Over these past months, I was on a hunt of my own to seek out the best Shepherd’s Pie in Dublin. For as long as I can remember, Shepherd’s Pie has been one of my very own comfort foods. And if, like me, you are a firm believer that no visit to Dublin would be complete without a steaming plate of juicy meat, silky mash, and rich gravy, then congrats.
Dublin’s pub culture isn’t just about pints and live trad music; it’s also where you’ll find some of the most indulgent and downright soul-warming versions of this classic dish.
Dublin’s Shepherd’s Pie, I can tell you — it’s an epicurean odyssey. From legendary boozers to secreted-away pubs that only the locals know about, here’s the lowdown on the establishments that impressed me and my friends the most.
Gallagher’s Boxty House, a Spot for Best Shepherd’s Pie in Dublin
Finally made it to Gallagher’s Boxty House on Temple Bar after Aoife wouldn’t stop raving about their Shepherd’s Pie. You know those places you pass a million times but never go in? This was one of them—until now.
The inside gives you all the cozy, traditional Irish pub vibes—think stained glass lights, warm timber walls, and a bit of Temple Bar buzz. We started with the Boxty Platter, which was a golden, crispy sampler of everything. Worth it.
Then came the real reason we were here—the Shepherd’s Pie. And wow. Creamy mash topping rich minced beef and lamb, soaked in warm gravy that felt like a hug on a plate. Easily the best Shepherd’s Pie in Dublin I’ve had so far.
Dessert? Sticky Toffee Pudding. Squishy, buttery, and just enough sweetness to seal the deal. And big shoutout to David, our server—quick, kind, and made us laugh more than once.
For €20–40 per head, it’s great value for comfort food right in the heart of Temple Bar. If you’re curious about where to eat shepherd’s pie in Dublin, this spot better be on your list. Call +353 1 677 2762, email info@boxtyhouse.ie, or book online to grab a table.
Darkey Kelly’s
Last night, after a rainy stroll through Temple Bar, we ended up at Darkey Kelly’s on Fishamble Street—and what a good call that was. The place was alive with a trad session in the corner and that lovely, chaotic Dublin pub energy.
I asked around earlier in the day for tips on traditional Irish shepherd’s pie Dublin locals recommend, and this name came up over and over. They were right.
What I got was a bubbling hot plate with tender minced meat, smooth mash on top, browned just right, and a rich, savory gravy wrapping it all together. Pure comfort food. My friend got the lamb stew and said it was just as cozy.
We didn’t book ahead, but even on a packed Friday, we didn’t wait long. About €20–30 per person, and worth every cent. If you’re looking for a warm place with good food, friendly service, and a bit of character, this one’s a winner.
You’ll find them at 19 Fishamble St, Dublin 8. They don’t do reservations, but if you really need to check, call +353 83 346 4682 or email darkeykellys@gmail.com.
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant for top Irish Pie
Stopped by The Old Storehouse on Crown Alley in Temple Bar after a friend insisted it served some of the best shepherd’s pie in Dublin. And now I owe them a drink.
They called it Irish Cottage Pie on the menu, but let’s be real, it’s Shepherd’s Pie in disguise. Rich lamb mince, creamy mashed potatoes, and a lake of thick gravy. It came with seasonal veg and a slice of homemade brown bread that could hold its own.
We sat upstairs where we could enjoy the live music from below without having to yell at each other across the table. The vibe? Classic Irish—lively, warm, and welcoming. My friend tried the salmon special and raved about it.
Of course, we washed everything down with a pint of Guinness because… Dublin. Around €20–30 each, and totally fair for the portions and a fun night out.
Want good food, good craic, and live music? You’ve found your place. Head to 3 Crown Alley or reserve via +353 1 607 4003 or info@theoldstorehouse.ie.
The Brazen Head, a Name for Best Shepherd’s Pie in Dublin
Halted by The Brazen Head at 20 Bridge Street Lower—and honestly, how could you not? It’s Dublin’s oldest pub, and the second you walk in, the mix of laughter, trad music, and old wooden interiors feels like a step back in time.
