Visiting Ireland over Christmas? You will spend time in pubs, not only is it a cultural experience but it also offers shelter from bad weather and very often a welcoming fire, what more could you possibly want. Everyone has their favourite pubs to meet friends, here are a few of mine…
- The Palace Bar
The Palace Bar is a classic Victorian style pub built in 1823. It serves a good range of Irish craft beer and has an impressive selection of Irish whiskey. Whiskey tasting are held upstairs on Tuesday evenings. Well worth a visit.
2. Grogans
In the heart of Dublin city, Grogan’s never changes. The most perfect place to have a pint and watch the world go by. Always busy and buzzy and welcoming, this pub has it all – pints, toasties, chats and craic are all on tap.
3. The Porter House
The Porter House Central and Dingle whiskey bar are perfectly located for a shopping break on Grafton St. The Porter House was the very first craft beer bar in Dublin, bravely opening in 1996 in Temple Bar before anyone in Ireland knew what craft beer really was. They are still leading the way opening the Dingle Distillery and producing premium gin and whiskey in Dingle town. Always a great visit when we are on the 6 day Pint and a Half One tour to the West Coast of Ireland. Whiskey tasting evenings, craft beers, pub grub and music – the Porter House is totally worth a visit.
4. The Underdog
A truly hidden gem, in the basement of Brogan’s bar on Dame St is the Underdog pub. Superb offering of craft beer from all over Ireland and beyond with very knowledgeable and friendly bar staff. Recommended for craft beer lovers.
5. The Gravediggers
My local so my favourite! It’s located beside Glasnevin cemetary and the Botanic Gardens so can definitely be incorporated into a days sightseeing North of the city centre. It’s the perfect pint of Guinness pub operating since 1833. Not much has changed including the owners, now 6th generation of Kavanagh’s. A timeless classic Irish pub.
Nollaig Shona Dhuit – Happy Christmas.