The Liberties
Whether you are in the area for a Guinness Storehouse tour or to hit up some of Dublin’s less directly beer-themed historic sites like Marsh’s Library, Dublinia or Christchurch Cathedral (which did, at one point, have a pub of sorts, as well as a long history of brewing), there are plenty of great pubs to explore in this part of town. If you are already doing the Libertine Market Crawl on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll be taking in Lucky’s, Dudley’s, Arthur’s and Love Tempo. Of those, Arthur’s is the most ‘traditional’ pub, albeit one with good independent beer taps as well, while Dudley’s is a go-to for great craft beer and tasty food. Love Tempo has Whiplash beers and a lovely beer garden, while Lucky’s is more of a ‘bar’ feel.
If it’s food you want, The Bull & Castle will be your ‘high end’ option with glorious steak, or you can just hit the bar upstairs. For a quick bite, The Christchurch Inn has a variety of pub grub options, or get toasties at Swift or The Lord Edward. If it’s a tourist hotspot you are after, wander on down to The Brazen Head…and do try another local beer while you’re there, perhaps from Rye River or Trouble. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get a ‘good’ Guinness everywhere – or, of course, to try the Guinness Open Gate Brewery.
Phibsborough
This will be more of a ‘locals’ crawl, though you could absolutely extend it to Glasnevin and find some tourists (as well as locals) at The Gravediggers; unless there’s a big event at Croke Park, it tends to be a bit off the beaten track for visitors. And if you are in town for a show or game at Croke Park, book in advance – things get very, very full – we’ll do a separate ‘Pubs of Croke Park’ entry down the line. You’ll find Old Man Pubs in The Hut (home of one of the most affordable pints of Guinness in town) and The Boh, or try some live music at Doyle’s Corner on a Friday or Saturday evening. Treat the whole family to a meal at The Bald Eagle (and don’t miss the deck if it’s a fine day), or catch some sporting action (and pizza) at The Back Page. If you’re extending back in the other direction toward Glasnevin again, The Botanic is another option after a wander around the National Botanic Gardens, though the desserts may call for more than a leisurely stroll.
More pub crawl suggestions to come…watch this space!