I was originally searching for the authentic shepherd’s pie Dublin pubs are known for, and while they only had a vegetarian version on the menu, I gave it a shot. And I’m glad I did. It was solid—flavor-packed veg, buttery mash, and none of that soggy, bland stuff you sometimes get with veggie dishes. It held its own next to my friend’s beef and Guinness stew, which she called one of the best in town.
We kicked things off with chowder and mussels—both fresh and full of flavor. The only downside? Service gets a bit slow when the place is buzzing, which is nearly always. But with live music in the background and a pint in hand, you hardly notice.
Expect to spend around €20–30 per person. Even if the Shepherd’s Pie isn’t classic meat, this one’s still worth your time, especially if you’re pub-hopping through Dublin. You can book at +353 1 679 5186 or email johnny@irishfolktours.com.
The Quays Dublin – Temple Bar
Dropped into The Quays on 10-12 Temple Bar without much expectation—figured it’d be another tourist spot. But I was wrong. It ended up being the perfect stop for anyone craving good Irish food and atmosphere.
We waited around 20 minutes for a table, which isn’t unusual for Temple Bar. Once seated, the service was great—genuine recommendations and zero rush. I ordered the cottage pie, and it totally lived up to the hype. Hearty, spiced beef, fluffy mash with a nice crust, and a generous portion. This is exactly what I hoped for when searching for shepherd’s pie near me, Dublin style.
My partner went for the fish and chips and couldn’t stop talking about how crispy the batter was. We shared a bread and butter pudding for dessert—creamy, warm, and comforting.
The vibe was fun, the food was spot-on, and they even remembered us when we returned a week later. Expect to spend €20–30 per person, and book ahead at +353 1 671 3922 or info@quaysdublin.ie.
The Stag’s Head, Popular for Best Shepherd’s pie in Dublin
Last Friday, after strolling around Dame Court, we landed in The Stag’s Head—and I’m so glad we did. It’s that kind of pub you want to stay in forever. Crystal chandeliers, shiny granite bars, and a crowd of locals mixed with curious tourists—it’s got proper Dublin charm.
I had their Irish Cottage Pie and wow—this one deserves attention. The rich beef filling, golden mashed top, and deep, savory gravy hit every note. Easily one of the famous Irish shepherd’s pie Dublin dishes locals should brag more about. My friend tried the bacon and cabbage and loved the creamy sauce and smoky meat.
Prices were surprisingly affordable, around €10–20 per head, which makes it one of the best-value pub meals we had on our trip. Want a proper Irish night out with amazing food? Add The Stag’s Head to your list. Reach them at +353 1 679 3687 or info@stagshead.ie.
The Ginger Man
Back in spring, after a late performance, I took a relaxed walk down Fenian Street and ended up at The Ginger Man—a low-key local pub at 39-40 Fenian Street, Dublin 2. The kind of spot that feels like a proper find. Inside, it was packed, warm, and still glowing with Christmas lights, which made it feel instantly welcoming.
The downstairs dining area was full, so the staff kindly led us upstairs to a shared table—super casual but kind of fun. I went for their Beef & Guinness Pie, and honestly, I still think about it. It wasn’t your usual pie—it came topped with golden flaky pastry, and underneath was slow-cooked Irish Hereford beef and veg soaked in a creamy Guinness gravy. There was a side of champ mash too, ready to mop up every bite.
Even though it wasn’t technically Shepherd’s Pie, it was easily the kind of dish you’d expect to find in the top pubs in Dublin for shepherd’s pie. My sister got the chilli beef nachos (I know, random), and surprisingly, they were excellent—beefy, cheesy, and addictive.
The atmosphere was relaxed, the portions generous, and prices ranged from €10–20 per person. No need to dress up or book far in advance—just a proper pub meal done well. If you’re nearby, ring +353 1 676 6388 and see if they’ve got a spot upstairs.
