Owned by four of Ireland’s best known rugby players, including Rob Kearney and Jamie Heaslip, The Bridge pub in Ballsbridge is probably one of the best places to enjoy a drink if you’re in town for a match or just fancy soaking up some atmosphere whilst one takes place in either of the nearby stadiums.

There’s very little going on in this part of Dublin apart from those two venues and a handful of bars. But if you are in the area The Bridge is definitely the best of these. Until around 4 years ago this bar was one of the quietest in the area. I have to admit that that was just the way I liked, working next door myself and my colleagues were always sure of a quiet drink after a long day.

When it closed for refurbishment and we heard it was being taken over by some well known sports stars we were a little disheartened at the prospect of what was going to happen to our familiar little pub. The fact that we still choose to go there after a long day in the office is surely a sign of how The Bridge turned out. Trust me, we are a hard bunch to please.

They offer some top notch food by bar standards and serve up some great craft beers and cocktails. The staff are some of the friendliest you will find in Dublin and even in the scrum of match days service is always swift.