Pub Crawl (Self Guided), Dublin
The Irish in general and Dubliners in particular are known for their passion for whiskey and beer. As you embark upon a beguiling odyssey through the spirited streets of the Irish capital, you can't help noticing the reverberating vibrancy coming from its enchanting pubs. A tapestry of libation-laden lore awaits those who traverse the path of the Dublin pub crawl, guided by the siren call of revelry and the allure of historical landmarks.
Our first stop, Fitzgerald's, greets you with the warm embrace of refined conviviality. Here, the wood-paneled walls whisper tales of literary giants and artistic musings, immersing you in an ambiance that smoothly fuses tradition and contemporary fun.
Next thing, you venture to the atmospheric Oliver St John Gogarty Pub. Named after the renowned early 20th-century poet and surgeon, this joint pays homage to his contributions to Irish literature. Here, the echoes of Irish poetry and song intertwine with the clinking of glasses.
Further footsteps lead you to The Stag's Head, a Dublin institution since the 1890s. Within its regal Victorian interior, resplendent chandeliers cast a golden glow upon the finely carved mahogany, inviting you to savor the exquisite craftsmanship while sipping upon the nectar of the gods.
The Temple Bar Pub is yet another iconic landmark en route. Its iconic façade beckons, heralding an immersive experience that embodies the essence of Dublin's bohemian spirit.
The Porterhouse trailblazing pub holds the distinction of being Dublin's first modern microbrewery. It dares visitors to sample the breadth and depth of Ireland's brewing heritage, each sip an adventure unto itself.
The Bull & Castle gastropub delivers on all fronts and is known for its emphasis on exceptional food and drink pairings.
Eventually, as you navigate the labyrinthine streets, you will find yourself drawn to O'Shea's Merchant – a perfect place to unwind, strike up a conversation with locals, and experience the genuine warmth of Irish hospitality.
On this self-guided tour, you get a chance to pub-crawl in style, delving into Dublin’s exciting pub culture, whilst enjoying the refreshing pints of skillfully crafted ales and other specialties. As you bid adieu to the intoxicating reverie of local pubs, prepare to carry home some lasting memories and tales that transcend time, forever intertwined with the spirit of this captivating city.
Our first stop, Fitzgerald's, greets you with the warm embrace of refined conviviality. Here, the wood-paneled walls whisper tales of literary giants and artistic musings, immersing you in an ambiance that smoothly fuses tradition and contemporary fun.
Next thing, you venture to the atmospheric Oliver St John Gogarty Pub. Named after the renowned early 20th-century poet and surgeon, this joint pays homage to his contributions to Irish literature. Here, the echoes of Irish poetry and song intertwine with the clinking of glasses.
Further footsteps lead you to The Stag's Head, a Dublin institution since the 1890s. Within its regal Victorian interior, resplendent chandeliers cast a golden glow upon the finely carved mahogany, inviting you to savor the exquisite craftsmanship while sipping upon the nectar of the gods.
The Temple Bar Pub is yet another iconic landmark en route. Its iconic façade beckons, heralding an immersive experience that embodies the essence of Dublin's bohemian spirit.
The Porterhouse trailblazing pub holds the distinction of being Dublin's first modern microbrewery. It dares visitors to sample the breadth and depth of Ireland's brewing heritage, each sip an adventure unto itself.
The Bull & Castle gastropub delivers on all fronts and is known for its emphasis on exceptional food and drink pairings.
Eventually, as you navigate the labyrinthine streets, you will find yourself drawn to O'Shea's Merchant – a perfect place to unwind, strike up a conversation with locals, and experience the genuine warmth of Irish hospitality.
On this self-guided tour, you get a chance to pub-crawl in style, delving into Dublin’s exciting pub culture, whilst enjoying the refreshing pints of skillfully crafted ales and other specialties. As you bid adieu to the intoxicating reverie of local pubs, prepare to carry home some lasting memories and tales that transcend time, forever intertwined with the spirit of this captivating city.
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Pub Crawl Map
Guide Name: Pub Crawl
Guide Location: Ireland » Dublin (See other walking tours in Dublin)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: max
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Ireland » Dublin (See other walking tours in Dublin)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Author: max
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Fitzgerald's
- Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub
- The Stag's Head
- The Temple Bar Pub
- The Porterhouse
- The Bull & Castle
- O'Shea's Merchant
- The Brazen Head
- Frank Ryan's Pub
1) Fitzgerald's
After a long walk around Dublin’s Temple Bar, you may hanker for a good pint of ale. If that's the case, there's just a wonderful place to rest and enjoy this very pint, called Fitzgerald’s. Other than ales, here you will find a wide selection of stouts and lagers accompanied with a great ‘pub grub’ menu including the ‘all day breakfast’.
