Dublin pubs, probably the best in the world…

There is nothing in the world quite like a Dublin pub. You know the kind of pub we mean; a proper one, with well-worn bars bearing the scars of 10,000 elbows. Padded leather seats. Walls the colour of tobacco that make you yearn for the power to make them talk; just imagine the stories they could tell. It’d be a sin to come to Dublin without visiting one of its real, grand old pubs.

Kehoe’s

You won’t need to travel far to find this jewel just off Dublin’s main shopping area on Grafton Street. First opened in 1803, Kehoe’s is still one of the city’s most popular pubs among locals and visitors alike; thanks to its homey feel, friendly service and lively atmosphere.

This is a pub beloved not just by its customers but its competitors too. In 2017, the Licensed Vintners Association held a members’ vote for the ‘Best Pub in Dublin’ and Kehoe’s walked away with the award. Full of character, it is one of the few remaining Victorian-era pubs still operating in Dublin and distinctive features from the time can be spied in the pub’s snug, long main bar and cosy, fire-lit room upstairs. Kehoe’s is especially popular on sunny days, when city dwellers take the chance to soak up the rays on the footpath outside.

A: 9 Anne Street South, Dublin 2 W: www.kehoesdublin.ie | E: info@kehoespub.ie

Doheny & Nesbitt

| T: 01 677 8312

In the middle of Dublin’s old political, economic and social heartland, Doheny’s has been an institution since it opened its doors in 1867, referred to by some as the ‘Doheny & Nesbitt School of Economics’! It is one of the few remaining Victorian pubs still standing and operating in the city and many of the original 19th century fittings are still in place, including the counter, polished by many an elbow.

One of Doheny’s distinctive features is its three handsome snugs, which provide a discreet space for up to ten friends to gather in comfort. The original purpose of these nooks was to allow women to come in and order their tea without being seen or, heaven forfend, distracting the men from their important drinking. Doheny’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with menus rooted in good old pub fare and it is noted for serving a particularly good traditional Irish breakfast.

A: 5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2 W: www.dohenyandnesbitts.ie | E: info@dohenyandnesbitts.ie T: 01 676 2945

McDaid’s

Established in 1779, McDaid’s is situated off fashionable Grafton Street, close to Dublin city centre. One of the true literary pubs of Dublin, it was frequented by many of the greats of Irish literature, including Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan.

Today, McDaid’s retains its tradition of hospitality and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Dating back to the 18th century, it still retains many features from its time as a church.

These days, it serves an excellent selection of craft beers in addition to pints of Ireland’s best. When busy, head up the old steep stairs to the top bar if you fancy a quiet pint.

On busy sporting occasions, TV screens add to the atmosphere but music-free, it remains a place for conversation and is the perfect place for those wishing to soak up Dublin’s past and present.

Open Mon-Thurs 10:30am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat

10:30am-12:30am, Sun 12:30-11pm

www.mcdaidspub.com | Tel: +353 (0) 1 679 4395

Toners

One of the oldest pubs in the city, Toners’ storied history dates all the way back to 1734, though it first operated as a licensed premises in 1818. One of the 16 remaining Victorian pubs still operating in Dublin, with its stone floors, mahogany fittings, antique snugs and stained glass windows, Toners retains many