With the price of everything on the rise these days, is it still possible to get a pint of Guinness for less than a fiver in Dublin?
I went out with a fiver in hand on the day before St Patrick’s Day but I was sceptical I would be able to spend it on a pint - and get change back.
The average cost of a pint of Guinness in the capital is usually on the higher end of €5 and some places in the Temple Bar area charge tourists up to €7 or more for a pint of the black stuff.
I put the call out to my friends on social media for recommendations of where to find the cheapest pint in Dublin and the suggestions started rolling in - with a clear winner from the start.
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First stop was The Wind Jammer on Lombard Street, right next to Trinity College, a favourite with students and locals alike.
1. The Wind Jammer, Townsend Street - €5
The pub was busy for lunchtime and the pints of Guinness inside were selling for a fiver flat. I was impressed but not ready to part with my money just then. Could we get anywhere cheaper than a fiver?
2. The Pavillion Bar, Trinity College - €5.30
I dropped into the student bar next in Trinity to see how much they were charging students for a pint of Guinness. It came in at €5.30, so the Wind Jammer was still in the lead.
3. J & M Clearys, Amiens Street - €5.20
I headed across the River Liffey to J & M Cleary’s pub, next to Connolly Station, as I had heard they sold cheap pints. I was not disappointed with Guinness priced at €5.20.
4. Madigan's, O’Connell Street - €6.20
On my way back across town I passed Madigan’s on O’Connell Street and popped my head in to ask the barman the price of Guinness. He was very friendly but my fiver couldn’t stretch to cover the cost of a €6.20 pint - which is probably much more typical of Dublin prices.
5. Tom Kennedy’s, Thomas Street - €5.20
I went back across the Liffey again to The Liberties where I stopped at Tom Kennedy’s pub on Thomas Street. €5.20 for a Guinness in there. I still hadn’t found anything less than a fiver.
6. The Clock, Thomas Street - €4.90
I got lost trying to find The Clock Pub further up on Thomas Street as Google Maps brought me to the wrong place. With the help of a few locals I was directed to the pub, which is located opposite the Ladbrokes on the corner with Meath Street.
Finally, for €4.90, I found a pint of Guinness for less than a fiver in Dublin! I was tempted to sit down and call it a day but my sources were telling me I could find cheaper.
7. The Lark Inn, Meath Street - €4.80
My next stop at The Lark Inn on Meath Street was another successful hit. At €4.80 for a pint of Guinness, they were selling them 10c cheaper than their competitor down the road.
8. The Snug, Stephen Street - €4.70
My final stop, the Snug bar on Stephen Street, had been on my list all day as my Dublin friends promised it had the cheapest pints in the city - and they weren’t wrong.
At €4.70 for a pint of Guinness, I gladly handed over my fiver and got 30c back in change. What a beautiful sight.
I took a well-earned sip of the black stuff which, according to my research, must be the cheapest pint in the city centre.
But today I was surprised. Not just one, but three pubs I found were selling a pint of Guinness for less than a fiver.
Perhaps the good old days aren’t over just yet?
