Must-Visit Dublin Pubs: A Personal Guide

I was fortunate to live and work in and around Dublin, Ireland, for five years, first as head of Global Sales for .mobi, and later while starting my own consulting practice. Remember that TLD before the iPhone came out? Good times. 🙂

During my time in Ireland, I met my Irish wife, and over the years, we’ve spent a great deal of time together on the island, traveling all around the country. In many ways, it’s become my second home.

One of the things I love most about Ireland is its overall vibe. There’s just something about the people, the landscape, the history, the food, the pub scene, and yes, even the weather, that always makes me want to return—maybe even to move back someday!

In the meantime, I want to share a few of my favorite Dublin-area pubs with those attending ICANN84 later this month, for anyone interested in enjoying a refreshing beverage (or two). Most of these are classics in my view: pubs that have truly stood the test of time and are well worth visiting if you have time beyond your ICANN-related business. I realize there may be newer spots—perhaps more geared toward younger crowds—that I might not know about, so please do share any discoveries with me!

For now, here’s my list:

DUBLIN CITY CENTRE AREA PUBS:
These are some classic pubs for a pint or a coffee/tea in the city centre. They aren’t loud disco bars or trendy venues—just tried-and-true spots that have endured over the years. All are located south of the River Liffey.

Kehoes – 9 South Ann Street, Dublin 2 – Located just down from the Westbury Hotel, Kehoes is one of my all-time favourite pubs. It’s wonderfully old and creaky, featuring mahogany bars and classic Victorian “snugs”—some of which are tucked away and a bit hidden. They’re perfect for enjoying a pint and some conversation. I personally prefer the cosy upstairs room with the fireplace. This is where I used to start most of my nights out in Dublin. On bright May and June evenings, crowds spill out onto the street and the pub gets packed—that’s part of what gives it such a special atmosphere.

McDaids – 3 Harry St, Dublin, D02 NC42 – Just out the door from the Westbury Hotel and down the street from Kehoes, McDaids is a true Dublin classic. Inside, you’ll find Victorian details, stained glass, dark wood, and plenty of history—famous writers like James Joyce once frequented this place, and it was even the Dublin City Morgue at one point! There’s no frills or fuss here, and no website either. It’s a wonderful spot for conversation and local gossip. If you’re up for scaling the steep stairs, the upstairs area is usually quieter—a perfect place to meet some local characters.

UPDATE 23 OCT: O’Donahue’s – 15 Merrion Row – How did I forget this place in my earlier post? It’s just a few steps from the Shelbourne Hotel and St. Stephen’s Green, and honestly, it’s one of Dublin’s best spots for live “trad” music every single night. The Dubliners actually got their start here! The old bar has great character, but when the weather’s nice, I’d much rather grab a pint out in the courtyard and take in the atmosphere.

The Palace Bar – No.21 Fleet Street, Dublin 2 – One of Dublin’s oldest pubs (est. 1823), The Palace Bar stands on the edge of the Temple Bar district. It’s a fantastic meeting point to kick off a night in Temple Bar. There’s no pretentiousness—just a great literary pub with a welcoming vibe. It’s also a classic spot to watch rugby, hurling, or any Irish sport. I especially like the area at the back on the first floor. Over the years, I’ve spent many enjoyable hours here with friends and colleagues, including the domain industry crowd, listening to Irish music over a pint

The Stag’s Head – 1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 – A few blocks west of Grafton Street, The Stag’s Head is another wonderful old-world pub serving food and hosting traditional live music. It’s smack in the centre of several other lively pubs and restaurants, making it an excellent spot to explore Dublin nightlife.

The Long Hall – 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2 – A true Victorian classic, The Long Hall offers a calm spot most nights. I especially love dropping in here on a cold, dark winter day for a pint and some good conversation. There are very few places left in the world with this genuine atmosphere.

Toners – 139 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 – Old, iconic, and close to The Merrion Hotel. You’ll get a great pint of Guinness here. Films shot here. It can be relatively quiet with the after-work government-types crowd, or definitely a bit rowdy on match days with locals.

TEMPLE BAR DISTRICT PUBS:

Temple Bar is a tourist-friendly area filled with pubs, restaurants, shops, cafes, and galleries along its narrow, cobblestone streets. While it’s a lot of fun for first-time visitors, be aware that things can get rowdy, especially at night, with plenty of revelers wandering about.

The Temple Bar – 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin – Despite the name, this is an actual pub—not just the name of the neighborhood! The Temple Bar pub has been serving pints for over 185 years and sits at the heart of the district. It attracts visitors from all over the world, so it’s a popular spot for that quintessential “group in front of the pub” Dublin Instagram photo, like the one of us below! You’ll hear a variety of languages and find a few locals in the mix. There’s a massive whiskey selection—reportedly the largest in Ireland—and the oysters are highly recommended. It can be loud and lively, with live music and plenty of tipsy revelers. You’ve got to visit at least once (maybe twice).

Oliver St. John Gogarty – 2 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin – You might see ads for this pub at the airport or even in your hotel’s guidebook. You can’t miss it: the building is brightly coloured and well-lit. Yes, it’s touristy, but I’ve still had several genuinely fun nights here with domain industry friends. There’s always quality live traditional music upstairs, making it a great spot for a drink and even a dance. The pub also runs a B&B and hostel—though, if you stay there, don’t count on getting much sleep!

Porterhouse Temple Bar – 16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 – Known for its broad selection of craft beers, including ales, lagers, and stouts. There’s live music every night, and weekends are often packed. The place is multi-level, so if you see an open table, grab it fast! There are other Porterhouse locations around Ireland, but this original Temple Bar spot is my favourite.

The Brazen Head – 20 Lower Bridge St. Usher’s Quay, Dublin – Ireland’s oldest pub, continuously serving since 1198. It’s a fun spot for longer drinking sessions and live music, a little further from the main Temple Bar area on foot—but absolutely worth the visit for first-timers.

I could go on and on, especially about hidden spots farther from the city centre and in towns all around Ireland. You’ll have to catch me in person at ICANN84 if you want those secrets! And if you’d like to talk business, secure a meeting with me during ICANN84 in Dublin by booking here.

UPDATE 17 OCT: Longtime ICANN regular Michele Neylon has posted some helpful and practical tips for people coming to the meeting in Dublin here.

UPDATE 21 OCT: Please note that many of the historic and heritage pubs on my list (and others not listed) remain largely inaccessible to those with disabilities, especially establishments with narrow entrances, steps, or stairs. These venues are generally exempt from making major structural modifications. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, you will likely need to stay on the ground floor—assuming, of course, you can get through the entrance.

Also, be aware that Dublin’s early Halloween festivities begin this weekend and will ramp up next week with various events, parades, and themed nights in some pubs. The Temple Bar District will be especially lively, so The Palace Bar and the Brazen Head—located on the edges of the district—may be good options if you want to experience a bit of the area without getting caught in the thick of the crowds. And with the marathon taking place this Sunday, expect the pubs to be especially popular afterwards!

Wishing you a successful meeting and a fantastic time in Dublin!

Sláinte!