The Hairy Lemon
One Saturday night, after a tip from a local, I ended up at The Hairy Lemon on Stephen Street Lower. This place is a riot in the best way possible—walls plastered with old photos and film props, big noisy tables, and a proper Irish pub buzz.
I had the Beef & Guinness Pie, which came fresh from the kitchen with puff pastry on top, champ mashed potatoes on the side, and a thick slice of brown bread. The beef was tender and juicy, floating in rich, dark Guinness gravy. My friend ordered the Cottage Pie, and that was equally spot-on—flavorful, hearty, and steaming hot.
If you’re craving Irish comfort food in Dublin, this place gets it right without trying too hard. It’s the kind of spot where you could hang for hours over food and a pint. Meals cost about €20–30, and it fills up fast after 8 PM, so booking ahead is smart. Give them a call at +353 1 671 8949 or email bookings@thehairylemon.ie to grab your seat.
Bruxelles
We wrapped up our trip with a stroll down Harry Street and popped into Bruxelles, right near Grafton Street. We were a group of seven, hungry and slightly worn out, but the staff didn’t blink. Our server, a cheerful American girl, made space for us, took quick orders, and kept the mood light.
I went for the Cottage Pie—minced beef, rich gravy, and a buttery mash topping browned just right. It hit the spot completely. In Ireland, you’ll see homemade shepherd’s pie. Dublin restaurants offer it listed as Cottage Pie, and this one was a great example.
Bruxelles is a classic. Three bars inside, a mix of live music and sports on TV, and the vibe is a bit rock ‘n’ roll without losing its Irish pub feel. Expect to spend around €10–30 per person, depending on what you get. If you want a lively night with solid food, this one delivers. To reserve, call +353 1 677 5362 or email info@bruxelles.ie.
Merchant’s Arch
On our second night wandering through Temple Bar, we ended up at Merchant’s Arch, right at 48-49 Wellington Quay. The warm glow from inside, the sounds of live trad music, and the clinking of pints felt too inviting to pass by. A few locals had tipped me off earlier that this spot does a cracking shepherd’s pie, so naturally I had to find out for myself.
The building is full of character—dating back to 1821—with a lively pub on the ground floor and a cozy restaurant upstairs overlooking the River Liffey. We grabbed a table near the musicians, and between the music, the smell of good food, and a buzzing atmosphere, it just felt right.
I ordered the Cottage Pie, and it was exactly what I hoped for. A generous scoop of savory minced beef, tucked under creamy, golden mashed potatoes, baked just enough to crisp the top. Simple, hearty, and done well. And honestly, it paired perfectly with my pint of Guinness. If you’re hunting for a proper shepherd’s pie with Guinness pairing, Dublin does best; this is the place.
Folks at the table next to us were raving about the banoffee pie and spicy wings too, so it’s clear the kitchen’s got range. Our server was warm and welcoming, keeping things flowing even on a busy Thursday night.
For around €20–30 per person, it’s a fair deal in the heart of Temple Bar. If you’re planning to go, book ahead by calling +353 1 607 4010 or reserve through their website. Between the music, the food, and that comforting pie-and-pint combo, this place easily made it to my go-back list.
Few Words on Shepherd’s Pie of Dublin
After eating my way through these standout pubs and restaurants, I can firmly say that Dublin is a king at serving comfort food royalty. Whether you have yours with a glass of Guinness, a side of live folk singing, or as part of the history-brewed ambiance in a packed pub full of local stories, there is a Shepherd’s Pie here for everyone.
So the next time you’re walking along Temple Bar or on the hunt for a pub favored by locals off the beaten path, carry this list with you. You’ll be guaranteed a good meal, good craic, and if I’m to be trusted, some of the best Shepherd’s Pie Dublin has to offer.
However, I have a good list also for Pizza lovers out there! Please check out the Best Pizzas in Dublin and dive into the world of flavorful oregano, Italian spices, and a sizzled twist!
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