🍻 Where to have a pint in Dublin: 10 pubs outside Temple Bar worth a visit

Dublin is synonymous with pubs, good beer, and a vibrant atmosphere. But with so much on offer, choosing one can be a challenging task, even for locals!
In this guide you will discover:
✅ Authentic pubs off the tourist circuit
✅ Local environment with live music.
✅ Recommended places by locals.
👇 In this guide, I reveal what I consider to be the 10 best pubs to visit during your visit to Dublin.
Introduction: History and characteristics of Irish pubs
History of pubs

Irish pubs have a history dating back more than a thousand years. The word "pub" comes from "public house," and they were originally spaces where neighbors gathered to chat, share stories, and drink beer or whiskey. Over time, they became the social heart of each town or neighborhood, functioning not only as bars but also as places of meeting, celebration, and refuge during cold days. Many old pubs still retain their original structures, with dark wood furniture, fireplaces, and a cozy atmosphere that is part of the Irish identity.
Characteristics of Irish pubs
A visit to a pub in Ireland isn't just for a drink: it's a cultural experience in itself. Here are some of its most authentic features:
🪵 Warm and authentic decoration
Irish pubs tend to feature a lot of wood, both on the walls, floors, and ceilings. The bars are long, ideal for sitting and chatting, and the walls are filled with old photos, mirrors, instruments, famous quotes, and neighborhood memorabilia. Merchandise from old Guinness campaigns is often seen, especially from the 1920s onward, when the brewery launched its new advertising campaign featuring images of animals.
Entering a pub in Ireland feels like entering the owner's home: cozy, unique, and full of history.
🔇 No music, just conversation
In the most traditional pubs, there's no music. The atmosphere is generated by the chatter between friends, the creaking of wood, and the clinking of glasses. No screens, no Wi-Fi, no music—you're forced to chat with the person across the room!
🔐 The “snug”: a reserved corner
In the wake of the Temperance Movement between 1800 and 1900, which sought to reduce or completely eliminate alcohol consumption, the Catholic Church introduced the idea that it was morally unacceptable for women to drink in a pub alongside men. As a result, pub owners invented these private rooms called "snugs" so women could drink in peace without being seen alongside men. Later, snugs were also used by other people seeking discretion, such as church members, military personnel, police officers, and secret lovers!
🏠 Every pub is unique
There are no pub franchises in Ireland. Each one has its own history, decor, clientele, and is usually run by a local family.
🥃 House drinks
Many pubs offer their own whiskey or craft beer. A chance to try something you won't find anywhere else!
Pub Map and Video
List of the 10 best pubs outside Temple Bar
Below, I'm sharing a selection of pubs I've visited that are definitely worth checking out. Each one has its own unique charm: some stand out for their live music, others for their history, unique atmosphere, or striking decor. No matter which one you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy a great experience.
Now yes, let's go for them! 🔽
Slattery's Bar
Local atmosphere, traditional dishes, and one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin.
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Slattery's Pub It's a Dublin classic located on Capel Street, one of the city's most vibrant and multicultural streets. The place combines the charm of a traditional pub—with a dark wood bar, vintage decor, and stained-glass windows—with solid, affordable cuisine.
It is highly valued for its full Irish breakfast, its friendly atmosphere, and hearty dishes. Although less touristy than other pubs in the city center, it maintains a loyal following of locals who choose it for its authenticity. Ideal for trying traditional food in a relaxed setting.
The Long Hall
A Dublin classic with over 250 years of history. Victorian decor, well-drawn beer, and an authentic atmosphere.
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The Long Hall It is one of Dublin's oldest and most characterful pubs. Founded in 1766, it maintains a traditional-style decor. Victorian What makes it unique: ornate mirrors, carved wood, vintage lamps, and a long, immaculate bar that gives the place its name. It's a traditional pub with soul, frequented by both locals and tourists looking for an authentic experience. Something very special is that it has a carpet! A detail that transmits a different sensation to your body as soon as you enter the pub.
The music is not the protagonist, but the conversation, the cozy atmosphere and a a well-poured pint of GuinnessIdeal for spending some quiet time surrounded by living history.
Portobello Bar
Traditional bar with a canal terrace. Ideal for a pint at sunset.
