The Cobblestone

I can't believe that it has taken me so long to write about this one, but this place is truly the…read morequintessential neighborhood pub. The atmosphere is rich with local charm and friendly conversation, and the moment stroll into Gravediggers, you're immediately aware that you are in a real pub, not some Temple Bar tourist trap. My bartender was friendly and poured one of the best pints of Guinness that I have ever had. As soon as I took my first sip, I knew that Gravediggers was home. Yes, it was a bit of hike get to this temple of Guinness goodness, but I would gladly do it again... and will the next time I'm in town.

We were told that the gravedigger Tavern was a must see so we hopped in an Uber and went a few…read moremiles to the John kavanagh Gravedigger tavern. It's next to a huge graveyard and was established in 1833 so the gravediggers could have a place to talk and drink their favorite beverage. There are two sections one is for drinking and the other is for eating. The folks there were super friendly as we first had a pint of delicious beer then we wandered to the food side. The service was excellent as I had the potato soup which was delicious and cheap. My wife and daughter split the Irish rolls and they fell in love with them. It was a great experience and I would definitely highly recommend anyone in Dublin to visit this place. This place is for anyone looking to have a pint of reasonable priced beer and delicious reasonably priced food plus the allure of the graveyard and all of its many different gravestones.

Graveyard next to the grave digger Irish pub

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The Stag's Head

4.3(313 reviews)

1.2 km•South Inner City

My 1st to go bar upon landing in Dublin. Got to say, it's the best Dublin's preserved Victorian…read morepub. The authentic Victorian setting, the Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops, the mahogany bar, capped with red Connemara marble, follows the classic Victorian architectural pattern. The staff are helpful, friendly and patient since their accent is hard to understand sometime. My 1st beer and 1st Irish food, all I can say is what a meal, just simple delish. Being here is just a wondrous experience, the place is cosy, warm and the friendly of the people. So glad I picked this place as my first of Dublin.

If you want to experience a true Victorian pub in Dublin, The Stag's Head is a beautiful place to…read morestart. Tucked down Dame Court just off Dame Street, The Stag's Head is one of those rare pubs that feels genuinely historic rather than designed to look old. The building dates to the late 1800s, and the interior retains the ornate features of a classic Victorian "gin palace"--rich carved wood, stained glass, brass rails, and a warm, glowing bar that feels wonderfully preserved. We stopped in around 4:30 pm, which turned out to be a perfect time to visit. There were other patrons enjoying drinks and food, but the atmosphere was calm and relaxed rather than loud or rowdy. It felt like the kind of place where locals drop in for a quiet pint on their way home from work before the evening crowd arrives. The staff were excellent--friendly, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. The food was very good (we failed to take photos because we were too busy enjoying it). As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to see the Impossible burger front and center on their menu; it was deliciously prepared with guacamole on a brioche bun, and not an afterthought on the menu. My companions both chose the Irish Beef Burger, and said it was excellent. One thing to know: this is a traditional Victorian pub, so cocktails aren't really part of the program. Expect beer, wine, or spirits rather than mixed drinks. In a place like this, that actually feels exactly right. Other pubs do serve mixed drinks. Between the history, the ambience, the quality of the food, and the wonderful staff, The Stag's Head is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've experienced a real piece of Dublin.

Bar

One of our favorite

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Back door area

The Back Page

3.9(29 reviews)

1.0 km•Broadstone

Good pizza and a reasonable poor of Guinness but an incredibly rude waitress. They were running a…read morespecial for Americans on Thanksgiving. We stopped in with our family for the free pizza fully intending on purchasing lots of other food and drinks. Mind you this deal was advertised in loads of Dublin websites the waitress couldn't believe we asked about the deal, she was annoyed when we asked for napkins or water, and she snapped at us when we inquired about the bill. It's too bad because the vibes were cool in this place so we had intended to stay the afternoon making further purchases. But we left because she was so snippy and rude.

Let me set the scene…read more Dublin, Ireland. Our first stop across the Atlantic. We arrive to Storm Emma, Dublin's worst snowstorm in 35 years. Great timing, right? This resulted in us being cooped for a day in a half in our Airbnb, since most of Dublin shut down. Businesses of all kinds were closed. The cabin fever had set in. My girlfriend and I were itching to explore the pub scene or any scene for that matter! We decided to layer up and go for a walk...in 32 degree weather and a foot of snow. Hey we're Floridians, we were up for some change! Lo and behold, we look up at the pub around the corner from our Airbnb, and the doors are open. We see Dubliners out front smoking cigarettes, joshing around, happy to be out in the world. We nearly sprinted into The Back Page, which is a fantastic name for a pub by the way. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Customers were relaxed, the bartenders were chipper, and there was lots of wiggle room to sit or stand throughout the two story venue. Local beers and local whiskies filled the menu, and the prices were very reasonable. Attached to the bar is a pizza joint, I assume they are under the same ownership. We ordered the Sonia O'Sullivan pie and Bruschetta and both were excellent. Having Italy on the horizon in just a matter of days, we were not expecting 5 star pizza in Dublin. To our surprise, the texture and overall flavor of the pie were absolutely phenomenal. Full of life, cheerfulness, and exuberance at The Back Page. Recommend to anyone!

