary in the grave" read more

What a terrific spot for a pint! Crowded, enormous smoking patio, decor is badass, and the beer is cold. Live music started at 9:30ish during the week. Seating is very limited so come early and stay late. Bartenders were friendly and there were no TVs so you've got to talk to your friends...sorry. read more

Had our first meal in Ireland here -- the Irish Stew was absolutely perfect. Perfectly seasoned meat and potatoes in a perfect broth with perfect bread. I could neither envision nor achieve such perfection in New York. The draft Guinness was also perfect. I don't know about you, but this was the absolutely perfect beginning to our Ireland vacation, and while it was only lunch and there was no live music or outward revelry involved, the meal and service were impeccable and well appreciated after a long flight. So Cheers to Ireland and Cheers to Dublin. This is the Place to Begin your Adventure. read more

Great example of a true Irish neighborhood pub. We are not local but it felt like home by the 2nd night.

This is a very fun pub. The guys play great live music. It is a crowded place (show me a Dublin pub that isn't!) Notable also for a very good whiskey selection. read more

If you go to Dublin, for fun or business, go here! It's not touristy and the staff are beyond the pale. Super fun learning to pour the perfect pint and the music was terrific! read more

Good pint, great music! Crowded on a Saturday night but, that's to be expected. Both trad and popular music by the locals and, everyone sings along to the songs they know. Great fun. read more

I went here for the first time recently for a large going away party with friends. It was a Friday night, so the place was full. Even in the rain, the craic was good, and this was a place away from the main hustle of Grafton Street. You can easily get to this pub by bus, luas, or car. There's great space for your own crowd or meeting up with a new crowd. Several bars throughout the pub and attentive service. The pours for Guiness were class all night, and that's always my deal breaker if I'll go back. Prices were average to what most pubs in The City Centre charge. Cocktails standard as well. If you're a fan of Club Orange with your vodka like I am, then this place serves it up well. I would go back here for the levels this pub has (room to move around and roam), the ample seating (cushion benches or bar stools and table with chairs), beer garden area, and polite while well trained staff. I also missed the music when I went, so I'd go back to check that out. read more

Ah, O'Donoghue's... Another institution around the Irish pub scene in Dublin! Fantastic ole pub, they have a great courtyard which pulls in the crowds all the time. Live music is regularly the order of the day here as well as being a great spot to catch some sport. read more

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O'Donogheu's is a strong contender for Dublins best pub (see also Brazen Head). Local flavor and history blend in this high spirited, good energy pub. The crowd can be a tad touristy but there are plenty of locals. Live Irish traditional music is a strong nightly positive. This is not a sports bar, so don't expect to catch a soccer match or rugby on the TV . read more

I had a nice guiness here while waiting for my hotel room to be ready and it was definitely better than it is in the states. I don't have a great opinion on this place seeing I didn't come here during the night time but the staff was nice and it had just a normal pub vibe. The food selection is extremely limited stating they didn't have a menu and only had sandwiches, beef and mushroom stew. I wouldn't recommend coming here if you are hungry but would definitely come for a round of drinks...or two/three! read more

This place was recommended by a friend and was one of the highlights of our trip! When we go back to Ireland, we will make sure we stop back in here! Music was great, everyone singing along and great energy. We did not eat, but the pints of Guiness here were the best I had, how could it not be in this pub! It was crowded but everyone made room for each other. The service was great and they had many areas inside and out to order a drink. We can't wait to go back. Tip: they have bathrooms upstairs, outside, dont wait in the long line inside the pub! ;) read more

What a great pub. If you can stand crowds that is. Always packed full in the back and smoking area. Really good banter, especially on a Friday night. I'm always a bit worried about getting my clothes burnt by a cigarette though-that's the only drawback. But no holes to date to report. When it's not so busy, you get to meet some great characters with a storey or two to tell. read more