Ideally positioned on Aston Quay, at the entrance to the thriving Temple Bar district, this classic traditional Irish pub greets visitors with a homey snug built around a Victorian style bar with comfortable seating throughout, creating a good old time feel. Regardless of where you sit, you can have a good view of what's happening inside and outside the pub all the same. Fitzgerald's also has big screen TVs for sporting events and often plays live music.
Ideally positioned on Aston Quay, at the entrance to the thriving Temple Bar district, this classic traditional Irish pub greets visitors with a homey snug built around a Victorian style bar with comfortable seating throughout, creating a good old time feel. Regardless of where you sit, you can have a good view of what's happening inside and outside the pub all the same. Fitzgerald's also has big screen TVs for sporting events and often plays live music.
2) Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub
Designed in late 19th century traditional Irish fashion – with flagstone floors and a healthy dollop of genuine artifacts throughout the interior, The Oliver St John Gogarty Bar is a definite must-see on your trip to Dublin. Named after famous Irish poet, playwright and surgeon, Oliver St John Gogarty, the pub is located in the heart of the capital’s Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar. Back in the day, apart from Gogarty himself, the place was frequented by a host of notable Irish authors, like James Joyce, Beckett and Behan, to all of which they now pay a due tribute here.
A cultural giant through such association, this pub is also a wonderful place for dining and having fun in general, especially, if you're keen on traditional Irish music which is on the second floor, while the current hits is on the ground level.
A cultural giant through such association, this pub is also a wonderful place for dining and having fun in general, especially, if you're keen on traditional Irish music which is on the second floor, while the current hits is on the ground level.
3) The Stag's Head
The Stag’s Head is a classic Dublin drinking establishment renowned for its hospitality, food and famous pint of Guinness. Crossing into this landmark, you will find enough history to occupy a library.
Situated just a stone's throw away from the buzz of Grafton Street, The Stag’s Head is the brainchild of Westmoreland merchant George Tyson who settled in Ireland in the 1870s. He bought the premises in the early 1890s with a view to set up the most advanced and distinctive Victorian pub in Dublin – the first one in the capital to be fitted with electric light. The venue opened its doors to the public in May 1894 with great fanfare and distinguished patronage including the Lord Lieutenant and the most respected members of contemporary Victorian society.
Tyson’s name is still seen on the large clock outside the building. Inside, you will find a long bar with a huge stag’s head hanging over it, marble and mahogany décor, a grand ceiling, stained glass windows and mirrors; no television. Another cute remnant of the Victorian era is the little parlour lounge discreetly tucked behind the main bar, which used to serve as a fashionable smoking room.
The upper floor is dedicated to different social gatherings: private parties, corporate functions and group bookings. Downstairs, the Stag’s Tail, is the place to enjoy a regular craic of traditional Irish music sessions.
Situated just a stone's throw away from the buzz of Grafton Street, The Stag’s Head is the brainchild of Westmoreland merchant George Tyson who settled in Ireland in the 1870s. He bought the premises in the early 1890s with a view to set up the most advanced and distinctive Victorian pub in Dublin – the first one in the capital to be fitted with electric light. The venue opened its doors to the public in May 1894 with great fanfare and distinguished patronage including the Lord Lieutenant and the most respected members of contemporary Victorian society.
Tyson’s name is still seen on the large clock outside the building. Inside, you will find a long bar with a huge stag’s head hanging over it, marble and mahogany décor, a grand ceiling, stained glass windows and mirrors; no television. Another cute remnant of the Victorian era is the little parlour lounge discreetly tucked behind the main bar, which used to serve as a fashionable smoking room.
The upper floor is dedicated to different social gatherings: private parties, corporate functions and group bookings. Downstairs, the Stag’s Tail, is the place to enjoy a regular craic of traditional Irish music sessions.
4) The Temple Bar Pub
Located in the heart of the Temple Bar cultural quarter, The Temple Bar Pub is one of the most popular venues and a local landmark. The area's story goes back as far as 1599 when Sir William Temple , a renowned teacher and philosopher, entered the service of the Lord Deputy of Ireland. In 1609, he moved to this country after being appointed Provost of Trinity College, Dublin and Master Chancery.
He built a house and gardens on the newly reclaimed land on the corner of today's Temple Lane and Temple Bar street. The development of the Temple Bar area, as we know it, was made possible by building of a new sea wall for the reclamation of additional land, which Sir William's son, John Temple, acquired in 1656.
In the 17th century “Barr” (“barrier”), later shortened to Bar, usually meant a raised estuary sandbank often used for walking on. Thus the river Liffey embankment alongside the Temple’s Barr/Bar eventually evolved into the present thoroughfare linking this whole area from Westmoreland Street to Fishamble Street.
