Leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, Guinness, and charming pubs are likely the first stereotypes springing to mind when someone shouts "we're going to Ireland!" And a visit to the land of lucky charms during St. Patricks Day might just be the most Irish thing one can do - especially if spending it downing pints in a local Dublin pub.
As a nation of hardcore beer chuggers and wise whiskey men and women, it is absolutely unsurprising that Dublin boasts a pub-to-people ratio of 1:1,743 as of 2021. Whether it's old-time boozers adorned by ancient cigarette-infused wallpaper, original Victorian pubs rife with Irish songs, trendy craft beer microbreweries, or swanky modern bars featuring famous musicians, Dublin's booze scene is as diverse as it is fun.
Above all, Hibernophiles and alcohol aficionados will be contented at any of these Irish capital city's persuasive pubs that'll have them singing and dancing with locals all day long (and probably throughout the night until an ungodly hour). Perhaps picking a pint at each on a lively pub crawl is an authentic way to explore Dublin's public house scene - but do be warned: even drinkers with the most hardened of livers won't be standing up straight by the end of it.
10 The Stag's Head
Iron chandeliers, old barrels, tall mirrors, and profuse history are jam-packed into this beautifully preserved Victorian hole in the wall. From the historic furniture and the stained glass windows to the rich wooden paneling and a very real namesake stag's head displayed above the pub's mahogany bar, everything within The Stag's Head is of authentic Victorian origin.
Just as old-worldly as its building and interiors, The Stag's Head's years in business has served many generations of Dubliners - a reign that has seen it become one of the city's most loved, and moreover, historically significant, boozers. It's also become somewhat of a tourist attraction as well thanks to its icon-like status in Dublin and is very popular amongst students from the nearby Trinity College. Nevertheless, in spite of its city-wide fame and magnetic draw, The Stag's Head remains true to its roots through its traditional Irish hospitality and cozy vibe.
9 The George
With Ireland's progressive scene developing slowly but surely, the country is becoming more LGBTQ+-friendly than ever - and The George is one of the most welcoming places for members of the club and its rainbow allies. It's not just any old gay bar, it is in fact an important hub for much of Ireland's LGBTQ+ youth, where everyone - no matter creed, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or background - all mix together in one friendly, accepting, and vibrant place.
People are immediately met with a heartfelt welcome here, along with a fashionable bar front featuring velvet stools, a drinks menu that doesn't pressure the purse, and no lack of events ranging from karaoke to bingo - plus even incredible drag shows. What's more, The George also hosts a nightclub room where heart-thumping DJs and live bands put on an awesome show come dark.
8 The Porterhouse
Spread over four floors on Temple Bar's west edge, The Porterhouse started out as a microbrewery over a decade ago and is now one of the best beer-laden spots in town for trying out unique Irish brews. The place offers intense diversity in its drinks; there are the dark and indulgent porters - the Oyster Stout made with fresh oysters is of particular note - as well as some fruity red ales, such as the Porterhouse Red. Though this touristy pub does get a bit crowded sometimes, it's definitely worth a try - if not for its range of brews, then for its lavish wooden décor and lovely views of Parliament Street through its extensive windows.
7 57 The Headline
57 The Headline is a local pub with an authentic, tourist-free feel. First and foremost, the joint is actually a craft beer bar with 24 craft beer taps and an impressive gut of gin and tonics, in addition to lots of tasty Irish whiskeys. The staff also make it the warming place that it is, being very friendly, providing classic Irish hospitality, and delivering tip-top service away from all the hordes of loud people who may be partying elsewhere. Plus, many visitors report that the pub's food is excellent and costs much less than the others on this list.
6 The Market Bar
Now this one won't be for everyone, but it more than warrants a visit just for its amazing atmosphere and discernible uniqueness. The Market Bar is located right by the enchanting Victorian-esque shopping arcade on George's Street, and thus it can get quite busy. Those that visit earlier in the day will find to be amicable for a sit-down coffee, some tapas, and a spot of lunch for all the family - kids included.
However, later on, it's a completely different story; overflowed with people indulging and letting their hair down once evening comes knocking. Noise, crowds, and happy vibes fill the place from the floor to the high ceilings - and the cocktail gallery upstairs is the best place from where to watch it all.
5 Mulligan's
Centuries of Dublin drinkers have found fun and respite at this historic fixture ever since 1782, which before that time used to be a "shebeen" - the term for an illegal back-alley drinking den. Back in the day, this part of the city was indeed an uncouth corner frequented by sailors and dockers who would descend to drown their sorrows through a series of stiff drinks.
In contrast, however, today's version of Mulligan's is the exact opposite; mahogany-clad decorations, curved and grooved walls, ornate detailing, and a mellow-but-sociable clientele to match. Said to be great for a stout, Mulligan's is one of Dublin's laid-back retreats and fills up very quickly once the clock strikes 5 pm and the workforce arrives for its post-office pint.
4 The Long Hall
The Long Hall is more favored by locals than tourists, but it's definitely a worthy contender for visitors. The place is truly a treat for the eyes and the camera lens; it's a beautiful Victorian building featuring appealing red-and-white-striped awnings, rich red walls, gorgeous oak ceilings, and old-fashioned globe lamps - all collectively creating a real old-timey aesthetic that many modern-day pubs fail to replicate. Ideal for a quiet time in front of a pint of Guinness during the day, come the evening, Irish folks come flooding in to fill The Long Hall up, turning it into a melting pot of sociable locals and booze-loving fanatics stirred by a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
3 Fagan's
Flower boxes, flocks of lovely locals, and stylish old-world surroundings just about sum up Fagan's, which for over a century has been serving parched guests and rumbling tummies in the village of Drumcondra nearby Dublin's famous Croke Park - a celebrated spot where folks can catch a sports game or live music concert on occasion.
The pub is actually said to be rather peaceful and not party-prolific like many others, which is great for those seeking a relaxing environment amongst friendly Irish folks whilst sampling the country's fine beers and spirits. With all that booze though comes grumbling stomachs and hunger pangs, which Fagan's can happily resolve; it has a carvery out back where guests can enjoy a classic pub meal.
2 Grogan's
This local pub centered right in Dublin's beating heart is a prime place for seeing all manners of citizens who call the city home. And the good-humored staff and the lively buzz indoors are more than enough to lift the spirits on any rainy Irish day, as is sampling the pub's menu of boozes.
Although that being said, Grogan's outdoor seating is a known Dublin point of relaxation and intrigue where downing pints and people-watching is the order of the day. Also, adding to the pub's charm is its lack of TV screens and distracting music; it's one of the few joints in the Irish capital where pub-goers actually converse and enjoy each other's company in lieu of watching the idiot box.
1 Hogan's
This spacious, two-story Victorian-style bar is one of Dublin's popular favorites and offers a huge collection of beers to try. It's well-loved by locals and visitors alike, but especially by students above all. In spite of its popularity and fame across Dublin, the pub's atmosphere is surprisingly unpretentious and is a wonderful spot to kick back, relax with a velvety Guinness or five, and watch sports on the TV as the feisty-and-tipsy locals cheer on their team. There's also a delightful outdoor seating area for sipping drinks in the fresh air - albeit on the probable one and only day of the year that the sun comes out in Ireland.