This pub hasn't changed since the 60's in terms of decor and atmosphere and that is a real good thing. Sure some of punters are from that era too! O'Donoghue's Bar is one of those rare places that is not to be missed for tourists but also for locals too. There is music here throughout the day and it is always busy during the day as well as night. This place is small but packs a lot of punch, check out the photographs on the wall, it seems as much a museum as a pub! read more

O'Donoghue's is a reasonable, traditional looking, smallish pub. It's known for traditional music and gets ridiculously busy when there's a session on. Try and squeeze your way through to the back, where there's more seats. The drinks are cheap enough but the last few times I've been there it's been long, long waits for service at the bar, and then all elbows and backs trying to find a place to stand, and frankly not worth the hassle. If you want trad music away from the Temple Bar tourist traps then check this one out. But I'll have my pint at Doheny & Nesbitt thanks. read more

O'Donoghue's - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I love this place to go for a drink. Seems to be busy all day long with people so pop in any time and have a pint or two. There is a small snug at the front if you are lucky enough to find it empty or a small cozy bar to the side. Great place for smoking out the back with heaters so you won't feel the chill. All ages go here so no matter what your age you should have the craic. read more

One overlooked point so far when it comes to O'Donoghue's is this, although you will probably hear some trad music, the crowd are pretty much as untraditionally Irish as it comes. This is not Aran sweater land, this is suited and booted business executive territory. There'll always be lots and lots of people in white-collared shirts and suspenders, guffawing over that pink newspaper they like and drinking like they're still on the SCT. Yet, somehow this doesn't in any way detract from the fun of the place, it still feels like a ride on the Wurlitzer, mildly exhilarating in a comforting way and it seems to bring friends together (without the help of G-forces in this case.) It's gotta be one of my favourite pubs in town. The atmosphere is bright and lively, the smoking area is big and has seats, the Guinness is awesome and it's a great place to spend a day. read more

O'Donoghue's - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Great quick service quiet place to stop for a great bite to eat I had the fish & chips...the Best! The stew was good as well! Enjoyed it!

Good atmosphere and decor that will appeal to tourists and locals alike. The bartenders in general are a fairly affable bunch, and you can have the craic with them if the music permits. Speaking of music, they do have regular trad sessions, which bring a bit of atmosphere to proceedings albeit if not the purest form of that genre you will find. One star deducted for the fairly standard (ie major brand) range of beers - in the age of the Irish craft beer revolution, it wouldn't hurt them to have a few options on tap. read more

This was by far my favourite pub and most authentic Irish experience yet. Sat outside where a band of older men were jamming on old folks tunes, and as I was in the bathroom my girlfriend mentioned to them that I'm a musician... to my surprise, when I arrived back to our table the gentlemen called me over and insisted I play a tune (as much as I refused out of humility and respect for what they were playing, they wouldn't take no for an answer so I acquiesced). Although already quite inebriated from a day of drinking, I thankfully pulled out a couple of old standby Dylan and Stones tunes from my cover repertoire and was able to fulfill their wishes. They handed me a guitar and sat silently as I strummed out a outlet of tunes. My girlfriend and I were near tears of joy by the end of the evening, so grateful to be in the company of such a great group of guys and their family. They made us feel so welcome and genuinely seemed to enjoy our intrusion on their family jam nearly as much as my girlfriend and I were in awe that this was actually taking place. Also, beautiful pints! Slainte! read more

Didn't get a chance to sample the Irish music. We dropped in here on a stormy Friday night and enjoyed our pint of Guiness while we dried off. Great staff who indulged all our questions about Guiness! read more

Excellent authetic Irish pub. Great atmosphere and fantastic Guinness. Does get very crowded, but they can always squeeze you in. Highly recommended. read more

Like Dublin, this pub is comfortably worn. It provides guests with a home away from home. The drinks were wonderful and the service courteous. I felt right at home here and hope to one day return. read more

Great Irish music that comes on @9! Bartenders are great and love the tourists and locals equally! This place was recommended from our B&B all the way from Doolin! Did not disappointment! read more