Dublin, Ireland
I fell asleep on a bench at the River Liffey around 11am. I had my two suitcases, a duffel bag, and a backpack on. I was waiting to check into my AirBnb after arriving in Dublin at 5am. Unfortunately, I didn't think about check-in being 2pm when I made the booking. In the summer of 2023 I moved to Ireland. I sold my car, broke my lease, and packed my life down to those suitcases -- I had no job lined up and no apartment. I had never been to Ireland before, and I didn't know anyone.
After living in that AirBnB for one week, I checked into a hostel in Smithfield. My first two weeks of moving to Ireland from the USA was constant house searching and job hunting. Eventually I landed I found a sublease from a French guy who was just laid-off from his job at Facebook and he decided to move back home to France. I took this three month lease and didn't realize just how lucky I was to move into such a beautiful and up-and-coming neighborhood in Dublin called Stoneybatter. The picture above is the street I lived on -- you might recognize it from a few different movies/tv shows.
But let's talk about where to drink in Dublin from the perspective of a Tennessee boy living there for a year who rarely went south of the river:
Where to Drink:
Hynes Bar
Hynes Bar was my go to pub and an excellent pint. I lived and worked close to this spot so it was always a safe bet. Simple pub serving the normal calls. But pro-tip, if you order in Irish they'll give you a discount on your drink. They only serve food on the weekends, usually some type of Asian fare. The also have DJ's on the weekends, trivia, and one projection screen they only bring on for big sports events. Or just to play a yule log on during the holidays. Tell Natasha, Naomi, or Sean I sent you. Miss those guys.
The Oval
Pictured here, The Oval is a gorgeous pub in the heart of town. It's a large place with food and drinks. Go here if you're looking for the classic victorian style spot with excellent vibes.
Temple Bar
Absolute garbage. The bar itself is gorgeous and the outside area is definitely worth a stroll, but you'll find yourself spending over 8 euros for a pint and shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of loud French and Americans.
The Belfry
One of my favorite cocktail bars in Stoneybatter. Oddly, cocktail bars aren't too much of a thing in Dublin, with only a few being actually good. The Belfry offers a nice moody environment, excellent service, great pints, and a simple, yet good, cocktail list.
Swan Bar
This is my favorite bar in town. Two floors and plenty of space to spread out. Great pints and good times. You'll be hard pressed to find another classic "pub" place. I always told my friends in Dublin that I was on the search for a the best "pub" feeling. No one really knew what I meant. Don't think I did either -- but it's this.
Clarkes City Arms
This is what some would call "An Old Mans Pub", which is fair. They play plenty of sport on the TVs, you'll get an okay pint (but it's cheap) and there is a food truck garden attached to it on the outside with the best pizza in Dublin: Rustic Pizza.
Cobblestone
Honestly, if this place was any good it was probably before Smithfield had a touch up. The pints aren't great, they're not cheap, but it's on here because damn do they have good live music every night of the week. You won't find another place dishing out traditional Irish music right off the Luas.
Grave Diggers
Next to Glesnevin Cemetery (said to be a thin place and hella haunted) is a pub as old as the cemetery itself. Locals will say this is the best pour of Guinness you'll find in they city. It fills up fast, but you can always grab a pint and hang outside on a nice day.
Cassidy's
The only 'dive' bar I could find in the city. It's grimyy, sticky, and dark. But I fucking love it. It's right on the green line, so it was an easy night cap to go and get some cheap beers and shot of whiskey.
Fibber's
A metal bar with great energy. The key takeaway for me is the back patio is shared by at least five other bars/pubs. It's massive and feels like you're in a whole other place. Logistically, this would be a nightmare to work. But as a patron, you'll have a good time and great place to meet some other people.
Bar 1661
This is my favorite cocktail bar in the city. If you have two or more in party, I'd recommend a reservation. World class cocktails and an amazing poitin selection. Dress up if you want, it's a nice date night spot.
If you're looking for some other recommendations on where to drink (or even where to eat) feel free to shoot me a message and ask. I wanted to keep this one short and sweet, but I have a giant list I'd be happy to share. From where to go for the best Tex-Mex, my favorite chipper, the best ice cream, the countless bakeries, where to find drip coffee, and even some other travel tips. Just ask. I'm happy to share.
