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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Thomas Telford

Irish pubs update: 9 Traditional Dublin bars you have to visit when lockdown ends

Traditional Dublin pubs are littered throughout the capital and are a must-visit for Dubs and tourists alike.

With bars set to finally reopen next month we can once again enjoy a pint of plain in some of the best traditional pubs in the city.

In a town with such a proud pub tradition as ours, most people will have their favourites but there could be some amazing spots they never got around to frequenting before the shutters came tumbling down last year.

We've picked out some of our personal favourites to get you in the mood for the big reopening in a few weeks' time.

And with Dublin being so small, you'll have no problem enjoying the fine beverages in all of these pubs in one night if you really fancy it.

Ryan's, Parkgate Street

Ryan's pub, Parkgate Street (Google Maps)

While it's a little bit out of the way if you're in the city centre, just hop on the Luas and you'll be there in five minutes. You won't find a better snug in the city to enjoy a creamy pint of plain.

It's one of the few remaining Victorian-era pubs left in the city and also one of the few with an oyster bar front and centre of the pub.

Ryan's is part of the FX Buckley family so its steak offering is also on point.

Bowes, Fleet Street

A must visit for any whiskey lover.

You'll struggle to find a pub with a larger selection of Irish and Scotch whiskey.

Before the pandemic, Bowe's would have a Scotch whiskey of the week offer where the finest Scotch would see its price reduced.

Hidden away beside Doyle's, Bowes was meant to expand into the neighbouring building but planning permission was refused.

John Kavanaghs (The Gravediggers), Glasnevin

Many people's favourite spot and regularly thought to serve the best pint of Guinness in Dublin.

Located on the doorstep of Glasnevin Cemetery, you won't find a better coddle in all the capital. There's no TV, radio or internet so it's purely a pub for socialising.

The pub's nickname allegedly come from famine time where gravediggers would go to the pub before burying the dead in Glasnevin.

John Kehoe, Anne Street

John Kehoe pub (Collins Photo Agency)

Another of the few Victorian-era pubs, John Kehoe is in the heart of the city just a minute or so from Grafton Street.

Its interior was renovated at the end of the 19th century and has been maintained to the present day.

You know you're in a traditional pub when you ask for a pint and the barman knows instantly that you mean a Guinness.

Brogan's, Dame Street

Brogan's pub, Dame Street (Google Maps)

Located just a few yards from the entrance to the Olympia Theatre, Brogans is the quintessential Dublin pub.

Little fanfare other than the phenomenal Guinness and a cheeky pack of bacon fries. Nothing better than standing outside in the sun with a lovely pint.

Grogans, William Street

Grogans pub on South William Street pictured during the pandemic (Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)

Known throughout Dublin for their delicious ham and cheese toasties and are available throughout the day and night.

Grogans is a great spot for catching up with friends or just going in for a quiet pint and to read a book.

In the summer of 2020, they had just started to accept card payments for the very first time so no more having to wander for an ATM if the one in the bar is out of order.

Mulligan's, Poolbeg Street

Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street (Google)

The Guinness on offer at this famous pub is tip top and the friendly bar staff are always great to deal with.

It's been around for over 200 years and has played host to some great minds like Seamus Heaney, JFK, and James Joyce.

Don't be fooled by the outside, it's quite a large pub once you step inside, although you wouldn't want to be looking for a seat after 5pm on a Friday.

The Swan, Aungier Street

The Swan (Instagram: vero_lda)

If you're a rugby fan then The Swan will feel like home. It's owned by former British and Irish Lion, Sean Lynch.

Always a great atmosphere and there are TVs to watch your favourite sport.

And it's not too far from the final pub on our list.

The Long Hall, South George's Street

Licenced in 1776, The Long Hall one of the oldest pubs in the capital.

The Victorian interior dates from 1881 so it's almost like you're stepping through history.

It was a favourite of Phil Lynott and was used in the music video of Thin Lizzy's, 'Old Town' in 1982. The Guinness is to die for.

Remember, Guinness is good for you. That's what science says.

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