Traditional Pubs to Know in Dublin

A quick note on framing before the list: pubs change hands, get refurbished, close for renovation or shut altogether far more often than a museum or a cliff does. So rather than ranking Dublin's "best" pubs — a claim that would require a recent personal visit to every one of them, which we haven't done — this is a list of pubs with real, checkable history: a documented founding date, a genuine literary or historical connection, sourced from published accounts rather than reputation alone. All were confirmed to be operating as of the date at the top of this page, but opening hours, ownership and offerings can and do change, so it's worth checking ahead, especially for a special trip.

The Brazen Head

Already covered in more detail in our Food & Drink in Dublin guide, but worth a mention here too: on Bridge Street, a short walk from Temple Bar, the Brazen Head claims a hostelry has stood on its site since 1198, with the current building dating to 1754. It's known for regular traditional Irish music sessions.

Mulligan's, Poolbeg Street

Mulligan's traces its licence back to 1782, when it began life on Thomas Street. The Mulligan family later moved the business through several premises before leasing the current building at 8/9 Poolbeg Street in 1854, where it has remained since. The pub gets a mention in James Joyce's short story "Counterparts," and its proximity to the former Irish Press offices made it a longtime haunt of journalists. It doesn't appear to run its own website; Dublin Town's business listing has current contact details.

The Long Hall, South Great George's Street

Licensed since 1766, The Long Hall sits at 51 South Great George's Street, on the stretch where the street was formerly known as South George's Lane. Its ornate Victorian interior dates to a refurbishment completed in 1881 by publican Patrick Dolan, and that decor — dark wood, mirrors, elaborate ceiling detail — has been well preserved since. The pub's name comes from a long, narrow hallway snug that once ran parallel to the back bar. No dedicated official website turned up in our research; Dublin Town's business listing has current details.

Kehoe's, South Anne Street

First licensed in 1803, Kehoe's sits just off Grafton Street on South Anne Street. The current interior was fitted out in a Victorian refit toward the end of the 19th century and still has its original mahogany counter and wooden dividing panels — including drawers that once held tea, coffee and snuff from the building's earlier life as a grocer's as well as a pub. It has long been associated with Dublin's literary set, with James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh all named among its past patrons. See kehoesdublin.ie for current details.

John Kavanagh's ("The Gravediggers"), Glasnevin

Founded in 1833 by John Kavanagh, this pub is built into the wall of Glasnevin Cemetery and has stayed in the same family for eight generations, which makes it one of the longest continuously family-run pubs in Ireland. Its nickname comes from its original clientele: cemetery gravediggers, who would come in for a pint after mourners had used the pub to gather following funerals. It keeps a lower-key atmosphere than the city-centre pubs on this list — no music, no TVs. The pub's Facebook page is its main official online presence.

Before you go

• Hours, food service and even ownership at any of these pubs can change — check directly (phone, social media or a listing site) before a special trip, particularly for the smaller, family-run places.
• Traditional Irish music sessions are common at several of these pubs but aren't guaranteed on any given night; check listings if that's the reason for your visit.
• All were verified as real, currently operating establishments via published sources as of this guide's last-verified date above — we did not rely on a single source for any of them.

Related reading

• Food & Drink in Dublin
• Dublin Food Markets
• Traditional Irish Food: What to Try in Ireland