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Dublin Live
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Thomas Telford

Dublin pubs: The best bars to visit in Dublin city according to Tripadvisor reviews

It's hardly a surprise that Dublin has the best pubs and the best Guinness in the world.

While that's obvious to us born and bred Dubs, what people from outside the big smoke think of Dublin pubs could be drastically different.

Well now we can find out just what visitors to Dublin's fair city really think as we reveal the best bars in Dublin according to Tripadvisor.

The top 10 pubs in Dublin City, starting with number 10 are:

10 The Hairy Lemon

Located just around the corner from St Stephens Green shopping centre, you'll struggle to find a more centrally located pub in Dublin.

One reviewer wrote: "Brilliant atmosphere, cosy, welcoming, lovely staff, a great general manager on the floor who really knows how to manage his customers and treat them with care."

Delivery of Guinness beer barrels to traditional Hairy Lemon pub, city of Dublin, Ireland. (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

While another who visited Dublin for a couple of days was suitably impressed by the Hairy Lemon, writing: "My husband and I visited the Hairy Lemon twice during our two day stay in Dublin! The food was amazing and the staff, especially Darren, were phenomenal! We so enjoyed chatting with them and experience first-hand what Ireland is known for: their wonderful people!"

9 The Bank Pub

The Bank Pub is located on College Green just down the street from Trinity College Dublin.

One reviewer wrote: "The food is good and the portions are pretty big for the price you pay. I appreciate the variety and diversity of the menu, there are definitely options."

While another said The Bank Pub's Bloody Mary was "the Best bloody Mary I've tried."

8 The Stag's Head

Now we're getting into some iconic territory with The Stag's Head coming in at number 8 on the most popular pubs in Dublin city according to Tripadvisor.

One of the few remaining Victorian-era pubs in Dublin and one of the best-preserved.

A woman reads a newspaper while sitting at a table in the Stag's Head pub in Dublin, Ireland (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

The Stag's Head is located on the recently pedestrianised Dame Court, just behind what was The Mercantile.

But what are some reviewers saying about the iconic pub?

One person wrote: "Had a great time with Angelika & Owen, lovely service, lovely people, great Guinness!"

Another person wrote on Tripadvisor that: "The Stag's Head is my favourite pub in Dublin (we visited quite a lot). This place takes you to another time. Selection of pints & whiskeys and a small number of dishes to accompany them, all tasted fresh and homemade."

7 O'Donoghues

Located on Merrion Row, O'Donoghues is surrounded by some of the best Guinness pubs in the city.

O'Donoghues is one of the more historically significant pubs in the city.

It was first established as a grocers in 1789, it wouldn't become a pub until 1939. It went on to become a favoured watering hole of the iconic folk group The Dubliners.

One reviewer wrote: "If anyone wants an authentic night in Dublin come here. For the history. For the culture. For the fact that Kennedy once rode his horse to the bar. Fun fact from the manager himself."

6 The Brazen Head

Located right on the quays is Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head. It dates back to 1198 and is officially recognised as the oldest it's unclear how much of the original building still remains.

"Apparently the oldest Irish pub in Dublin, great atmosphere inside, very stylish and lively, with locals sipping their beer or bunching at any time of the day," One reviewer wrote on Tripadvisor.

Another person complimented The Brazen Head on the food on offer, writing: "Had the bangers and mash and also the fish and chips. They both were very tasty and also large portions too."

5 The Old Storehouse

The Old Storehouse is a very well known trad music pub in the heart of Temple Bar. Trad music is on offer seven days a week and it's always free entry.

"Went in for a few drinks one night, had singers in singing all sorts of music, mainly Irish music the night were were in, place was clean and staff were friendly, we had a good night in there and would go again," one person wrote.

Another reviewer wrote: "If there is a better barmaid / waitress / organiser than Eimear, then I haven't met them yet. She controlled a full and hectic night perfectly. Oh yeah, the pub is good too!"

4 The Cobblestone

The Cobblestone has been in the news a lot recently after plans to reduce its size and build a hotel beside it was defeated due to public pressure.

It's well known on the trad scene as one of the premier traditional music venues in Dublin.

The Cobblestone on North King Street during the Coronavirus Covid 19 pandemic in Dublin's city centre (Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins)

"Visited in September. Great music, warm welcoming atmosphere and Guinness made in Ireland. Priceless."

"Great music and pints. Don't be put off by the exterior, just step in and enjoy the atmosphere. One of the last REALLY nice pubs."

3 Mulligan's

Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street is considered by many to have the best pint of Guinness in Dublin city.

Looking at the reviews, It's clear that the quality of the Guinness poured has left its mark on some of the reviewers.

One reviewer wrote: "Very authentic pub serving THE best Guinness and definitely worth a detour to go, if you're in Dublin."

Mulligans Pub on Poolbeg Street (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Another wrote: "A great auld Dublin Pub, where there is no music, but you will strain your ears to hear what your friend is saying, as the sound of people talking and laughing is so loud. One of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin can be found here!"

2 The Long Hall

Established in 1766, The Long Hall is located on South Great Georges Street and is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin with its iconic red walls and carpet dating from way back in 1881.

It featured in Phil Lynott's music video for Old Town. If you're looking to do a Guinness tour of Dublin, The Long Hall should be very high up on your list of pubs to visit.

A man wearing a face mask walks by a closed The Long Hall Pub in Dublin city centre. (Photo by Cezary Kowalski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"What a good pub. Proper authentic, Irish pub with traditional decor and seating. The best Irish pub in Dublin outside of the temple bar area. Busy but worth it," one happy customer wrote.

Another said the long queues to get in were worth it due to the quality of the Guinness: "Went for a few quality pints of Guinness here, there was a queue to get in but that’s no surprise as the pints are amazing."

1 The Confession Box

It may be off the beaten track, but Dubliners know that The Confession Box is one of the best pubs in Dublin.

It's the heartbeat of the local community and is just a hop and a skip from the Spire.

The Confession Box (The Confession Box / Facebook)

One reviewer wrote: "Best value in Dublin centre. Tiny pub with a big heart. Very friendly landlady and chap who referred to himself as the hired help ha ha. Best kept ales we tasted, friendly locals and very reasonably priced."

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