The Best Pubs in County Dublin According to You

The Best Pubs in County Dublin According to You

Dublin is a city built on conversation, and for centuries, the pub has been where the best of it happens. From creaking Victorian snugs to dimly lit literary haunts, County Dublin’s pubs are living museums of character, charm and perfectly poured pints. With over 200 votes already cast in the national pub poll, the people have been having their say — and Dublin’s finest are making a serious mark on the rankings.

Vote for your favourite County Dublin pub in Ireland’s biggest pub poll.

The Brazen Head, Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8

Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head lays claim to being the oldest pub in Ireland — and the voters clearly believe it has earned that legacy. Sitting at number two in the entire national pub poll with 17 votes, this Bridge Street institution is a firm favourite for good reason. With its cobblestoned courtyard, traditional music sessions and walls steeped in rebellion and storytelling, a visit here feels like stepping back through the centuries. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Dubliner, The Brazen Head never disappoints.

Mulligan’s, Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2

Mulligan’s has been pulling pints since 1782, and regulars will tell you it still serves one of the finest pints of Guinness in the capital. Ranked ninth in Ireland with six votes, this Poolbeg Street gem is an unpretentious, no-nonsense pub that lets the quality of its drink and atmosphere do the talking. The dark wood interior and low lighting give it a timeless feel that modern bars simply cannot replicate. If you want to drink where journalists, poets and locals have gathered for generations, this is the place.

The Stag’s Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2

Tucked away on Dame Court, The Stag’s Head is one of Dublin’s most beautiful Victorian pubs. With its stained glass, marble bar and the magnificent stag’s head mounted above the counter, it is a feast for the eyes as much as the senses. Currently ranked seventeenth in Ireland with four votes, this pub continues to win hearts with its old-world elegance and welcoming atmosphere. It is the kind of place you pop into for one and leave three hours later with a smile on your face.

Kehoe’s, South Anne Street, Dublin 2

Kehoe’s is a Dublin institution that feels like it has barely changed in decades — and that is exactly why people love it. Sitting at number twenty in the national pub poll with three votes, this South Anne Street favourite draws a loyal crowd who appreciate its authentic character. The front bar with its original wooden grocery drawers is a beauty, while the upstairs lounge offers a quieter retreat. It is a pub that feels genuinely lived in, and that is something money cannot buy.

McDaid’s, Harry Street, Dublin 2

Once the drinking den of Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh, McDaid’s on Harry Street wears its literary heritage proudly. Also holding three votes and ranked twenty-first in Ireland, this tall, narrow pub just off Grafton Street has a bohemian spirit that still lingers in every corner. The high ceilings and simple décor keep the focus on what matters most — good drink and great company. McDaid’s is a pub for those who appreciate Dublin’s wilder, more creative side.

The Long Hall, South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2

The Long Hall is widely considered one of the most visually stunning pubs in Dublin, with its ornate mirrors, chandeliers and rich Victorian woodwork. Ranked thirty-second in Ireland with two votes, it is a place that rewards a slow afternoon with a pint and a good book. Every inch of this pub tells a story, and the staff are as warm and welcoming as the décor is grand.

The Palace Bar, Fleet Street, Dublin 2

Just around the corner from Temple Bar but a world away in atmosphere, The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is a proper Dublin pub through and through. With two votes and sitting at thirty-third in the poll, it has long been a favourite of journalists from the nearby Irish Times offices. The whiskey selection is superb and the craic is always flowing.

Doheny & Nesbitt, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 4

Known locally as Nesbitt’s, this Lower Baggot Street pub has long been a gathering place for politicians, economists and legal minds from nearby government buildings. Ranked thirty-fourth with one vote so far, it is a pub with serious pedigree and a wonderfully intimate snug that is worth the visit alone. Its reputation for lively debate and strong pints makes it a Dublin essential.

Grogan’s Castle Lounge, William Street South, Dublin 2

Grogan’s is the kind of pub where artists, writers and creative souls have always felt at home. With artwork adorning the walls and a no-television, no-music policy that puts conversation centre stage, it is refreshingly different. Currently ranked thirty-fifth with one vote, this William Street South local is a quiet treasure that deserves far more recognition in the poll.

The International Bar, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

Famous for its upstairs comedy and spoken word nights, The International Bar on Wicklow Street is where many of Ireland’s best comedians first found their voice. Ranked forty-seventh and still awaiting its first vote, this is a pub that punches well above its weight in terms of cultural importance. If you love live performance and a relaxed pint, The International is calling your name.

Toner’s, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Toner’s rounds out the County Dublin entries at number fifty in the poll, but do not let that fool you — this is one of the finest traditional pubs in the city. The old shelving from its days as a grocery shop still lines the walls, and the atmosphere is warm, genuine and unhurried. It is said to be the only pub W.B. Yeats ever visited, which tells you everything about its character. Toner’s is a hidden gem that deserves your vote.

County Dublin is blessed with some of the greatest pubs anywhere in the world, and this poll is your chance to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Whether your heart belongs to The Brazen Head or you think Grogan’s is criminally underrated, every single vote counts. The rankings are live and constantly changing, so do not miss your chance to have your say. Cast your vote now in Ireland’s biggest pub poll and help crown County Dublin’s best-loved pub.

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