Archives for “pub” tag

One would assume that, as the home of the black stuff, a good pint of Guinness in Dublin was virtually a given. Sadly this is far from the case; thus, given the considerable time, money and effort I’ve invested in researching this subject over the years, I thought I’d share my findings with the readers of Spotted by Locals on where to find the best pint in town.

I have heard various theories over the years as to why some pubs have excellent Guinness and others don’t. As a general rule of thumb, the older and more traditional the pub, the better the pint is likely to be. Of course, I can’t claim to have been to every pub in Dublin – despite my best efforts, so my conclusions can only be based on partial evidence.

There are certain pubs which rarely let you down on the Guinness front – Mulligans of Poolbeg Street, Nearys of Chatham Street and the Sackville Lounge just off O’Connell Street are a few that come immediately to mind. My vote for best pint in Dublin, however, goes to O’Connells of Portobello.

This is an old-school, friendly locals’ pub, well off the tourist trail, although it does attract a few younger types at weekends en route to the trendier joints in nearby Camden Street. Not only are the pints of Guinness consistently good, but at € 4, they are a bargain for this part of town.

If only more Dublin pubs were still like this. Although adorned by a certain amount of that phoney bric-a-brac one associates with “Oirish” pubs the world over, Fallons (formerly known as the Capstan Bar) is a cosy little gem of a street-corner pub that has remained essentially unchanged over the years. It is mostly a locals’ joint, but not in a threatening, avoid-the-stares-as-you-walk-in kind of way.

It draws a happy mix of die-hards and younger blow-ins to fashionable Dublin 8 during the boom years, and the owner, Seamus, takes pride in ensuring a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

The changing demographics of the area are reflected in the fact they sell Paulaner weissbier on tap. Otherwise, its traditional all the way, and eating options are thankfully limited to soup and the delicious ham n’ cheese toasties.

I am reliably informed by the owner that this is the only pub in Dublin that still cleans its own pipes (this is usually done by drinks company reps). However they do it, the pints of Guinness are certainly up to the standard one would expect of a place within smelling distance of the hops from St James’s Gate.

There’s a nice view of nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral as well.

Located just off the main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street, Neary’s is perhaps a little too bourgeois and subdued for some tastes (one of my pals calls it “Dreary’s”). But it has always been one of my favourite pubs in Dublin.

The plush interior is more elegant than a typical Dublin pub, but the emphasis here is on the traditional values of friendly, efficient service and a consistently excellent pint.

The approach is decidedly old-school – the barmen still wear white shirts and bow ties – but its not stuffy at all; and despite the location, it draws a mostly local crowd. There are two very different contexts in which I drink in this pub: late on a Saturday afternoon, I like to read the newspapers in the quiet calm of the downstairs snug; on a Friday night out with friends, however, we’ll go to the upstairs “Cocktails Lounge,” an intimate and atmospheric room that draws a slightly younger crowd of 20- and 30-somethings than the mellower downstairs bar.

This pub also makes a great lunch spot, offering delicious cold plates of meats and salads, and sandwiches such as beef, roast chicken and fresh salmon.

Dublin is famous for its pubs & pints of stout. Indeed, there is a social tradition of heading over to a pub with friends and colleagues right after a long day at the office to unwind. Thursdays and Fridays will find you battling the hoards of people loosening their neckties, unbuttoning their collars, and sharing a few drinks to relax and start their weekend.

If you’d rather live without the loudness, kitchiness and crowds of areas such as Temple Bar, I recommend that you take a walk South to Donnybrook (or take any of the buses heading South 10, 46, 145) and enter Mc Closkeys to explore the ridiculously laid back ambience of an old-fashioned local. This place exudes character and is a true gem. Now,

I’m not sharing this place with you so that you can bring the loudness and crowds of Temple Bar to this genuine old Donnybrook haunt. McKloskeys is for the traditional crowd and the typical patron tends to enjoy the comfortable, lived-in seating found here, with plenty of leg room, while chatting with friends, old and new, and savouring a well poured pint.

Don’t be shocked if you happen to see a baby carriage close by or a 4 year old studiously watching the match on the tele. This is a place where families go without spoiling the tranquility and adult character of the bar. If it’s nice out, don’t miss the outdoor patio in the back!