Five pubs, one confession: the best of Temple Bar was never on the main strip. Start early. The city rewards it.
- 1 · The Cold Open
Mulligan's
Pouring since 1782 and unimpressed by you already. Take the pint to the back room and say nothing for the first half. Journalists swore the Guinness here was evidence of God. On the balance of probabilities, they were right.
est. 1782 · from noon · verified Jul 2026
- 2 · The Detour
The Stag's Head
Down an alley off Dame Street, which is the correct address for a proper pub. Victorian mahogany, a stuffed stag watching your conduct. Order the stew if it's going.
est. 1770 · afternoon · verified Jul 2026
- 3 · The Anchor
The Brazen Head
Trading since 1198, allegedly, and who are you to argue with eight centuries. Eat here. The music starts when it starts. Sit in the courtyard and understand why nobody ever conquered this island quietly.
est. 1198 · evening, food till late · verified Jul 2026
- 4 · The Wildcard
Grogan's
No music, no television, no apologies. A toastie and a pint and the best conversation per square meter in Dublin. The art on the walls is for sale. The opinions are free.
the writers' snug · till late · verified Jul 2026
- 5 · The Last Call
The Palace Bar
Back into Temple Bar for the closing argument: a whiskey upstairs where the newspapermen used to file their lies. Your bed is minutes away in any direction. Court adjourned.
est. 1823 · last orders · verified Jul 2026