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He Portobello Bar It's one of those classic Dublin spots where history, local atmosphere, and good beer blend. Located right across from the Grand Canal, its terrace is a favorite spot for enjoying a pint outdoors, especially on sunny days. The interior maintains a traditional style, with dark wood, low-hanging lamps, and an always-lively bar. It's frequented by both Dubliners and curious travelers venturing a bit away from the tourist center. Perfect for a relaxing stop during a stroll through the Portobello neighborhood.
Hairy Lemon
Another super traditional pub with a famous Dublin history. Stunning decor. Well worth a visit.
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The Hairy Lemon was named after one of Dublin's most colorful characters in the 1940s. His nickname came from his unusual appearance: he had a face shaped like a lemon, skin a yellowish hue similar to that fruit, and a stubble of beard reminiscent of gooseberry fuzz. "Hairy" used to roam the city streets capturing stray dogs for the police. The pub retains this curious and eclectic spirit in its decor, and has been the setting for films such as The Commitments (1991).
The Stag's Head
🦌 Victorian pub with period decor and one of the best pints in Dublin city center.
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The Stag's Head It's one of Dublin's most beautiful and well-preserved pubs. Located in a hidden alley between Dame Street and George's Street, this Victorian-style pub is known for its stunning interior decor: stained glass windows, dark wood paneling, antique lamps, and, of course, the stag's head that gives it its name.
Although it's right in the city center, it manages to maintain a relaxed, local atmosphere without feeling overcrowded with tourists. It's ideal for enjoying a good pint at the bar or sitting in one of its cozy corners. It doesn't usually have loud music or a television, which encourages conversation and a friendly atmosphere.
They also serve traditional dishes, and many agree that the Guinness they pour here is some of the best in the city. If you're looking for a pub steeped in history, stunning aesthetics, and good drinks, this place won't disappoint.
Bleeding Horse
A historic pub with a great vibe, ideal for a meal or a drink on Camden Street.
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Another traditional pub on Camden Street, just a few meters from the Canal, that's worth a visit. Like most pubs, it's an old house that's been renovated. The decor, photos, and bar will leave you amazed.
Frank Ryan's
Small hidden pub with great pizza, low lighting, and a good vibe.
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A small pub, but very unusual in its decor...you'll notice women's underwear hanging from the ceiling and other interesting items. You have to check it out! It's usually run by the owner. They serve pizza from a clay oven. Every now and then, one of the customers appears with a parrot on his shoulder (I've seen him twice).
Toners Pub
Very old pub that is said to serve the best Guinness in town, famous for its snugs and its beer garden that is always packed with locals.
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📍 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin
A historic pub frequented mostly by locals who, after work, stop by for a pint before heading home. It obtained its pub license in 1818 and retains a unique charm thanks to its famous snugs, awarded in 2010.
Stories and anecdotes:
It is said that the writer William B. Yeats He visited him once and, after drinking a glass, exclaimed: “Take me home, now I’ve seen a pub.”.
On another occasion, a family member Guinness He was asked where the best pint of Guinness was served, and his answer was clear: “In Toners”.
Awards and specialties:
In 2019 he was awarded as Best Whiskey Pub in the World, a title backed by his letter of more than 100 whiskeys and a team of waiters who are experts in the field.
Spaces and atmosphere:
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Beer Garden: The busiest in the neighborhood, where you can even order a pizza from your neighbor Cirillo's and enjoy it on the patio.
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Cellar Bar: Located on the ground floor, formerly used to store wine, whiskey and beer.
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Screens: few, and dedicated to local sports such as horse racing and Gaelic football.
O'Donoghue's
🎶 Traditional pub with live folk music, famous for being the birthplace of The Dubliners.
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O'Donoghue's It's one of Dublin's most iconic pubs, especially for Irish music lovers. Located on Merrion Row, just steps from the city center, this pub is known for being the meeting and rehearsal place for the legendary group The Dubliners in the 1960s.
Its interior retains the charm of an old pub: lots of wood, walls covered in historic photos, instruments, and memorabilia from the local music scene. It has several snugs, small tables, and a back patio where there's also often a lively atmosphere.
Every night (and many afternoons), musicians gather spontaneously to play traditional songs on guitars, fiddles, and bodhrans, keeping the country's oral and musical tradition alive. If you're looking for a local, authentic experience with great live music, O'Donoghue's is a must-visit.
Cobbelstone Pub
Pub known for its live traditional Irish music. Authentic and unpretentious.