Local beer and local whiskey

Other bar

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Brian Boru

4.0(14 reviews)

1.8 km•Glasnevin

Where else but in the capital of Ireland would you have so many pubs known by two names ie the…read morefamily name (Hedigan's) and the fancy name (Brian Boru). This place has long been a favourite of students and young professionals in the Phibsborough area - as well as locals who've been a bit longer in the tooth. It's fair to say that rather than searching for some random historical connection it is believed that Brian Boru struck camp in the area prior to marching his troops to victory (and his own death) down the road in Clontarf. The pub is large and expansive as is its beer garden. If you want a bit of local colour then I'd recommend dropping in for Sunday lunch.

This is an unassuming local pub on the Phibsboro/Glasnevin border…read more What I like about this pub is that it just feels like a traditional Dublin pub. There's no loud music and is the perfect pub for quiet chats and pints on a Saturday night. Friendly staff. Nice pints. Mixed friendly clientele. Most importantly when you ask for a packet of crisps they give you a packet of King!

Beamish at Brian Boru aka Hedigans

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The lounge

Bohemian House

4.0(1 review)

1.3 km•Phibsboro

Humbled I am to pen the inaugural review for Bohemian House. This particular Irish pub housed my…read morelady and I once the streets opened back up during the Beast From The East. Channeling my inner Dubliner, I stuck with Smithwicks and Guinness for the night. The easily drinkable pale ale and dry stout go down dangerously smooth. And frankly, they tasted even more remarkable in Ireland than they normally do in the States. A travel high fogging my memory? Perhaps, but I don't really care! You won't find young, inexperienced bartenders at Bohemian House. You'll find men, seasoned in their craft, who are all business. Three gentlemen behind the stick and even bussing on the floor. It's a joy to watch them in their element. We ended up meeting fascinating locals who bought us beers until they kicked us out. The Irish hospitality is real, and this very bar is exactly the type of watering hole you want to visit while in Dublin.

True to its Bohemian name

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Smithwicks Pale Ale

Joxer Dalys

4.7(3 reviews)

1.0 km•Inns Quay

Solid old man bar. All locals. No tourists besides me. If you want to chill with dudes in 80s,…read morelegit as hell.

ahh Joxer Dalys where to begin... ok before I start, please…read morebeware, this bar is NOT going to be everyones taste, but if you want a REAL Irish bar then this is your man!!!!! Joxers is just one of those places you'll either love or hate... This place reminds a bit of Luke Kelly, its a bit rough around the edges, a bit rebellious, not some where you'd bring your granny to see, but sums up what Dublin is and it is truly one of a kind!! (although it is owned by a Kerry-man as can be seen by the exterior!) First off i have to mention this is a proper inner-city 'does what it says on the tin' Dublin pub, that gives modern Ireland the finger!!! You wont find the celtic tiger roaring in here, to be honest its a bit of a dive bar, nor will you be expected to pay 5 or 6euro a pint. The regulars are mainly local aul-lads (from the nearby flats) that live for their few pint, they are salt of the earth people and characters to say the least, and dont be alarmed if you find a few having a sneaky fag down the back, its a bit of given in this place!! if you planning on visiting joxers, it is well worth going on a sunday afternoon as there is a fantastic traditional group playing from 12pm, a raging open fire, and porter flying like theres no tomorrow... **in my eyes this pub gets 5 stars everytime, (good guinness, pool table, large screen for matches, big open fire, bita atmosphere, decent music, smoking ban???) but it is not a going to be for everyone and for those i will say stick to Temple Bar...

The Confession Box

4.6(30 reviews)

1.3 km•North Inner City

Definitely a locals' spot. We went back twice since our hotel was so close. It's quaint and…read morecramped, just the way you want it to be!

My last pub I visited ion my 20+ pub crawl in Dublin. Phenomenal last stop! The quality of the…read moreGuinness was on par with John Kavanaugh s Gravediggers & J Walsh in Smithfield on 6 Stonybatter. Stumbled here purely by accident. Service warm. Ambiance unique.

Exterior

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The Hut

2.6(5 reviews)

1.3 km•Phibsboro

manager is prick and pints are scuttery , full of old geezers with no happiness. Piss all over the…read moretoilet seat

Half the lads in there had gyno and were rubbing it on each other.. dodgiest place I've been in a…read morewhile , asked for the menu and the lad told me they only had soggy rich teas , kip of a bar

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McGowans of Phibsboro

3.1(29 reviews)

0.8 km•Broadstone

Not a great experience i was here before i came sober to a birthday party i was refused because of…read morethe way i looked and he didnt know me. and the second time here a bouncer asked me to move up i didnt hear him so i looked back confused he said "move the f*ck up or get the f*ck out" then threatened to fight me outside if i continued to look at him that way

First and last time I will ever step foot inside the place. I was enjoying some drinks with friends…read moreafter work and sometime later when I was in the middle of a conversation with someone one of your bouncers grabbed me from behind out of nowhere. I didn't know what was going on so i questioned him to be told you've had enough and he put me outside. I feel I was treated unfair and it ruined what should have been a good evening. If I could give them 0/0 I would.

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Brannigans

4.6(86 reviews)

1.2 km•North Inner City

First time here in ireland and its a great irish pub. The food was awesome and the staff were…read morewonderful. Its a geeat spot if youre traveling alone or in a group. We will be back

Came for a hearty meal and some Guinness and did not leave disappointed. Now note that we're…read moretourists. So temper your expectations of this review unless you are also a tourist. Food was good. Beer excellent. Prices reasonable. We ate on the second floor where it was quieter and easier to get the barkeeps attention. The live music was on the first floor so if you want to listen to that, stay there. Five stars is we'd go back again even if it were out of our way. No, but it's a solid four stars we'd eat there again with no complaints whatsoever.