Fancy a pint? These are the 15 best pubs in Dublin

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Dubliner who hasn’t got a soft spot for the 260-year-old Long Hall. With its red leather bar stools, glossy wooden bar and retro clocks, walking into this ancient pub feels like walking back in time. They serve a cracking pint of Guinness, but aren’t afraid to branch out with lesser-known ales.

Address: 51 South Great George's Street, D02 DV74, Dublin 2 

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 12pm-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 12-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm 

They take people watching to the next level in Grogan’s – walk past the outdoor seating when it’s busy, and you’ll probably notice the locals doing a full body scan as you pass by. Heaving on sunny days but a lovely space inside, this is the pub to go to if you want to get chatting and catch up on any city gossip. And while it’s very rare for Dublin pubs to serve food, here you can get a basic but locally beloved cheese toastie, served on white bread with a jar of mustard alongside. 

Address: 15 William Street South, D02 H336, Dublin 2

Opening hours: Monday, from 11am-11.30pm; Tuesday to Thursday, from 10.30am-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 10.30am-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm

Out in Glasnevin, the time-worn pub known as the Gravediggers is, funnily enough, right by the cemetery – it even shares a wall with the graveyard. The story goes the gravediggers themselves used to knock on the wall three times with a brick, and a pint would be passed through the railings. It’s a great pit stop after a visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery and Botanical Gardens, and you can even try a dish of coddle, the classic Dublin stew.

Address: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10.30am-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 10.30am-12am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm

Even at its busiest, The Swan feels like a calm enough pub. But it’s at its best on a quiet weekday night when you can nab one of the tables by the fire and keep yourself toasty with a pint. Even better – order a slice or two from the nearby Dublin Pizza Company, and they’ll bring it right to your table, so you can stay in place for hours. If it’s a nice day, the tables outside make for a handy little suntrap.

Address: 58 York Street, D02 RW67, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday, from 12pm-11.30pm; Tuesday to Thursday, from 12pm-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 12pm-12.30am; and Sunday, from 1pm-11pm

Wander down Capel Street, one of the city’s most happening strips, and you could easily miss the doorway to McNeill’s. This slim little pub is much bigger than it looks and comes complete with a handful of on-the-go fireplaces and plenty of cosy nooks ripe for dates. This is the ideal spot for a drizzly day – so bring the paper and hideaway for a couple of hours. You won’t regret it.

Address: 140 Capel Street, North City, D01 F9R2, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10.30am-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 10.30am-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm 

Walking down Grafton Street, it can seem like you’re surrounded by high-street shops and brands. But amble down a side street, and you’ll find Neary’s, a charming pub that offers a reprieve from the bargain-hungry masses. Its location at the back of the Gaiety Theatre means it’s a favourite among thesps.

Address: 1 Chatham Street, D02 EW93, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday, from 11.30am-10.30pm; Tuesday to Thursday, from 11.30am-12am; Friday to Saturday, from 11.30 am-12.30 am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-10:30 pm

Expect to pay: €4-15 for starters, €7-21 for mains and €5 for desserts 

The vast majority of pubs in Temple Bar are hideous tourist traps, where the price of your pint sneakily rises throughout the night (seriously), and the speakers blast non-stop Ed Sheeran. But there’s one exception. Right at the top of Fleet Street, you’ll find The Palace Bar, a charming boozer that’s been going since 1823. There are gorgeous stained-glass windows and a fabulous snug, and they even serve their own whiskey.

Address: No.21 Fleet Street, D02 H950, Dublin 2

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10.30am-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 10.30am-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm

The snug in Toners is one of the capital’s best and was rumoured to be the only place W.B. Yeats would have a drink. It’s always abuzz with the after-work crowd, and they have an expansive beer garden (a rarity in Dublin) where they screen big sports fixtures. There’s a good beer selection and a handful of excellent whiskeys.

Address: 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 11am-11.30pm; and Friday to Sunday, from 11.30am-12.30am

A neighbourhood favourite in the Chi-Chi village of Ranelagh, The Hill fits the bill for multiple occasions – watching a rugby match, catching up with friends or soaking up the sun (whenever you see it) on their outdoor stools. They do decent wines by the glass, and the fact that it’s dog friendly means there are always a few friendly pooches underfoot. And if you want a bit of privacy, the self-enclosed snug by the entrance is the place to be. 

Address: 1 Old Mountpleasant, Ranelagh, D06 YT25, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 2pm-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 12pm-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12pm-11pm 

Expect to pay: €11-13.50 for cocktails

There’s something oddly charming about a grumpy landlord, isn’t there? Well, at Mulligan’s, you mightn’t get service with a smile, but you will be sure of a perfect pint of Guinness. You can prop yourself up at the bar and watch the world go by or snuggle up with a book in a hidden corner.

Address: 8 Poolbeg Street, DO2TK71, Dublin 2

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, from 12.30pm-11.30pm; Thursday, from 12pm-11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from 11am-12.30am; and Sunday, from 12.30pm-11pm