An Insider’s Guide to the Top Ten in

Ballybunion Top Ten Pubs in Dublin, | 2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Dowling — a 49 1/2 year old

Dublin man, born and bred who enjoys his pints of ! Grafton Street

Throughout Dublin there are lots of excellent pubs. We’ve selected our top 10 favorite spots with some insider’s tips to help you enjoy the ultimate Irish experience.

FAGANS 146 Drumcondra Road Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland

I have included Fagans in Drumcondra as the pint is excellent, there is always a great atmosphere and the food is great. Also, Bill Clinton stopped off on his way home to have a pint of Guinness here with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. There is a picture on the wall to confirm it, along with many other pictures of famous people who have had a pint there.

O’DONOGHUES 15 Merrion Row, Dublin, Ireland

Around the Stephens Green area is O’Donoghues. It’s an excellent old style that still has the cigarette smoke coloured ceiling. A very old bar with top class Guinness, the bar men give you a stare if you ask for anything else. Live traditional music on a Friday & Saturday by whoever stops by. The toilets are original too! Top Ten Pubs in Dublin, Ireland | 3

The Long Hall

DOHENY & NESBITTS 5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland

Doheny & Nesbitts is just up the road from O’Donogues on Baggot St. Another old style pub, it’s busy on Thursdays and Fridays with office staff stopping in for a drink after work. A friendly crowd, it’s very popular with the rugby or soccer crowds on International match days. The Guinness is excellent, with a few even drinking the gin & tonics here too!

THE LONG HALL 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

The Long Hall on George’s Street is a lovely bar with a fully mirrored back bar and a huge amount of history. This was a men only bar until 1951. It’s also a Bruce Springsteen haunt when he plays in Dublin.

When money’s tight and hard to get And your horse has also ran, When all you have is a heap of debt A pint of plain is your only man.

“The Workman’s Friend” - Flan O’Brien Top Ten Pubs in Dublin, Ireland | 4

Bruxelles

KEHOES 9 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Kehoes is a small pub with a great atmosphere. It’s a short walk from Grafton Street, so after some shopping enjoy one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin. There is no music but it’s a classic Irish pub. Try to get a seat at the bar or better still, grab a seat in the famous Kehoes snug. But avoid Friday nights - it’s full of suits after work.

McDAIDS 3 Harry Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

McDaids is another old Irish pub on the opposite side of Grafton Street to Kehoes and beside The Westbury Hotel. Definitely worth a stop while you’re in the neighborhood for an excellent pint of plain. The restrooms are 2 floors up a narrow stairs and you usually meet someone for a chat on the way up or down!

BRUXELLES 7-8 Harry Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Bruxelles is another fine Dublin pub, just opposite of McDaids. There is a bronze statue of Phil Lynnott outside, the lead singer of the first famous Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. Guinness here is very good and there is a wide selection of whiskeys. Top Ten Pubs in Dublin, Ireland | 5

Gaiety Theatre

NEARYS 1 Chatham Street, Dublin, Ireland

Nearys is one of a small number of pubs with no TV or music, an ideal pub to chat about the events of the day. Brown Thomas Again, just off Grafton Street and close to the famous Gaiety Theatre. Nearys is a nice place for a sandwich that you can wash down with an excellent pint or glass of Guinness. It’s connection with the Gaiety dates back to 1871 when the theatre opened. Many actors from the theatre enjoy a pint there and the late great Ronnie Drew from the famous band was a regular.

MARY’S BAR & HARDWARE SHOP 8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop is a little bar on Wicklow Street opposite the side entrance to the famous Brown Thomas Department Store. The staff is excellent, very friendly and enjoy hosting travelers. There is even a small selection of hardware items for sale. They have a whiskey night on Wednesdays, and again the Guinness is very good. It’s a quirky place, but has a great atmosphere. Top Ten Pubs in Dublin, Ireland | 6

The Church The Church

THE CHURCH Jervis Street, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland

Heading north (of the river Liffey) is The Church, yes a pub in Ireland called The Church. The pub is on Jervis Street beside the Jervis Street shopping arcade and famous Arnotts Department Store. Originally St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, it was built at the beginning of the 18th century. It retains all of the features of this fabulous church. Arthur Guinness himself was married here and Sean O’Casey and Wolfe Tone were baptized here. You can even get an official guide of the church while you’re there. The Church is a very comfortable bar with a large selection of beers and wines. You definitely know you are in a place of history when you visit.

Let Old Sod customize the Irish experience that is perfect for you. Click here or give us a call at 443.454.1332.