Wherever you are in Dublin, there’s an abundance of bars. It’s pretty much a part of the Irish culture. But what do you do when you want to nurse your next pint or grab some food somewhere not so touristy but you’re not from the region?
Well, this post is going to give you a list of some of the best non touristy pubs in Dublin, so you can have a drink in peace without having somebody asking you about leprechauns. Let’s get into it.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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BEST NON TOURISTY PUBS IN DUBLIN
THE HILL 16, GARDINER STREET
The Hill 16 pub is named after Croke Park’s most sought-after stand, which is literally called Hill 16. A place where every Dublin fan heads for the pre and post-GAA match pints.
Most tourists have probably never even heard of Hill 16. It’s right around the corner from the Hugh Lane Gallery, which is one of Dublin’s most popular free-entry museums.
Those looking to get a real feel for the Hill 16 have to visit on match day when Dublin is playing. The atmosphere is incredible, with all the fans roaring and getting prepared for the game ahead.
If the Dubs win, you’re in for a cracking experience and a late night.
Address: 30 Gardiner Street Middle.
Update: Hill 16 is temporarily closed.
NANCY HANDS BAR AND RESTARAUNT, STONEYBATTER
Located near the popular Phoenix Park, Nancy Hands Bar and Restaurant is a little boozer that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
You might think that because Nancy Hands is beside one of Europe’s city parks that it is rammed with tourists, but in fact, the majority of them end up heading back to the city where they’re staying.
Visitors need to plan their visit around Nancy’s Shenanigans. It’s a three-course candle-lit dinner, which comes with a hell of a lot of storytelling, with some singing and Irish dancing.
From wild trad sessions to incredible alcoholic beverages, there’s an abundance of reasons why you’ll probably end up staying at Nancy Hands for more than just one or two hours.
Address: 30-32 Parkgate St.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE CONFESSION BOX, MARLBOROUGH STREET
The Confession Box lives up to its name by being literally the size of a box. Tucked away on Marlborough Street, the Confession Box is a lovely pub for a quiet pint away from the tourist hotspots.
Those looking for a real traditional Irish pub that has a large amount of admiration for the history of Ireland will absolutely fall in love with this place. From pictures of the Great Michael Collins to copies of the Irish proclamation, visitors are spoiled for choice.
I’d advise you to get there early because this little snug bar is tiny and fills up with locals fairly sharpish.
Address: 88 Marlborough St.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE BERNARD SHAW, PHIBSBOROUGH
The Bernard Shaw is situated on the outskirts of the city in Phibsborough, away from all of the action. It’s a bar that tends to appeal to the younger generation and avoids a lot of tourists due to its location.
The Bernard Shaw is always hosting a quirky themed night. Whether it’s karaoke or a game-themed night, you’re sure to have a unique experience.
By night, the bar is a bustling venue, and by day it transforms into an Eat Yard filled with stalls from all of the top up and coming food outlets in Dublin.
If you can manage to get in there early in the afternoon and grab yourself a bite to eat before things clear up and the night fun begins, you’re in for a treat.
Address: Cross Guns Bridge.
Website/FB page: Here.
RYAN’S, CAMDEN STREET
Ryan’s of Camden Street has long been a popular bar among the younger generation.
Don’t let that frighten you, though, because it’s still a cracking spot with a great atmosphere. You’re guaranteed a pub that gives off that traditional Irish vibe minus the tourists.
Known for its live music and showing of live sports, Ryan’s is a brilliant spot for those looking to have an early pint or spend the night having many.
Tourists tend to not make it to Ryan’s because of its location. It’s a 25-minute walk away from O’Connell Street, which is where all of the action is.
Address: 92 Lower Camden Street.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE BLEEDING HORSE, CAMDEN STREET
At the very top of Camden Street is another great little boozer away from the tourists’ eyes, named The Bleeding Horse. Its history dates back all the way to the year 1649, when the doors opened up to the public.
Inside the bar, visitors can expect to take on a bit of a maze to find a table where they can sip their beverages. Every twist and turn you take, you’ll find a pocket where you can plant your buttocks for the evening ahead.
The Bleeding Horse is a bit away from Camden Street’s hustle and bustle, which definitely gives you the chance to sip your drink in peace.
Address: 24-25 Camden Street Upper.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE LIVING ROOM, CATHAL BRUGHA STREET
The Living Room is a vibrant lounge that plays music until the early hours of the morning while enticing the local community. It’s easily one of the city’s most sought-after sports bars among Dubliners.
Just off O’Connell Street, down by Cathal Brugha Street, The Living Room is a student hotspot that has massive cinema screens outside of their beer garden that shows all major sporting events.
From fruity cocktails to monstrous pitchers of beer, there are quite a few options for visitors to choose from. To top it all off, get yourself a shisha in the smoking area to relax to the beat.
Address: Cathal Brugha St.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE CELT, TALBOT STREET
Sitting down at the bottom of Talbot Street is one of the most underrated Dublin pubs, The Celt.
The Celt is a lively, non-touristy bar that has a couple of sections to it, each of which plays a different style of music.
Food can be purchased during the day, and at night, the traditional Irish music begins to play, and everybody in the bar joins in on the singing and dancing.
The outside of the Celt looks like nothing special, but once you make your way through its doors, you’ll find it hard to leave. I’d almost describe it as a speakeasy, but it’s not actually one.
Address: 81 Talbot St.
Website/FB page: Here.
GRAVEDIGGERS, GLASNEVIN
Known as the place where you can find one of the best pints of Guinness in Ireland, Gravediggers is a hidden gem that tourists haven’t managed to get their hands on.
The pub itself is located in Glasnevin, just around the corner from Glasnevin Cemetery, which is a popular graveyard that many people flock to see every year. Don’t let that frighten you though, the majority of them have probably never even heard of Gravediggers.
Gravediggers prides itself on being pure old school. By “old school,” I’m referring to the fact that there’s no music playing, no TV, just pure conversation. That’s a real pub. It’s very rare that you ever find a place like that anymore.
Address: 1 Prospect Square.
Website/FB page: Here.
THE LONG HALL, GEORGE’S STREET
Known as one of the oldest pubs in Dublin, the Long Hall is an untouched beauty that has been preserved for many years on George’s Street.
Its name comes from its design, which is one big long stretch with the bar on the right-hand side with a row of seats, and on the left is more seating.
The Long Hall has been doing business all the way back to the 1860s. It’s known that the bar’s clientele was mainly Fenian from Irish Nationalist groups.
Today it serves local Dubliners along with the odd tourist who manages to find the diamond in the rough.
Address: 51 South Great George’s Street.
Website/FB page: Here.
AUTHOR’S BIO
This guest post was written by Adam, the owner & writer of the Where In Dublin travel blog. The blog focuses on providing visitors with a tool where they can find every bit of travel information they need before visiting Dublin.
Adam is obsessed with travel and is constantly seeking out his next adventure. In his spare time, he travels around with his camera, hoping to capture some forms of humanity to show his followers.
He currently resides in Ireland and is planning to hit the road full time this coming July, when he’ll travel to South East Asia with his girlfriend to focus on his blogging and traveling.
- Instagram – @whereindublin2
- Twitter – @whereindublin
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