You haven’t really had Guinness unless you’ve been to Dublin. The swill sold in American bars doesn’t compare in the slightest, so to properly enjoy the black stuff, you really need to head to the source. Guinness is born and bred in Dublin, and there is no better place to get in the sipping spirit. If you’re lucky, you can find not only a good pint, but some traditional folk music and maybe even some good craic.
The perfect pour
Part of what makes Guinness so delicious is in the pour. The traditional Guinness pour involves an almost-mathematical method of pouring, waiting, and pouring some more that takes several minutes and lots of practice to get right. Watching a pro pour a Guinness is part of the experience, and the places on our list have that perfect pour down.
Where to Get the Best Pint of Guinness in Dublin
Mulligan’s
Mulligan’s history is long and notorious. The space began as a not-quite-legal drinking establishment in the 1700s, and grew into a reliable haunt for some of history’s icons, such as Judy Garland, the iconic Irish author James Joyce, and even JFK. It could be said that Mulligan’s owes its star-studded status to the consistently perfect pints poured at the bar.
Grogans
Grogans is the place to go if you’re looking for a solid pint of Guinness and a snack. Their famous toasties, consisting of Irish cheddar and local deli ham, are unforgettable, as is the traditional pub atmosphere. Grogans is full of old-school charm, with no TVs or background music, just the sound of people laughing, chatting and having a great time.
Kehoe’s Pub
Despite its central location right off Grafton street, Kehoe’s attracts a local, often quite artsy crowd and maintains a truly authentic atmosphere. Kehoe’s has one of the most beautiful interiors on this list, one that has maintained its antique Victorian style since the 1800s. Their Guinness is said to be one of the best in the city, and their snugs – the small, private areas you’ll find in many an Irish pub – are some of the coziest.
The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is another of Dublin’s most well-known watering holes. The facade alone will make you feel like you’ve entered another century, and technically you have – The Brazen Head has been serving up ale since the 1600s. An Irish pub at its most traditional, The Brazen Head maintains a fun, welcoming atmosphere, so you can enjoy not only an expert-poured Guinness, but true craic – the Irish way of saying a good time.
John Kavanagh (The Gravediggers)
Known as one of the best pints in the city, John Kavanagh gets its alternate name from the gravediggers that used to stop by the pub for a pint after working in the nearby cemetery. The cozy, old-world decor will make you feel right at home the moment you enter, though be mindful that this isn’t the place for drunken revelry – to keep the place authentic, singing and dancing is forbidden, but you can still come here for good conversation and a hearty home-cooked meal.
Have we peaked your curiosity with these charming Irish pubs? Find your own favorite pint during our Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend Trip to Dublin.
