Two Traditional Irish Pubs to Try in Dublin
To understand the culture of Ireland you must understand the meeting place, the local pub where you can enjoy a pint and some craic. Craic being the Irish word for fun times, and the Irish know fun times. Known for atmosphere, friendliness, and charm the Irish pub reminds us of a time gone by before cell phones, and binge watching. Ireland is known for many things, but what comes to mind for many is it’s Guinness, a stout beer, and you will hear many pubs claim they serve the best pint in town. When they say “have a pint”, they mean Guinness. Although you can order other beer in many of the establishments, as well as wine or a cocktail.
Historically, when pubs first opened, they served a variety of purposes. You will see pub names followed by “and grocery” or “and hardware” indicating all the character and history you would imagine from an Irish pub.
You may hear a about snugs in the descriptions. A Snug is a private area, separated within the pub, a small cozy section found in traditional pubs for more private conversations. Originally, they were for the ladies, match making, and business deals. Historically, is had its own door, a bench and was completely private.
Pubs each have a great history and a little research will turn up some interesting stories you would expect from a country blessed with the art of storytelling. There are over 7000 pubs in Ireland and a good portion in Dublin. Given the daunting task of deciding which ones to try, I’ve narrowed the search to the best pubs in Dublin and here is the list with the most votes from the web, blogs, travel sites, and magazines. The popularity of pubs with unique characteristics and charm are in the eye of the beholder so it ended with many all tied after the top 2. The Long Hall and Toners received the most mentions with too many remaining tied to include in one article. If you are in Dublin try one of these two tor stop in another as you pass by. You won’t be disappointed. The following establishments all serve the perfect pint of Guinness so read on and Slainte!
The Long Hall
Established in1818 and is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous.
An original Dublin pub with a striking red and white exterior that has survived the complete reconstruction of the buildings around it during the Celtic Tiger boom. A term referring to the economy of the Republic of Ireland from the mid-1990s to the late-2000s, a period of rapid real economic growth then a subsequent severe economic downturn. Licensed since 1766 this shrine to antiquity is one of Dublin’s oldest, most beautiful and best loved pubs, abundant in traditional charm and exuding genuine Victorian originality, the interior dates from 1881.
The bar has been open for more than 250 years, with an interior that has remained the same since 1881. It has elaborately carved wooden partitions, antique clocks, and mismatched chandeliers. These Victorian features make for a cozy, welcoming pub; a place where you want to settle in for the night and hang out with friends and a near-perfect pint of Guinness.
The name of the pub originates from Dublin pub lore as a consequence of the long narrow hallway snug, that ran parallel to the back bar. The pub is the product of splendid Victorian design symmetry in which the sum of its parts including elaborate gold leaf enhancements, meticulous handcrafted wood carvings, beveled and ornate glass all come together to create one of the iconic and leading lights of 19th century Dublin pub life.
The pub boasts such celebrities as prominent politicians, musicians, and playwrights. Irish rock legend Phil Lynott recorded ‘Old Town’ in the bar in 1982. Attentive Bartenders, a friendly welcome and a congenial atmosphere await you. Renowned for great Guinness.
It is very busy on the weekends so try a visit during the week to avoid the crowds.
Address: 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 CP38, Ireland
Toner's
Established in 1734
Established in 1734 and is an award-winning pub. Toners is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous of the traditional pubs, which was named the overall winner of the “Best Traditional Pub” in the National Hospitality Awards 2014, Dublin Bar of the Year in 2015 at the Sky Bar of the Year Awards, and “Snug of the Year” 2010, a competition hosted by Powers Whiskey.
The classic red and black exterior makes this pub easy to spot. The original features in the pub will transport you back in time, from the old stock drawers behind the bar from when Toners first opened as a bar and grocery. Other original features include the glazed cabinets, elaborate mirrors, the brass bar taps, and flagstone floors.
Frequented by many of Ireland’s literary greats, including Patrick Kavanagh and rumored to be the favorite pub of W.B. Yeats. The snug is said to be the only place he would drink when he liked to have a few. Today it’s a place for a drink after work, with a mix of older and younger crowds. Game day it gets quite lively or maybe rowdy is the right word. They are know for the, lets say “attitude” of the barman and a great pint of Guinness.
They have a sizable beer garden in the back, which gets great reviews. It’s great for warm days and heated when it is cold.
Address: 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
There are many favorites in Dublin so I can’t leave you here with only two. Watch the newsletter for the mini e-book release that will include the entire list. It will be made available to our subscribers as a complimentary resource. In the meantime, if you find yourself in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland, pop in the local pub and experience the craic, storytelling, and welcoming spirit of the locals.
Click the link to see our Group Trips to Ireland and beyond or get Inspiration for your Trip to Ireland.
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