🍺 The 10 Oldest Pubs in Dublin
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1. The Brazen Head (Est. 1198)
- Location: Lower Bridge Street
- Why Go: Officially Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head oozes atmosphere. It has hosted rebels, poets, and musicians over the centuries.
- Vibe: Low ceilings, live traditional music, hearty Irish food.
- Location: Dame Lane
- Why Go: A Victorian gem with dark wood, stained glass, and a strong literary past—James Joyce was a fan.
- Vibe: Polished bar, old-school Dublin charm, and great pints.
3. The Long Hall (Est. 1766)
- Location: South Great George’s Street
- Why Go: Beautiful red-and-gold Victorian interiors and a well-kept traditional vibe.
- Vibe: Relaxed, timeless, popular with locals and visitors alike.
4. The Palace Bar (Est. 1823)
- Location: Fleet Street, Temple Bar
- Why Go: A classic literary haunt—Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh were regulars.
- Vibe: Old-school charm, serious about its whiskey, away from the touristy Temple Bar vibe.
5. Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street (Est. 1782)
- Location: Poolbeg Street
- Why Go: Unpretentious and legendary for its Guinness pour. Journalists, actors, and music lovers have passed through.
- Vibe: No frills, big character, steeped in Dublin working-class history.
6. John Kavanagh’s – The Gravediggers (Est. 1833)
- Location: Glasnevin (beside Glasnevin Cemetery)
- Why Go: Tucked away, family-run for generations, and full of ghost stories and folklore.
- Vibe: No music, no telly, just great Guinness and local conversation.
7. Toners Pub (Est. early 1800s)
- Location: Baggot Street
- Why Go: Known for its snug (a small private drinking space) and a favorite of W.B. Yeats.
- Vibe: Cozy and traditional with a great beer garden out back.
8. Kehoe’s (Est. 1803)
- Location: South Anne Street
- Why Go: Worn wood, layered history, and a rabbit warren of rooms.
- Vibe: Bustling after-work crowd, perfect for a pint and people-watching.
9. Neary’s (Est. 1887)
- Location: Chatham Street (off Grafton Street)
- Why Go: Tied to the nearby Gaiety Theatre, it’s a former actor’s pub with a graceful old interior.
- Vibe: Quiet during the day, refined and elegant atmosphere.
10. The Dawson Lounge (Est. early 19th century)
- Location: Dawson Street
- Why Go: Claiming to be the smallest pub in Dublin, but its historic roots run deep.
- Vibe: Quirky, intimate, and definitely worth squeezing into.
🍻 Bonus Tip
If you’re doing a historic pub crawl, start at The Brazen Head and work your way toward Baggot Street and Dawson Street—you’ll travel through centuries in just a few kilometers!