The eponymous pub has it all: traditional Irish music, great beer and friendly staff, ready to share a story or give a valuable recommendation on places to visit while in the city. Overseas and out-of-town guests flock here to feel the vibe of authentic Dublin.
He built a house and gardens on the newly reclaimed land on the corner of today's Temple Lane and Temple Bar street. The development of the Temple Bar area, as we know it, was made possible by building of a new sea wall for the reclamation of additional land, which Sir William's son, John Temple, acquired in 1656.
In the 17th century “Barr” (“barrier”), later shortened to Bar, usually meant a raised estuary sandbank often used for walking on. Thus the river Liffey embankment alongside the Temple’s Barr/Bar eventually evolved into the present thoroughfare linking this whole area from Westmoreland Street to Fishamble Street.
The eponymous pub has it all: traditional Irish music, great beer and friendly staff, ready to share a story or give a valuable recommendation on places to visit while in the city. Overseas and out-of-town guests flock here to feel the vibe of authentic Dublin.
5) The Porterhouse
The Porterhouse in Temple Bar is the main outlet of the Porterhouse chain of pubs, and was opened in 1996 as Dublin's first pub brewery with a strict philosophy to offer a diversity of good beers.
In particular, this craft beer pub, endowed with Irish essence to the very bone, prides itself on making the best lager in Ireland, if not the whole world, called Weiserbuddy, along with a line of other in-house beers from their own Dublin-based brewery (situated just 20 minutes outside of the city, producing top-quality beers one has ever put to their lips!) are served daily along with delicious food and wonderful music. At Porterhouse, they are passionate about all great beers out there, not just their own, housing over 150 brews from around the globe.
The owners of The Porterhouse helped create the Founding Charter of the Brewers and Masters Guild of Ireland. In general, this place is as important to Dublin as beer is important to the Irish people. Just pop in here and check it out for yourself!
In particular, this craft beer pub, endowed with Irish essence to the very bone, prides itself on making the best lager in Ireland, if not the whole world, called Weiserbuddy, along with a line of other in-house beers from their own Dublin-based brewery (situated just 20 minutes outside of the city, producing top-quality beers one has ever put to their lips!) are served daily along with delicious food and wonderful music. At Porterhouse, they are passionate about all great beers out there, not just their own, housing over 150 brews from around the globe.
The owners of The Porterhouse helped create the Founding Charter of the Brewers and Masters Guild of Ireland. In general, this place is as important to Dublin as beer is important to the Irish people. Just pop in here and check it out for yourself!
6) The Bull & Castle
This is by far not just another Irish pub in Dublin, but a pub-style steakhouse with craft beers. Run by six generations of the Buckley family – originally butchers and purveyors of the finest quality meats, and subsequently operators of some of the nation’s favourite steakhouses, gastro-pubs and bars – since 1930, this place is indeed one of Ireland's top gastronomic attractions.
Whether you want a fine dining experience or a world-class burger and beer, you'll find it all here. While steak connoisseurs will enjoy Angus and Hereford beef, others may find something up to their liking from a vast European and Irish menu featuring plenty of alternative choices, as well as healthy options, which are changed seasonally and reflect the freshest Irish produce.
In the uniquely designed beer hall, there is an extensive selection of Irish beers from local breweries, a huge list of bottled beer, whiskeys, premium spirits and wine from around the world, plus a wide choice of cocktails.
Drink prices are reasonable. If you are a beer fan or want to have fun with friends, this is the place to go. And don't be shy to ask the staff for their expert advice – this is what they are here for!
Whether you want a fine dining experience or a world-class burger and beer, you'll find it all here. While steak connoisseurs will enjoy Angus and Hereford beef, others may find something up to their liking from a vast European and Irish menu featuring plenty of alternative choices, as well as healthy options, which are changed seasonally and reflect the freshest Irish produce.
In the uniquely designed beer hall, there is an extensive selection of Irish beers from local breweries, a huge list of bottled beer, whiskeys, premium spirits and wine from around the world, plus a wide choice of cocktails.
Drink prices are reasonable. If you are a beer fan or want to have fun with friends, this is the place to go. And don't be shy to ask the staff for their expert advice – this is what they are here for!
7) O'Shea's Merchant
Located directly across the road from the Ireland’s oldest pub – The Brazen Head, O'Shea's Merchant may look a bit shabby, like a salty dog sailor bar, but in reality it is anything but that. Traditional décor, encrusted with pictures and memorabilia from the past, O’Shea’s Merchant’s has the feel of the good old times – a place where Irish culture lives and flourishes.
