Best non-Touristy Pubs in Dublin, Ireland

Want to visit a few pubs in Dublin but aren’t interested in the tourist traps?

If you are visiting Dublin, then you will love this list of the best non-touristy pubs in Dublin, Ireland where you will get a more authentic pub experience.

Pubs are part and parcel of Irish culture, whether you like them or not. And many visitors to Ireland like to experience an Irish pub at least once during their trip. However, many flock to Temple Bar in Dublin where pubs are crowded, and prices are high.

Now that said, you can still head to Temple Bar if you want to. However, you should be prepared for high prices of drinks, crowded pubs and maybe a bit of live music if you are lucky.

But, as already mentioned, there are many good pubs in Dublin that are not as touristy as those you’ll find in the heart of Temple Bar. These have all been recommended in multiple posts on Facebook by both locals and visitors to Ireland alike!

Best non-touristy pubs in Dublin

Best non-touristy pubs in Dublin – Southside

These are the best non-touristy pubs on the southside of Dublin (south of the Liffey).

The Dawson Lounge

Address: 25 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 XT59

The Dawson Lounge is located in a basement at the end of Dawson Street near St Stephen’s Green and is the smallest pub in Dublin with a capacity of only 30 people. Blink and you’ll miss it! The license for the pub dates from the 1850s and you won’t find a cosier pub in Dublin! Find more information by clicking here.

A picture of the entrance door to The Dawson Lounge, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Ww2censor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Darkey Kelly’s

Address: 19 Fishamble St, Christchurch Pl, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, D08 PD8W

While this pub is located at the end of the Temple Bar area of Dublin, close to Christchurch Cathedral, it is not as touristy as some of its other Temple Bar counterparts. Situated in one of the oldest parts of Dublin city, Darkey Kelly’s is a pub and restaurant that is also one of the best-known pubs in Dublin for traditional live music. Named after a Dublin folk legend, a woman who was burned at the stake for witchcraft. Newer evidence suggested she was not a witch but had a darker side to her character and when bodies were found under the floorboards of the brothel she ran, it is thought she might actually be Ireland’s first serial killer. Aside from the history, visitors can enjoy a pint, great meals, and live performances every day of the week. More information.

A picture of the entrance to Darkey Kelly's pub in Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Darkey Kelly’s on Facebook

O’Donoghues

Address: 15 Merrion Row, Dublin

Located on Merrion Row near St Stephen’s Green is a historic drinking establishment in Dublin City Centre. Popular with Dubliners, it started life as a grocery store before being bought by the O’Donoghue family in 1934 who turned it into a pub. O’Donoghue’s has a strong link to traditional Irish music and was where the group The Dubliners began performing in the 1960s. Other Irish music artists have also played at the pub and many of their pictures adorn the walls. If you want to enjoy a good pint with a great atmosphere, head to one of Dublin’s oldest pubs. Find more information by clicking here.

A picture of the front of O'Donoghue's Bar, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Alessandro Lodesani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toners

Address: 139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2

If you are looking for the best Irish pubs Dublin has to offer that are not typically touristy, then head to Toners on Baggot Street. Established in 1734, Toners is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin. The three-story red-brick building has been a pub since 1818 and became Toners when James Toner purchased the pub in 1921. Owing to its proximity to Kildare Street and Merrion Square, it is often frequented by politicians from the nearby government buildings. When it comes to non-touristy pubs in Dublin, Toners is one of the top ones to visit.

A picture of the outside of James Toner pub in Dublin — Picture Source: Adam Bruderer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brazen Head

Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Dublin and don’t mind a slightly touristy pub with music, great food, history, and atmosphere, then head to the Brazen Head on merchants Quay. This is Ireland’s oldest pub and is far less touristy than any of the Temple Bar pubs. Originally a hostelry and then a coaching inn, the current building dates from 1754. It is conveniently located for those visiting Guinness or Christ Church Cathedral. Find out more here.

