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DUBLIN - THE BEST PUBS & BARS ACCORDING TO A LOCAL (IRELAND)

Dagmara Jadach

the IRISH PUB CULTURE

“Sláinte” . If you have not heard this expression before it means that your best night out is probably yet to come. Sláinte is used as a toast before drinking in Ireland and translates literally into “To good health”. There are currently approximately 750 pubs in Dublin and over 7000 in Ireland. But the truth is, the Irish pubs are everywhere. There is always one and can assure you, you need only one to have a bit of craic. I mean next time when you travel to a new place (Nigeria, Philippines, US, Mongolia, Nepal, Uganda, Argentina), just look around. Irish pubs are not ordinary pubs. It is an Irish cultural phenomenon that spread far beyond the Emerald Island. Just step inside and check it out yourself.

What are the Irish like?

But how is to come to the real home of the Pint? “There are no strangers here, only friends that have not met”. When it comes to what Irish are known for, it’s their friendliness, hospitality and their love to socializing. Irish love a chat, a humour, a song, and a pint or a few. So when you go inside an Irish pub, order a pint of “the black stuff” (Guinness). Wet your whistle and feel this iconic, silky texture, the distinctive, creamy head resting above the beer. Believe me, Guinness tastes better in Ireland. A pint of Guinness costs from approximately 4.5 EUR to 7.50 EUR. Pay the price and make a new friend. Stranger or not, Irish will strike up a conversation (“So what’s the craic = What’s up?), probably makes you laugh a lot and let you be their guest.

Psss. The lulling Irish acceent might be difficult to understand at the beginning. It is all about adding to the end of sentence “hai” and extra “shhhh” to everything else and shortening the words. It all sounds like gibberish. But one night out in Ireland and you will suddenly find yourself fluent in Gaelic, at least until you get sober… Guinness makes wonders and helps to make friends. If you are interested in learning more about the production and history of Guinness itself, head to the Guinness Storehouse. At the end of the tour, from the Gravity Bar you can admire 360° view across the city spellbounding skyline.

DUBLIN - THE BEST PUBS & BARS ACCORDING TO A LOCAL

The Irish Pub and Guinness is synonymous with Ireland, so your visit in Ireland cannot be complete without even a short visit in the Irish pub/bar and ordering at least one pint of Guinness/a glass of (hot) Irish whisky (Irish coffee is perceived as a touristy thing but you can definitely get one here too).

  1. Mulligans on 8 Poolbeg Street , Dublin 2. This is probably my favourite. The Old Man Pub. They do not make an Irish coffee here but when a young lady asks for it, they will go to a shop and buy a cream and serve it to you. It is pretty hard to find a free seat but do not miss this place. Mulligan’s has hosted the famous James Joyce and John F. Kennedy. Now, at least you know why it is so popular.

  2. Kehoes Pub on 9 South Ann Street, Dublin 2

  3. The Long Hall

  4. Hogans’ Bar

  5. The bar with no name on 3 Fade Street, Dublin 2

  6. The Palace Bar on 21 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

  7. Grogans Pub on 15 Williams Street, Dublin 2

  8. 4 Dame Line on Dame Line, Dublin 2

  9. International Bar on 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

  10. The Stags Head on 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2

Psss. When you order a pint of Guinness, look carefully at the glass. Can you notice the Irish Harp symbol? Yes, it is actually the same Irish Harp that is a national emblem of Ireland.

Why is the Temple Bar so famous?

The Temple Bar is one of the most famous bars in Dublin but this is also a name of the lively neighbourhood in the heart of the city where a pub stands next to a pub and where the actual Temple Bar is located. This is Dublin’s iconic district full of craic, entartainment, art, great restaurants, pubs, bars, hostels and hotels, live traditional music and cobblestone streets. If you are a party animal, this is a fantastic spot to stay for a bit. This is not a place your will find peace and rest unless you head there early morning/noon. It might get a bit of overcrowded, overpriced, is a bit overrated and seriously loud in the eveinings but this is the heart of Dublin’s nightlife and deserves at least a short visit. If you want to experience the wild Irish culture, come to Ireland and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This is going to be legen- wait for it… DARY. This is how you have fun in an Irish way.