One thing is sure to be high up your agenda during a visit to Dublin: trying the best Guinness the city has to offer.
It is said that the Guinness tastes better in Ireland. So, if you’re a fan of the black stuff, no trip to the Emerald Isle would be complete without trying a creamy pint.
Luckily, resident Guinness expert Daragh Curran (aka the Guinness Guru) has given us the inside scoop on where we can find the best Guinness in Dublin.
Born and raised in Ashbourne, County Meath, Daragh is a self-confessed Guinness connoisseur. Taking his love for Guinness to the next level, Daragh decided to start travelling around Ireland, rating Guinness, and documenting it on YouTube.
Since starting his channel, the Guinness Guru has amassed a huge following on YouTube and Instagram as people search for recommendations to find the best pints.
So, here are the best Guinness in Dublin, according to the Guinness Guru.
10. Smyths, Dublin 4 – for a “very creamy pint”
Daragh describes Smyths as a “hidden gem along the famous Baggot mile and “a must for a 12 Pubs of Christmas.”
Full of charm, guests can choose to enjoy a pint in one of their cosy snugs or their plush lounge.
However, according to the Guinness Guru, it’s the fact that they serve one of the best Guinness in Dublin that makes this spot stand out from the rest.
Address: 10 Haddington Rd, Dublin 4, D04 FC63, Ireland
9. The Old Royal Oak, Dublin 8 – for a cosy pint by the fire
Imagine a cold and dreary day in Dublin, cosied up by the fire in a snug pub with a creamy pint of Guinness in your hand. If that sounds ideal, you need to visit The Old Royal Oak.
Daragh describes this spot as “a tiny, warm, cosy pub off the beaten track in Kilmainham. It boasts a snug full of board games and a delightful pint to enjoy by the fire.”
Address: 11 Kilmainham Ln, Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin, Ireland
8. Doheny and Nesbitt, Dublin 2 – for effortless class
The Guinness Guru says that Doheny and Nesbitt is an “effortlessly classy establishment that’s always busy and guarantees a great Dublin pub experience.”
This classic pub has been operating on Dublin’s Baggot Street since 1867, so you can be sure they’re doing something right!
Address: 5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 F866, Ireland
7. The Palace Bar, Dublin 2 – a Victorian bar in the heart of the city
The Palace Bar can be found in Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar area, making it a popular spot for those out on a night in the city.
The Guinness Guru says, “Right in the heart of the city, the Palace is an old school, vibrant pub with decor to rival any pub out there.”
Address: 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 H950, Ireland
6. Mulligan’s, Dublin 2 – an aesthetic masterpiece
Irish pubs are known for being effortlessly well-decorated, and Mulligan’s is no exception. This no-nonsense 18th-century bar is a “sight for sore eyes”, according to Daragh.
He says, “It is aesthetically one of the most impressive pubs I’ve been in. A beautiful interior without being fancy.” Plus, he says, you can always get “a cracking pint in here.”
Address: 8 Poolbeg St, Dublin, DO2TK71, Ireland
5. The Cobblestone, Dublin 7 – for a traditional feel and live music
If you’re after a traditional Irish pub experience, then you need to visit The Cobblestone in Dublin 7.
It not only serves one of the best Guinness in Dublin, according to the Guinness Guru. Rather, this family-run bar offers a warm welcome and live trad music seven nights a week.
Address: 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22, Ireland
4. Tom Kennedy’s, Dublin 8 – for “savage Guinness”
Daragh describes Tom Kennedy’s as “a small no-nonsense pub perfect for a few warm-up pints before a two-minute walk to Vicar Street.”
Their pints are truly something else, with the Guinness Guru saying they serve a “savage Guinness”.
Address: 65 Thomas St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 VOR1, Ireland
3. Bowes Lounge Bar, Dublin 2 – a secret that locals don’t want you to know about
Located in Dublin 2, the spot in which Bowes is housed has been a licensed premise since 1880. So, you can get a real feel for the history of the city as you set foot in this historic bar.
Daragh says Bowes is a “quiet, unassuming pub with a pint so creamy you’ll think you’re drinking milk straight from a cow. A bit of a secret spot amongst those in the trade.” Well, the secret’s out now!
Address: 31 Fleet St, Dublin 2, D02 DF77, Ireland
2. Walsh’s, Dublin 7 – for “the heart of Stoneybatter”
If you find yourself in Stoneybatter, you need to pay a visit to Walsh’s.
According to the Guinness Guru, “Walsh’s is a beautiful pub with the most welcoming staff you’ll come across. The locals adore this place, and they serve a seriously consistent pint every time.”
Address: 6 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 A382, Ireland
1. John Kavanagh’s The Gravediggers, Dublin 9 – for the best pint of Guinness in the world?
Taking the top spot for places you can find the best Guinness in Dublin, according to the Guinness Guru, is John Kavanagh’s The Gravediggers in Dublin 9.
Daragh says, “Situated right beside Glasnevin cemetery and currently run by the seventh generation of Kavanaghs, this 180-year-old pub serves the best pint of Guinness on the planet.”
Known as ‘Heaven in Glasnevin’, John Kavanagh’s is a no-frills pub that offers some of the best Guinness you’ll ever drink.
Address: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin, D09 CF72, Ireland
As the home of the black stuff, it’s hard to narrow the best pints of Guinness in Dublin down to just ten establishments.
So, Daragh also gave honourable mentions to Kehoe’s on Anne Street and Grogans on William Street South.
Recently, Daragh also took us around Dublin to show us some of his favourite pubs in the city. Make sure to follow Ireland Before You Die on YouTube so you don’t miss the video coming soon!