Otherwise known as the Kerryman’s pub, this watering hole dates back to 1985, established by one Ned O’Shea – a legend from Kerry, aka 'The Merchant'. Ned retired in 2010 and since then, John and Maura O’Shea have been running the family business, keeping the tradition of rousing music, Kerry food and the warmest of Irish welcome alive for all who pass through the door of O’Shea’s.
Surrounded by whiskey distilleries and breweries, including the world famous Guinness brewery, the place offers a range of Irish whiskey along with a pint of ‘plain’, i.e. Guinness. Visitors can learn the art of pulling a perfect pint here and get a certificate to prove their expertise.
O'Shea’s opens at 8:00 and serves full Irish breakfasts, featuring, among other culinary delights, the award winning Annascaul black pudding delivered straight from O'Shea's friends in Kerry. Each Monday they host dancing parties, plus live music sessions seven nights a week. Over the years, many world famous musicians have played at O’Shea’s, including Sharon Shannon, The Wanted, Mary & Frances Black, The Begley Family, Dermot Byrne.
Otherwise known as the Kerryman’s pub, this watering hole dates back to 1985, established by one Ned O’Shea – a legend from Kerry, aka 'The Merchant'. Ned retired in 2010 and since then, John and Maura O’Shea have been running the family business, keeping the tradition of rousing music, Kerry food and the warmest of Irish welcome alive for all who pass through the door of O’Shea’s.
Surrounded by whiskey distilleries and breweries, including the world famous Guinness brewery, the place offers a range of Irish whiskey along with a pint of ‘plain’, i.e. Guinness. Visitors can learn the art of pulling a perfect pint here and get a certificate to prove their expertise.
O'Shea’s opens at 8:00 and serves full Irish breakfasts, featuring, among other culinary delights, the award winning Annascaul black pudding delivered straight from O'Shea's friends in Kerry. Each Monday they host dancing parties, plus live music sessions seven nights a week. Over the years, many world famous musicians have played at O’Shea’s, including Sharon Shannon, The Wanted, Mary & Frances Black, The Begley Family, Dermot Byrne.
8) The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head pub in Merchant's Quay was built as a coaching inn in 1754, on the site of a merchant's dwelling that dated back to at least 1613. Local tradition claims that the site had housed a tavern or alehouse since 1198, although the first documentary evidence of a license to sell ale here dates back to 1661, with the first mention of it as an inn occurring in 1668.
Archaeological excavation in 1989 showed evidence that the area adjacent to The Brazen Head had been in use since as early as the 13th century, though. Still, a "Brazen Head" on Bridge street was first recorded only in 1613, described as a messuage — a plot of land for a house or a "residential building taken together with its outbuildings and assigned land".
On 21 May 1703, the Brazen Head was granted to James King — one of the three merchants who had served a writ against the forfeited estate in 1700 — and described as a "large timber house... containing 35 feet 6 inches in front, 49 feet in rear and 168 feet in depth with all outhouses, stables, yards etc." In 1704, The Brazen Head was extended through the lease of adjacent property to the rear. The large timber house was replaced with the current buildings in 1754. By April 1765, the inn contained thirty rooms, kitchen, cellar, scullery and many other conveniences, with sufficient stabling.
In the more recent years, renowned Irish writers, such as James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan, frequented this old haunt. Today, The Brazen Head largely retains its original look and atmosphere, with the décor reflecting the bar's long history and place in the Irish heritage. The live traditional Irish music and Guinness are always available here in good supply.
Archaeological excavation in 1989 showed evidence that the area adjacent to The Brazen Head had been in use since as early as the 13th century, though. Still, a "Brazen Head" on Bridge street was first recorded only in 1613, described as a messuage — a plot of land for a house or a "residential building taken together with its outbuildings and assigned land".
On 21 May 1703, the Brazen Head was granted to James King — one of the three merchants who had served a writ against the forfeited estate in 1700 — and described as a "large timber house... containing 35 feet 6 inches in front, 49 feet in rear and 168 feet in depth with all outhouses, stables, yards etc." In 1704, The Brazen Head was extended through the lease of adjacent property to the rear. The large timber house was replaced with the current buildings in 1754. By April 1765, the inn contained thirty rooms, kitchen, cellar, scullery and many other conveniences, with sufficient stabling.
In the more recent years, renowned Irish writers, such as James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan, frequented this old haunt. Today, The Brazen Head largely retains its original look and atmosphere, with the décor reflecting the bar's long history and place in the Irish heritage. The live traditional Irish music and Guinness are always available here in good supply.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
9) Frank Ryan's Pub
A small, cute pub hidden away of the city crowd. It opened about two hundred years ago and it is still popular to this day. It has been refurbished over the years but its Irish soul remains intact. Wood-paneled walls and low ceiling, an open fireplace, warm atmosphere, a tasteful selection of old artifacts and pictures add to this bar’s unique charm. Great Irish music is played all year round.
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