Seven of Dublin’s Best Old Pubs
Dublin is famous for its pubs and some of these are centuries old and many have featured in song and in literature. Visitors to Dublin have a huge choice of modern bars but the older pubs may be of more interest to those with an interest in the culture and history of the city.
Mulligans of Poolbeg Street
Mulligan’s is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin having been first licensed in 1782. The name over the door which reads ‘John Mulligan’ is thought to be the original lettering. Mulligans is famous for serving the best pint of Guinness anywhere in the world and many famous people had a pint or two there over the years. Among its visitors was John F. Kennedy when he worked as a journalist in 1945, as well as numerous film stars, actors and writers including James Joyce who mentions Mulligans in his writings. There are three bars and a large upstairs lounge and the pub is decorated in Victorian style. Mulligans is one of the few pubs that still has a genuine Dublin atmosphere.
The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is believed to be Ireland’s oldest pub and also has a reputation as one of Dublin’s leading traditional Irish music venues. It was originally built on the site of a 12th century inn, and most of the present building probably dates from the 18th century. The pub retains the charm of past times and has played host to many literary figures including James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Jonathan Swift. This is a good drink, food and music pub which is very popular and very lively.
Johnnie Fox’s
Situated in Glencullen on the upper slopes of the Dublin mountains, Johnnie Fox’s is one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous traditional Irish pubs and claims to be the highest pub in the country. It is located about 25-35 minutes drive from Dublin City centre. At Johnnie Fox’s there is a Traditional Irish Music session every night and also on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. There is also a very good restaurant which specializes in seafood dishes and steaks.
Oliver St. John Gogarty
Designed in late 19th century style, The Oliver St John Gogarty Bar is a must see when you visit Dublin. It was named after famous Irish Poet, Playwright and Surgeon and it is located in the centre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar. Award winning food is served in the bar 7 days a week and the restaurant serves traditional Irish dishes with some recipes said to date back to the 19th century. The upstairs music bar hosts traditional Irish music sessions every day of the week. Over the bar is some good affordable accommodation.
The Palace Bar
The Palace bar is located at the junction of Dame Street and Westmoreland Street in the city centre. On Wednesdays, there is live traditional music in the pub. The Palace Bar has had strong connections with writers and journalists for many years and is still popular with journalists and artists. Its frosted glass and mahogany decor is very impressive and a special feature is the famous sky-light snug, which is a small intimate room. This bar is always busy and has a very lively atmosphere.
The Bailey
Situated just off Grafton Street, the Bailey is comfortable and warm with luxurious interiors and an outdoor heated terrace which is very popular. Seating about 80 customers it is a great place to relax and watch the city go by. Although it’s now more of a busy lunchtime spot and after-work gathering place for local office workers and shoppers, this famous Victorian pub has a special connection with Dublin life of the past – literary, social, and political. The Bailey was a favourite haunt of James Joyce although it does not feature in Ulysses. The door from 7 Eccles Street, which was the fictional home of Leopold Bloom was on display here for many years and was a great attraction for visitors but unfortunately it is no longer a feature of the modern Bailey.
