Photo: Contiki
List compiled, tried and tested (and tried again) by local resident Orla Doyle, a Dublin pubs expert, and Senior six-two Editor Nick Roberts, who has been enthralled by a few Guinness watering holes while visiting the Capital.
In these pubs, you’ll find some perfectly poured pints of the black stuff (PS. it’s actually ruby red if you hold it up to the light…). You can thank us later for giving you the inside scoop on some of the best places to drink Guinness in Dublin – all we ask is that you don’t waste your first gulp trying to split the G.
1. Kehoes
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“The first place has to go to Kehoes, simply because it’s like an old man’s country pub in the heart of the city; the staff know regulars by their first names, and also their orders. It’s just a good country pub with a great atmosphere.” Sounds like a no-brainer to us!
Find it: Kehoes, 9 South Anne Street, Dublin
2. O’Donoghue’s
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“This pub will always have a traditional session (think tin whistles, fiddles, guitar, harmonica, and lots of Irish jigging) at the weekends, does a lovely toastie and a pint, has great atmosphere and again, it’s another country pub in the city.”
Find it: O’Donoghue’s, 15 Merrion Row, Dublin
3. The Long Hall
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“It’s kinda hipster here but The Long Hall is a very traditional Irish bar complete with old muskets and paintings, and is surrounded by some great restaurants.”
Find it: The Long Haul, 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin
4. Grogan’s Castle Lounge
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“This will feel like you’re in your Granny’s sitting room, complete with old carpets and furniture, but if the weather is nice people will be drinking outside at Grogans. It’s really where everyone who knows Dublin goes to, so you’re sure to meet the locals here! And again, it’s famous for a toastie and a pint.”
Find it: Grogan’s, 15 South William Street, Dublin
5. Lemon & Duke
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“A newer place on the Dublin scene, Lemon and Duke is super cool with really good food whether you’re visiting for lunch or dinner. This place is vintage inspired and owned by two rugby pros, Rob and Dave Kearney.”
Find it: Lemon & Duke, 1 Royal Hibernian Way, Duke Lane, Dublin
6. Zozimus
Recommendation from Orla Doyle
“Another place where they do fab cocktails. It’s close to Kehoe’s (just down the laneway) and has umbrellas lining the street as you walk up so you can’t miss it.”
Find it: Zozimus, Centenary House, Anne’s Lane, Anne Street South, Dublin
7. The Dame Tavern
Recommendation from Nick Roberts
Pull up a pew in the corner of this central Dublin pub, and just enjoy your pint as the world goes past. You’ll see bar staff regaling regulars with tales from the week gone by, and pop outside to see a real life Normal People filming location – this pretty little side street was where Paul Mescal once walked down in his breakout role as Connell Waldron.
Find it: Dame Tavern, 19 Dame Court, Dublin
Image source:Nick Roberts
8. The Cobblestone
Recommendation from Nick Roberts
This place may look unassuming from the outside, but it’s a very different story on the inside. The first time I opened the door having heard good reviews from friends, I was immediately hit by live folk music and welcoming vibes, before getting hold of a beautiful pint of the black stuff.
Find it: The Cobblestone, 77 King Street North, Dublin
9. L. Mulligan Grocer
Recommendation from Nick Roberts
Fancy washing down your pint of Guinness with some delicious local produce? Look no further than L. Mulligan Grocer, where you’ll be led past a long wooden bar to a cosy, comfy dining room. I’d recommend the fish here, and in particular, the mussels if they’re on the menu when you go. Caught just off the coast of the Emerald Isle, they give the moules frites you’d get in France a run for their money.
Find it: L. Mulligan Grocer, 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin
10. Guinness Storehouse
Recommendation from Nick Roberts
Ok, so admittedly not a pub, but who are we not to suggest drinking a pint of Guinness at source? Not only that, but you can visit one of the best museum experiences I’ve ever had before heading up to the top of the Storehouse overlooking all of Dublin to grab your 568ml of malty deliciousness (PS. don’t want the alcoholic version? Check out Guinness 0.0 for that same unique flavour minus the booze).
And the perfect time to head to St James’ Gate in our humble opinion is on the final day of your Ireland in a Week Contiki.
Find it: St. James’ Gate, Dublin
