Best Bars in Dublin

If you’re looking for some traditional Irish bars in Dublin, then here is a simple guide to help you out!

The Stag's Head

Located on Dame Street, the Stag’s Head is very much a hidden treasure within Dublin. If you’re a country bumpkin living in Dublin and looking for sounds of home, there is traditional music every Friday and Saturday. If you’re in Dublin for the semester, then this is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll meet some great people and just generally have a good time. Every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday there is live comedy in the downstairs lounge. It is a really intimate venue for comedy and the comedian's feed of this creating a great atmosphere. My personal favourite, and one of

my favourite nights in Dublin, is Ukelele Tuesday’s. Sounds mad, right? And you’d be correct. This is held in the tightly packed upstairs bar, where ukuleleists gather and play songs handed out on music sheets, while everyone in attendance stamps their feet and has a sing song. Ukulele Tuesday is an absolute must if you’re in Dublin. The Stag’s Head also has the feel of a proper Irish bar if you want to visit on a non-event night for a few sociable drinks, while it’s location on Dame Court (no more than a 5 minute walk from Grafton Street) makes it highly accessible.

Devitt's

As a frequent visitor to the many bars that Dublin has to offer, I can tell you that Devitt’s is a proper Irish bar. My favourite part? There is live music and trad sessions every night of the week! Every night that Devitt’s is open, there is live music. I love going here with some friends, as you always end meeting and chatting to some of the nicest people throughout the night. The musicians are great fun and very easy-going. The staff are really friendly and do a fantastic pint of Guinness (very important in any good bar). It’s also not too small so that you feel cramped at any point, but it’s also small enough to

generate a brilliant atmosphere. One of my go-to bars for a few quiet pints. It’s location on Camden Street is also highly convenient should you wish to visit my next recommendation!

Copper Face Jacks

The crown jewel of Harcourt Street. Everyone knows about Coppers. Without a doubt, it is the most famous nightclub in Dublin, and for good reason. The tunes are fantastic and the dancefloors are more than big enough for you and your friends to bop the night away and maybe find yourself a nice farmer or nurse. And the best part, it’s open until very, very late every night of the week and especially longer at the weekends. If you’re traveling or in Dublin for the semester then Coppers is a right of passage that must be completed.

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: This is something I wish I had known on my first visit, the ATM’s in Coppers only dispense 50e notes. First time visitors are caught out by this regularly so be wary of it.

Honourable Mention- Dicey's

I couldn't finish this post without giving an honourable mention to Dicey’s on Harcourt Street. Students are notoriously tight for cash and Dicey’s has your back in this regard. Monday to Sunday, you will pay no more than 3e for a drink, with specials such as 1.50e spirits on a Wednesday night. There is also a BBQ with reasonably priced food to satisfy those mid-night out munchies! One of the things you will realise when visiting Dublin is that people love to go out on a Monday night. So be prepared to nurse a hangover in your 9am Tuesday lecture (kudos if you make it that far).

Seán Taylor

Seán is a final year UCD, Commerce student, raised in the Irish countryside in Cavan. He currently lives in Dublin and upon graduating hopes to pursue a career in the world of business and to do so while traveling.