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Considered one of the best traditional music pubs in Dublin. Live music after 5 PM every day. It's all local Irish musicians who come together to play for the sheer pleasure of it. It usually lasts until 9 PM.
🍻 Conclusion: Your alternative route through the best pubs in Dublin
Explore Dublin's pubs beyond Temple Bar is an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in authentic Irish culture. Each of the 10 selected pubs This guide offers something special: from live music and craft beers to a historic atmosphere that transports you back in time.
If you're looking for a quieter night filled with stories and a good-sized Guinness, these bars are a great way to get a taste of the true Dublin spirit. Plus, the city is compact enough to explore several of these places in a single outing.
Recommendations for Dublin pub crawls
🍻 Go early
People in Ireland go to pubs early. If you arrive around 6 p.m., you can already feel the atmosphere, and if you go later, it can be packed.
🚶♂️ Explore several pubs in the same area
Feel free to try a few different pubs on a single date. Avoid Temple Bar if you're looking for something more authentic, local, and with better prices.
🍽️ Have dinner before you go if you want to save a few euros.
Many pubs don't serve food or have tourist prices. If you're going to dine at a pub on a Friday or Saturday, make a reservation in advance.
🎶 Look for live music or trad sessions
Some pubs have live music every night, others only on certain days. Ask the bartender or look for signs at the entrance.
⏰ Check closing times
Some pubs (especially outside the city center) may close earlier than you think. Check the opening hours on Google Maps or on the website if they have them.
📱 Use digital payments if you can
Almost all pubs accept card/contactless payments. If you use Apple Pay or similar, ordering at the bar becomes faster and more convenient.
🍀 Local tip
If you see it's full, you can share a table with other groups; it's common in Ireland. And if there's someone playing music, leave a tip in the hat! 🎵
Pay or similar, ordering at the bar becomes faster and more convenient.
Recommended tours
The following selected tours offer different ways to learn more about the history of pubs, beer, and whiskey.
All 3 options are in English.
Historical tour of traditional pubs 🍻
A Spanish-language tour of Dublin's most historic pubs, packed with anecdotes, local culture, and good vibes. Ideal if you want to experience the best of Irish life in just 2.5 hours.
Book a tourFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Irish pubs and those in other countries?
Irish pubs have a unique atmosphere, with a focus on live music, community, and hospitality. Unlike other European or American bars, it's common to find traditional music sessions here (trad sessions or gigs) and a clientele that enjoys long conversations without distractions like television screens. The pub's architecture and decor play an important role, as many are located in old buildings or even in former churches that have been restored and transformed into pubs. In Ireland, it's rare to find newly built pubs.
What is the best day to visit a pub in Dublin?
Any day is a good day! Keep in mind that people tend to leave earlier, as pubs close earlier than in other countries. If you plan to return by bus, check the schedules, as most tours end between 11 pm and 12 am.
Can you eat in Irish pubs?
Yes, many pubs in Dublin offer typical Irish food such as Fish and Chips, Irish Stew and Full Irish Breakfast. Some, like Bonobo or Frank Ryans, they also have more modern options such as artisanal pizzas.
Is it mandatory to tip in pubs?
It's not mandatory and is unusual, as most people go to pubs for a few pints, not a meal. For this reason, a self-service system is used, where customers order at the bar, pay for their drink, and then sit down. There's no interaction with table service. However, if you go to a pub early and also have dinner, tipping is welcome. Some bars also have built-in tip cans.
Can children enter pubs?
Yes, most pubs allow children until a certain time (usually 9:00 PM). Some pubs offer family menus and an all-ages atmosphere throughout the day. The word 'Pub' comes from Public House, a concept that originally referred to an open space for the entire community.
What's the best way to get around pubs in Dublin?
Dublin is a compact city, and many pubs are within walking distance of each other. However, to get between more distant neighborhoods, you can use:
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He LUAS (tram) and buses They are a good option for getting to areas such as Smithfield and Phibsborough.
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Taxis and Uber, to return home comfortably, although they are usually more expensive at night.
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Leandro Velasques
Founder of Holairlanda.com
Passionate about Ireland, I travel, take photos, and share everything on Holairlanda.com
📌 Lives in Dublin
💻 Amateur web designer
🗨️ Comments
📍 Have you visited any of these pubs? Tell us about your experience in the comments and share your recommendations. See you at the next toast in Dublin! 🍺🇮🇪