When I was a young lad, my father would get me lemonade in the pub, topped off with a Guinness head. It’s a fond memory of Guinness for me, and also means that despite my present-day love of craft beer, I’ve been drinking Guinness for a long long time.
Now, I won’t claim to be an authority on Guinness, but I’ve drank more than my fair share of it. Most of it has been in Dublin, despite the fact I’m from Kilkenny. With that in mind, I want to help you find the very best pints of Guinness in Dublin, and also let you know if that’s just because it’s a fantastic pint, or because the overall experience is worth a visit.
Important note: after the first pub, which I believe to be the best, the rest is not in order of preference.
The Dublin Craft Beer Tour is the best way to discover Irish craft beer with friends and an experienced guide with great value drinks, exclusive discounts and a unique view of the city’s history.
The Long Hall, George’s Street
I’m starting out with what I can only describe as the most consistent pint of Guinness in Dublin. It just doesn’t miss. Ever.
The Long Hall on George’s Street is one of Dublin’s oldest and most beloved pubs, with a rich history stretching back over 250 years. Licensed since 1766, it has long been a vital part of the city’s social and cultural fabric, renowned both for its distinctive Victorian interior and for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in town.
The pub’s name, “The Long Hall”, comes from its original long, narrow hallway snug—a feature that once ran parallel to the back bar and offered discrete service, especially for women at a time when only men were allowed in the bar area. Despite modern changes, the core of the pub has remained remarkably unchanged since a lavish Victorian makeover in 1881 by then-publican Patrick Dolan. The décor boasts stunning woodwork, mirrored shelving, ornate clocks, gold-leaf carvings, and an overall atmosphere of classic Victorian elegance.
The Long Hall could also be a pun, suggesting the style is in it for the “Long Haul” because the pub is a nod to Ireland’s drinking past. Most importantly, the Guinness is simply perfect. The best Guinness in Dublin, no questions asked in my mind. The bar itself is lovely, but you’ll struggle to get a seat at rush hour times – but it’s all about the stout.
The Palace Bar, Fleet Street
If you must have a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar, please let avoid “The Temple Bar” which is a tourist trap, and wander up to Palace Bar instead.
Situated right on the edge of Temple Bar, The Palace Bar is a cornerstone of Dublin’s pub culture and a go-to for those chasing authentic Guinness in the heart of the city. Est. 1823, its Victorian charm, stained glass, and mahogany fixtures make it a living museum of the Dublin “snug”.
The Guinness here is consistently creamy, poured by staff who know their stuff. It’s a magnet for both old-school regulars and tourists, widely regarded one of the top Guinness pubs Dublin, and a must on any Dublin Guinness bucket list. Despite its Fleet St address, the Palace remains a refuge from Temple Bar madness, making it both a famous Guinness pub and a hidden gem for those in the know.
Once you’re full of Guinness they also have one of the city’s best selections of whiskey to polish off as a nightcap.
Old Royal Oak, Kilmainham
This is the best recommendation that you probably won’t do because it’s so off the beaten track. But if you do it – it’s just so worth it for great pints of Guinness.
Buried just west of the city centre, The Old Royal Oak has a loyal local crowd and is celebrated for both its value and quality offering some of the best value Guinness Dublin, remaining hidden away from tourist trails.
The bar is old school, the Guinness is outstanding (poured slow and steady), and the atmosphere is as relaxed as you’ll find in the capital. It’s where you’ll feel the that this is where locals drink Guinness in Dublin vibe the most.
Prices are reasonable, making it a favourite for the price-sensitive, but hardly the cheapest pint Guinness Dublin either. If you’re looking for the most authentic Guinness pubs Dublin, however, this is it. If you want to drink like a Dub, this is an essential stop.
Bowes, Fleet Street
Wandering out of Temple Bar can only mean good things and as soon as you get out of it, you find Bowes. Because just as you escape the noise of Temple Bar, you’ll cross the road and find Bowes. This is one of the most beloved hidden Guinness pubs Dublin. Well, if that’s fair to say given many claim today that this is the best pint in the city.
My opinion is that it’s fantastic, but a shade off that specific title if I’m honest. Its unassuming frontage hides an interior loaded with character: timber booths, etched glass, and the steady dull hum of conversation. That snug is so old school and a must see for unique pictures with your pint. It’s a more country Irish Guinness experience than most Dublin sports typically offer up.
The pint here is excellent. You’ll have irt served with good temperature and a perfect head. As I said, it gets mentioned frequently featured on “best Guinness in Dublin lists” and for good reason.
For those after non-touristy Guinness Dublin or in search of authentic tradition, Bowes is an easy top-10 pick for Guinness lovers. It’s a regular on pub crawls and insider guide Guinness Dublin lists. But it’s also on my own personal list of pubs I visit probably once or twice a month.
Mulligan’s, Poolbeg Street
Not far from Bowes is Mulligans of Poolbeg Street. What a spot with staff that would talk the back legs off donkeys.
If you’re on the hunt for heritage and the quintessential Guinness experience, Mulligan’s is legendary in the city. Around since1782, this is another frequent bar on lists of Dublin’s best pint of Guinness. The walls ooze history and the Guinness crowds swear there’s magic in the pipes, and they might be right.
It’s a rite of passage for both locals and tourists. Quiet in the afternoon, a raucous mix at night, you’re guaranteed a pint that’s cold, creamy, and full of rich roasted character. Mulligan’s ticks all the boxes for thirsty Guinness hunters.
