Hidden Gems
August 18, 2024
5 min read

Escape the Crowds: Dublin's Best Kept Pub Secrets

Temple Bar is a must-see, but it's not where the locals drink.
Want a real Dublin pub experience?
You need to know where to look.

By Midway@ Team

The best pubs are the ones you stumble upon down a quiet street.
The ones with no live music, just the sound of conversation.
Here are a few of our favorite spots to feel like a true Dubliner.

The Local's List

1. Kehoe's Pub

The Vibe: Just off Grafton Street, but feels a world away. A classic, multi-room Victorian pub with beautiful stained glass and cozy snugs. The crowd spills out onto the street, pint in hand. A proper after-work spot.

2. Grogan's Castle Lounge

The Vibe: The unofficial HQ of Dublin's writers and artists. Famous for its toasties (toasted sandwiches) and a perfect pint of Guinness. The walls are covered in art you can buy. No music, just great chat.

3. The Long Hall

The Vibe: One of the most beautiful pub interiors in Dublin. It's a long, narrow Victorian bar with ornate carvings and chandeliers. It feels grand but welcoming. A great place to impress a visitor.

4. Walsh's of Stoneybatter

The Vibe: A true neighborhood local in the hip Stoneybatter area. It's cozy, friendly, and often has impromptu trad sessions. It's the kind of place you plan to go for one pint and stay for five.

5. Mulligans

The Vibe: A legendary, no-nonsense pub that claims to serve the best Guinness in Dublin (a hotly debated topic). It's old, it's historic (James Joyce drank here), and it's as authentic as it gets.

Find a hidden gem that's fair for everyone.

Walsh's is the perfect local pub, but it's a bit of a journey for your friend from the south side.
Use midway@ to find a hidden gem that's also a fair meeting point for your group.
A great pint tastes even better when no one's had a stressful journey to get there.