A picture of the Brazen Head pub, Ireland's oldest pub — Picture Source: Coccico2345, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

JW Sweetman

Address: 1-2 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 F243

Established in 1756, JW Sweetman is a Dublin pub with an on-site brewery. Crafting a selection of beers and ales, visitors to JW Sweetman can also try a tasting menu where craft beers have been carefully selected to complement a range of dishes that include Irish stew and battered cod. This microbrewery is a hidden gem of Dublin and is one of the best non-touristy pubs in Dublin. Find out more about JW Sweetman by clicking here.

A picture of the exterior of JW Sweetman, Dublin Ireland — Picture Source: JW Sweetman on Facebook

Lord Edward

Address: 23 Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin, D08 RK00

If you are looking for a pub still set in the past with a great atmosphere and a warm welcome, head the Lord Edward. With its unique green and red façade, this pub is a popular haunt for locals. It is a good old drinking bar where you can enjoy a quiet pint or watch the world go by through the window. With both the Smock Alley Theatre and the Four Courts nearby, you will find people from all walks of life enjoying a pint here. Find out more here.

A picture of the exterior of The Lord Edward pub in Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: psyberartist, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grogan’s Castle Lounge

Address: 15 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 H336

Grogan’s pub, located in William Street, is adorned with artworks by local artists and often hosts book events. A quiet haven away from the busy streets, people can enjoy a drink, a pot of tea, or even the pub’s famous Irish cheddar cheese toasties. Read more about Grogan’s here.

A picture at night of the exterior of Grogan's pub in Dublin — Picture Source: Grogan’s on Facebook

Stag’s Head

Address: 1 Dame Ct, Dublin 2, D02 TW84

If you are looking for a non-touristy pub in Dublin with character, head to the Stag’s Head. This Victorian pub has wrought-iron chandeliers, polished granite, old barrels, and high ceilings. Renowned for its hospitality and pint of Guinness, the Stag’s Head serves food daily that guests can often enjoy alongside traditional Irish music. Steeped in history, this was a haunt of Michael Collins. Discover more about the Stag’s Head here.

A picture of the exterior of The Stag's Head, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Adam Bruderer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kehoes

Address: 9 Anne St S, Dublin, D02 NY88

In the heart of Dublin, you’ll find Kehoe’s, an award-winning traditional Irish pub. First licensed in 1803, the current premises dates from the late 19^th century. Visitors can enjoy a pint in a building with stained-glass windows, old Irish snugs, partitions, and a homely feel throughout. If you are looking for the best traditional pub in Dublin, head to Kehoe’s. Find out more by clicking here.

A picture of the exterior of John Kehoe's pub in Dublin — Picture Source: Kehoe’s on Facebook

Long Hall

Address: 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 DV74

The Long Hall is a traditional Irish pub that has been in operation for over 250 years. The interior hasn’t changed since the late 19^th century with elaborately carved wooden partitions, antique clocks and mismatched chandeliers. The Victorian décor provides a warm and cosy atmosphere. If you are looking for a cozy place to plonk yourself after a day of sightseeing, then head to the Long Hall. Find out more here.

A picture of the interior of The Long Hall, Dublin Ireland — Picture Source: The Long Hall on Facebook

The Palace Bar

Address: 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 H950

A great Dublin pub to visit is the Palace Bar on Fleet Street. This Victoria-era decorated pub was once described by Irish novelist and poet Patrick Kavanagh as the

Most wonderful temple of art.

The Palace is one of Dublin’s best-loved Victorian pubs and they bottle their own whiskey under the Palace brand. The Palace has gained international acclaim for promoting Irish whiskey with over 100 brands adorning the shelves. You will also find an Irish whiskey shop on the premises. Find out more here.

The front of The Palace Bar, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Jean Housen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Best non-touristy pubs in Dublin – Northside

These are the best non-touristy pubs on the northside of Dublin (north of the Liffey).

The Church

Address: Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX6

Located at the junction of Mary Street and Jervis Street and close to one of the Luas Red Line stops, The Church is a café, bar, and restaurant, all in one venue. Situated in a restored 17th-century former church, patrons of the Church can enjoy drinks, meals, and traditional Irish music and dancing shows from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can put your best dancing shoes on and enjoy a DJ. More information.