Padraig Pearse, Pearse Street
The Padraig Pearse offers up what is arguably the most local pub offering on this list. More importantly, perhaps, it’s also offering some of the best value Guinness in Dublin. The Padraig Pearse celebrates one of Ireland’s founding fathers.
The pub itself is completely unpretentious, but inside you’ll find superb Guinness at a price that’ll make you do a double-take. While many take pictures of €10 pints in Temple Bar, you can nearly half that when grabbing a pint in the Padraig Pearse. Here you can celebrate the cost of a pint of Guinness in Dublin, and I can tell you that’s rare.
If you want decent pints in a spot that feels like it belongs to the real city rather than the tourist map, this is it. Solid atmosphere, no frills, and better prices than most anywhere nearby.
It’s also an early house. These are really rare today and it means you can grab a pint here from 7am most days.
Grogan’s, South William Street
Cross the threshold of Grogan’s and you’ll be moments away from some of the very best Guinness in Dublin. I mean that because Guinness for me is a full sensory experience. In Grogans, you get the incredible quality of a pint. that’s a given, but they also nail the rest of the experience.
The bar has a hum about it during lunch time. People are grabbing a quick pint and a toastie, laughing and regaling stories galore – despite it being the middle of the day. Because this is a city centre pub. There’s always people seeking out a sup of “the black stuff” and Grogans is usually the answer to their desires.
Combine it all with a cheese toastie and you’re now enjoying one of the cosiest Guinness pubs in Dublin. Congrats. You’re drinking Guinness like a local.
The Cobblestone, Smithfield
Now this one is special. We’re lucky to still have The Cobblestone after it was saved a few years ago. Here, you’ll find fantastic music, great Guinness and wall to wall locals. They protect this place quite a bit. I was on a stag party a few years ago and we had to enter strategically because they wouldn’t allow in large groups.
Now, it’s hardly the Berghain of Guinness, but I like that they want to control the atmosphere a little. Most of that is because there is live music and if it kicks off too much, they can struggle to keep time.
All of this should be getting you excited though because live music and Guinness is right up there with the most complete sensory Guinness experience you can have.
Gravediggers, Glasnevin
The Gravediggers is another absolute must see for anyone on the spirtual journey to find the best Guinness in Dublin. It’s often ranked as a spiritual rite-of-passage for Guinness pilgrims and has plenty of other things to do in the area to justify a little trip across the city to witness it.
Gravediggers is legendary. It’s a must see on any essential Guinness bucket list. Located beside Glasnevin cemetery, it’s a pub where time slows down and every pint is a work of art. You can even have some Gravediggers Coddle, a Dublin delicacy.
As a Kilkenny man, all I’ll say is that it’s very much a Dublin thing.
Dawson Lounge, Dawson Street
This might be where I’ve drank the most Guinness. The smallest pub in Dublin pouring arguably the biggest-flavoured pints. The Dawson Lounge is unique for Guinness geeks largely down to the fact it’s one of very few still serving Guinness on short pipelines.
This makes a major difference as the pint is super fresh, served in an old school way giving an authenticity to the experience you can’t get elsewhere.
This pub does live up to its billing too. It’s a tiny space that gets crammed and warm during rush hour, but I maintain it’s a real hidden Guinness gem, and a personal favourite of mine.
McNeill’s, Capel Street
A true hidden gem for Guinness fans, McNeill’s seamlessly blends Dublin’s musical heritage with its pub culture. Originally a musical instrument shop since 1834, the pub still proudly displays vintage instruments in its window—a nod to its roots and a promise of nightly traditional music sessions. If you’re searching for authentic Guinness pubs Dublin or a spot for a non-touristy Guinness experience, McNeill’s is exactly that.
The pints here are cold, expertly pulled, and often cited as among the best pints of Guinness on Capel Street. It’s no-nonsense, with zero tourist trap vibes despite being a 10 minute walk from The Temple Bar. That’s why you’ll find locals sitting at the bar throughout the day.
What seals it as one of Dublin’s best Guinness pubs is at night, you’ll get a genuine trad session from Thursday to Sunday, every night from 9pm. In the winter, you get a cosy open fires.
McNeills is the best overall sensory pint of Guinness for those visiting the city in the winter. I absolutely adore it.
The Liberty Belle, Francis Street (The Liberties)
Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties, The Liberty Belle is a genuine neighbourhood pub that offers a warm, old-school welcome to locals and visitors alike. Trading since at least 1845, it boasts a timeworn authenticity, far removed from the bustle of Temple Bar and beloved for its friendly atmosphere and “salt of the earth” regulars.
Here, you’ll find one of the best value Guinness deals in Dublin thanks to the legendary Guinness and toastie combo with some crisps for just €8. As the bar man said to me “the value is too good” – and I somewhat agree with him. But I wouldn’t disagree too hard.
If I’m sending you here, I have to tell you this probably isn’t the best pint in Dublin and quite a few locals opt for lagers – that means the Guinness isn’t as free flowing as other spots. But remember, I love Guinness for the whole experience it delivers. At the Liberty Belle, you get proper locals, proper toasties and proper value. So it more than makes up for being “just” a “good” pint of Guinness. It’s probably one of the most authentic pints in Dublin.
If you want to sample something other than Guinness, you can join the Dublin Craft Beer Tour too!
The Dublin Craft Beer Tour is the best way to discover Irish craft beer with friends and an experienced guide with great value drinks, exclusive discounts and a unique view of the city’s history.
