May 30, 2025

The Ginger Man Dublin

The forbidden charm

"The décor weaves an enchanting tapestry of Dublin’s finest elements, from iconic red post boxes to a make-believe Aer Lingus office."

Nestled in the heart of Dublin, there’s a pub like no other – a true enigma to the place that is as dark and twisted as the literature that inspired it. The Ginger Man book (banned in Ireland and the USA) is written by an American-Irish novelist J. P. Donleavy, who after a long struggle to publish it due to its obscenity, finally convinced Paris-based publisher to give him a chance but was angered when he discovered that it had done so under its pornography imprint.

While you can order a copy online, whenever the bar staff attempts to sneak it into the pub, someone steals it away. The solution? They’ve resorted to displaying tantalizing snippets of the book on the window glass of the main door, tempting those who enter.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported into a captivating tribute to Irish culture. The décor weaves an enchanting tapestry of Dublin’s finest elements, from iconic red post boxes to a make-believe Aer Lingus office. You’ll even find the typical winding streets and colorful doors that scream “DUBLIN!”

So, for a whimsical journey into the heart of Dublin’s mystery and culture, venture into The Ginger Man Bar. Just remember, keep an eye on that infamous book – you might be the next one tempted to snatch it away.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

About this spot

39-40 Fenian Steet

Pint of lager:

7

16766388

Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Dublin guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin

Artisan Brew Academy

BYOB - BREW your own beer

"Artisan Brew Academy" in Dublin, close to the Guinness factory, is an actual academy that teaches people how to make beer at home!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jul 4, 2025

Freebird Records

Hidden in plain sight

"Freebird Records" isn't just a secret music shop! It's also a book store with all kinds of second-hand books at a good price & cool vintage stuff...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

The Hot Donut

Artisanal array of flavours

"The Hot Donut" sets itself apart because here donuts are homemade and freshly baked daily with natural and fruit-inspired flavors.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

Marlay Park

For a relaxing picnic day

"Marlay Park", located in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, is a place I like to go to when I feel like taking a long walk in a natural environment...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

Govinda's

Empathy on a plate

"Govinda's" is a perfect example of altruistic cuisine made reality. It's a restaurant run by Hare Krishnas who make hearty vegan & vegetarian food!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

Needful Things

For the nostalgic-hearted

"Needful Things" in Dublin is an antique, collectibles and second-hand book store that's full of soul! Film buffs will especially love it...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

The Peace Tree

An eternal cypress

"The Peace Tree", also known by the locals as The Tree Of Life, is an impressive sculpture located in Raheny in Dublin that represents local animals...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

The National Botanical Gardens

Oasis in the city

"The National Botanical Gardens" in Dublin is one of my favorite places. I love the greenhouses, especially the Victoria Waterlily House...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

Red Stables Market

What will I find this week?

"Red Stables Market" in Dublin takes place every Saturday and it's one of my favorites activities of the week - I never know what I'll find!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

The Famine Memorial

A powerful reminder

"The Famine Memorial" in Dublin commemorates the victims of the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century without & with astonishing honesty...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

Griffith Avenue

The neverending tree-hall

"Griffith Avenue" in Dublin is the longest purely residential tree-lined avenue in Europe. I love having long walks here - especially in autumn!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jul 1, 2025

River Dodder

Dublin walks

"River Dodder" is a spot I really enjoy - what can be better than a nice, quiet walk along a canal or a river? Protip: bring some bread for the ducks.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Jun 29, 2025

Heading to Dublin?

112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Dublin?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

112 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Dublin

Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
43
Filters