What do you think of first when you hear the word Dublin? The pub, naturally. The soul of the city is cut from the old wood of its pub bars and the lively tunes that spill out onto the sidewalk. And with a bar around every corner, how do you find the absolute best bars in Dublin?
I’ve done the legwork for you and found some spots you absolutely won’t regret paying a visit to. It’s not all about famous names; it’s all about atmosphere, heritage, and that peculiar feeling of knowing you’ve discovered somewhere that just feels right.
So, whether you’re seeking a night out for lively sounds, a quiet little corner to enjoy a masterfully poured pint of Guinness, or a cozy with decent grub, my list is gonna help you navigate the thick density of Dublin’s bar culture. What’s the wait then… let’s read in, ya?
The Temple Bar Pub
If you’re talking about the best bars in Dublin, then you have to start with the Temple Bar Pub. It’s a complete institution. I’m a natural Dub, and I love the atmosphere of this place. It’s a gigantic tourist spot, but it’s famous for a reason, scoring an amazing 4.6 on Google and 4.3 on TripAdvisor.
The ambiance is extraterrestrial. There’s always a hum of activity on, and the live performances are going on from when the doors open to when the doors close. The bar itself is beautiful, and the table service is quick, even when the place is packed. It is expensive, that’s for sure, but for the craic and the overall experience, it is worth every single penny.
We also got some grub, and that was excellent. The oysters were excellent, the nachos were excellent, and the crab meat sandwich was outstanding. The ham and cheese toasties were a little basic for the price, but you’re not here for the food. The Guinness pint was ideal, as you’d expect. The staff were all dead friendly and on their game.
Temple Bar Pub is worth missing if you’re ever in Dublin. It’s not merely a pub, but an experience. The live music, the atmosphere, and the sheer buzz make it a night that you will never forget. This iconic spot is located at 47-48 Temple Bar.
The Cobblestone
Another one. I mean, if you’re talking about real Dublin pubs, how can you leave out The Cobblestone! It’s a perfect little pub, out in Smithfield at 77 King Street North. It’s got a reputation as a home of traditional Irish music, and it’s a strong 4.7 on Google and 4.5 on TripAdvisor. This is not your average tourist trap; it’s the real deal and one of the best bars in Dublin.
The atmosphere is just wonderful. It’s a little rough around the edges in the best possible way, with a cozy, old-timey warmth. Some of the country’s top traditional musicians perform in the front bar every night, and it doesn’t even cost a thing. The craic is good, and people are there to listen to the music. They even have notices up asking you to be quiet and respect the musicians, which I love.
You can get a pint of Guinness, which is always perfect, or choose from a great variety of other drinks. They’ve got a bar on site, and there’s always good service. It’s the kind of place where locals and tourists mix, but everyone is united by the same love of music and a good pint.
The Cobblestone isn’t merely a pub; it’s living history. It’s where you go to get the real, genuine sounds of Ireland. If you wish to have a proper traditional music session in Dublin, you have to visit. You may contact them on +35318721799 or cobblestonedublin@gmail.com for more information.
The Brock Inn Bar
The Brock Inn out in Broghan… It’s not the city centre, but it’s a great spot for a good Irish pub atmosphere and one of the best bars in Dublin. With a cracking 4.5 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor, I knew it’d be a good feed.
The place has a brilliant, cosy atmosphere and a real family-run feel to it. It was spotlessly clean and so welcoming, a world away from some of the grotty places you can find. It was full of people, but the service was still really quick and all the staff were all smiles.
The food was also great. We ordered the wings and the buttermilk chicken burger, and both were delicious with generous portions. The garlic mushrooms were lovely, and the bangers and mash were perfect. The food is top-notch for a pub and well worth the price.
It’s the kind of place you’d go back to time and time again with a smile. It’s got great food as well as a huge choice of drinks at a reasonable cost, and it’s full of locals and visitors alike. It’s a treasure. If you’re ever in the region, ring them on +35318342216 or email thebrockinn@gmail.com.
Bad Bobs Temple Bar
Whenever I’m down in the dumps, my brother would always treat me to this bar and its amazingly uplifting vibe. And you know what, it still works. So, again…the other day, I went into Bad Bobs with a mate. It’s a crazy place right on 35-37 Essex Street East, with a whopping 4.4 on TripAdvisor and Google. It’s a must-visit and a proper rival to Dublin’s best bars.
The atmosphere is just great. It has three levels and a great roof deck. We went there early in the evening, and a bouncer convinced us to come in. Thank God he did, as we had a great time. It’s a vibrant place with loads of great old stuff, and prices are much cheaper than anywhere else in Temple Bar.
The live music was wonderful, and you can even ask for songs to be played, which is brilliant. The food was also good; we ate a good dinner with a lovely French couple that we got to know there. It’s wonderful to be there, and I will be going back. Whether you are in the mood for a meal, a good atmosphere, or some top-notch live music, Bad Bobs offers it all.
If you would like to book a table, especially a group one, you can call them on 016778860 or check out their website. They’re a great restaurant that is a bit of a hidden gem right under our noses, and would be perfect for a night out in the city.
The Long Hall
Following that rowdy night in Bad Bob’s, I was in search of a more genuine, historic pub. I’d heard of The Long Hall, a mythical pub on 51 South Great George’s Street. It has a staggering 4.6 on TripAdvisor and Google, and is something you just have to try; it is definitely one of the best bars in Dublin.
The moment you walk in, you’re taken back in time. The pub itself is a gem, boasting a magnificent Victorian interior of dark timber and filigree mirrors. It is warm and intimate, perfect for a relaxing night out, whether you’re with a few close friends or on your own.
The staff were wonderful, so polite and friendly. The bar is famous for its perfect pour of Guinness, and the pint I got was just that. They also serve an excellent array of spirits and a good cocktail list. I was impressed by how excellent the drinks were.
Long Hall is a genuine Dublin institution. It has been around since 1766, and the history is palpable from every angle. It’s a classic, plain and simple, and the atmosphere is something special. I’d highly recommend it to anyone seeking the genuine and superior Dublin pub experience. You can contact them on 014751590.
Final sip
So you see… My laid-back quest for Dublin’s best bars was spent in the company of some fantastic experiences and even better stories. The best bars in Dublin serve the time you’d want to revisit with fond memories, whether you’re a student, a visitor, or a resident.
And I hope you’d enjoy your visit just as I did. But then again, maybe they’ve improved even further while I’m off sharing this with you all. Let’s catch up, and next time you visit somewhere, make sure to let me know, too!
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