Dublin pubs make it one world’s greatest cities for bar hopping. In fact, when you combine all of Ireland’s pubs, they are the country’s biggest tourist attraction. Whether you are looking for a frothy pint of Guinness, traditional Irish music, or a solid pint of smaller batch brews, you will be sure to find plenty of options for a good ‘craic’ (Irish for “good times”). But the focus of this list is the best pubs in Dublin for craft beer.
Bull and Castle
Located next to historic Christ Church Cathedral, the Bull and Castle offers as delicious a beer selection as any Dublin establishment. They don’t brew their own, but feature many beers from Irish micro breweries, plus a good selection of Belgian, German, Czech and American beers.
The restaurant downstairs has a full menu offering an assortment of nice steaks and classic dishes such as Irish stew (one of the best we’ve had out in Dublin). Meat is provided by FX Buckley, the best butchers in Dublin. The upstairs beer hall does not offer the full menu of the restaurant, but you can get excellent fish n’ chips or a tasty full rack of ribs, with top notch hand cut chips.
Brewdock
Brewdock is a fantastic Dublin gastro pub operated by Galway Bay Brewing. They’re located near Connolly Train Station in North Dublin. They serve a wonderful selection of Irish, British, Belgian and American beers.
The Brewdock website is continuously updated to show what they currently serve on draft. They offer over 20 craft beers on draft, including around 5 choices brewed by Galway Bay Brewing. The Irish typically drink lower ABV beers because they often drink a lot of them. But this is a good place to drink some strong Belgian beer on draft too.
Their steak burgers are excellent quality, as good as any burger we’ve eaten in Dublin. We also love the classic board game selection at Brewdock. We enjoyed great laughs playing Guess Who!
Porterhouse Brewing Company
Porterhouse Brewing Company opened in 1996 as Dublin’s first pub brewery. They pride themselves on brewing with no additives and no enhancing chemicals. Just simple, pure ingredients. The food is a bit on the pricey side, but good quality.
Porterhouse is a solid joint for tasty pint in Dublin. They brew a great assortment of their own beers. Try their Oyster stout or Wrasslers stout for a refreshing alternative to Guinness. Aside from a great variety of their own brews, you can still grab a pint of Guiness on draft if you must. And you are in Ireland, so perhaps you came here to do that.
Porterhouse Brewing Company offers a great selection of Belgian, American and other beers in bottles are also on offer. In addition to an awesome selection of beers, Porterhouse is a fitting selection to conclude this list because they offer great beer of the month specials. Porterhouse Brewing Company has several convenient locations, including Temple bar and close by to Grafton St.
Against the Grain
Against the Grain is one of the best pubs in Dublin. They serve over 10 craft beers on tap, including multiple choices by Galway Bay Brewing. Great beer choices at Against the Grain include Belgian beers like La Chouffe. Check their website for an updated list of the beers they’re currently serving.
Against the Grain Address:
1 Wexford St,
Dublin
Messr. Maguire (Update: Closed)
Messr. Maguire is a beautiful old rustic, yet ornate pub situated in the heart of Dublin. Located near O’Connell Bridge, it offers excellent views of the river Liffy. They brew a wide assortment of tasty craft beers. All of them can be enjoyed for €4 a pint at any hour of the day. A great deal seeing as the average cost of a mediocre to lousy pint in the touristy Temple bar is over €5.
They brew everything from an Irish style stout, porter and red ale to an American style pale ale, a golden ale and lager. Sometimes they brew a German style bock at 6.5% abv. At €4 a pint, in one of Dublin’s most beautiful pubs, you won’t find better value for your money.
Where do you enjoy visiting for tasty beers and great craic among Dublin publicans? Please share with us in the comments!
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