A picture of the interior of The Church, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: The Church on Facebook

The Confession Box

Address: 88 Marlborough St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 X267

Located on Marlborough Street, this pub was formerly called ‘The maid of Erin’ and ‘O’Flanagan’s’. This small pub is said to have gotten its name thanks to Michael Collins popping in during the Irish War of Independence to receive communion and confession from sympathetic priests from the nearby St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. As a result, the walls are adorned with memorabilia about Michael Collins and the war. This small pub is famed for its pints, having been voted the Best Pub in Dublin two years in a row a few years ago, and is often placed within the top ten pubs in Dublin on Tripadvisor. Click here to find out more about this small, historic pub in Dublin.

A picture of the exterior of The Confession Box, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: psyberartist, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nancy Hands

Address: 30-32 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 W6X3

Nancy Hands is located on Parkgate Street close to the entrance to the Phoenix Park and Heuston Train Station. This pub and restaurant is located in the heart of the city and close to the Hop on Hop off bus stops, handy if you are spending a few days in Dublin exploring the city. The pub features an authentic Victorian bar and original Trinity College staircase that was featured in the film “Educating Rita” starring Michael Caine. Nancy Hands has won several awards over the years for its food and cocktails and is one of the best pubs to visit in Dublin off the tourist trail. Find more information here.

A picture of the exterior of Nancy Hands, Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: Nancy Hands on Facebook

Madigan’s

Address: 19 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 E796

Madigans on O’Connell Street is located in the heart of Dublin and is a traditional Irish pub serving food daily and has music every Thursday to Sunday. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and choose from a variety of great Irish food. With its central location close to the GPO, Spire and the shopping area of Henry Street, this is a great Dublin pub for a lunchtime stop in the city centre.

A picture of the front and entrance of Madigan's pub, O'Connell Street, Dublin — Picture Source: Kolforn (Wikimedia), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Flanagan’s Bar & Restaurant

Address: 61 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 Y274

Another great non-touristy pub to visit in Dublin is Flanagan’s on O’Connell Street. This city centre establishment is a pub and Irish Steakhouse Restaurant that opens from 9am for a traditional Irish breakfast. If you are looking to combine food and a pint in the heart of the city, head to Flanagan’s (more information here).

A picture at night of the outside of Flanagan's on O'Connell Street, Dublin — Picture Source: Flanagan’s on Facebook

Oval Bar

Address: 78 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 RW24

The Oval bar on Abbey Street is a classic Victorian-era pub that combines pints with great food. Established in 1820, the building still has many of the original features in place. Food is served daily, and they are known for their Guinness Stew. Whether you are looking for a break from sightseeing or shopping, hoping to watch a match or just enjoy some ‘craic’, this non-touristy pub in the centre of Dublin might be exactly what you are looking for. Find more information by clicking here.

A picture looking at The Oval pub, Dublin, Ireland through a laneway — Picture Source: The Oval Bar on Facebook

McNeill’s

Address: 140 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 F9R2

McNeill’s on Capel Street began life as a traditional Irish music instruments shop before becoming a pub. Yet despite not being an instruments shop any longer, you will still find musicians playing music there most nights of the week. This non-touristy Dublin pub combines a great pint of Guinness with traditional Irish music and more. Learn more here.

A picture of the front of McNeill's pub in Dublin, Ireland — Picture Source: McNeill’s on Facebook

Cobblestone

Address: 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22

One of the best Irish pubs in Dublin for live music while enjoying great pints is the Cobblestone. Located in one of the oldest parts of Dublin, Smithfield, the pub is just one minute from the Luas Red Line stop and a 15-minute walk to the city centre. Discover more here.

A picture of the exterior of the Cobblestone pub in Dublin — Picture Source: William Murphy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final thoughts

So, if you are looking for a non-touristy pub in Dublin to enjoy a pint, I hope this list has given you some ideas of where you can go. If there are any pubs you think deserve to be added to the list, let me know!

Best non-Touristy Pubs in Dublin, Ireland – Where the True Craic is