Ireland Itinerary: Dublin Pub Crawl
- Laura
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
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With 1000 years of history, Dublin has a wealth of ancient heritage sites to enjoy. However, it is the city's welcoming pub culture that makes this capital city by the River Liffey so much fun. Our Ireland Itinerary: Dublin Pub Crawl focuses on the Temple Bar neighborhood - an area made famous by its rousing nightlife.
Our Dublin free walking tour takes in four pubs in the storied streets of Temple Bar. In this region there are pubs that can trace their owners back through several centuries, pubs with nightly trad-music sessions, and bars and that cater to a younger crowd. Our Dingle pub crawl hits a variety of venues.
The route was designed to be completed in one afternoon or evening while walking from bar to bar. The tour begins at our favorite bar in Dublin, Darkey Kelleys. The crawl then moves on to take in the colorful Oliver St. John Gogarty's Pub, the famous Temple Bar Pub, and the Quays – well known for its great music.
A pub crawl is one of the best things to do Dublin. Its relaxing, entertaining, and a terrific way to mix with the locals – and other folks from all over the world.
DUBLIN IRELAND TOURS
THE TEMPLE BAR NEIGHBORHOOD DUBLIN
The city of Dublin is divided down the center by the River Liffey. The Temple Bar neighborhood is on the south side of the riverbank. The area is roughly bordered by Dame, Westmoreland, and Fishamble Streets. In this district the lanes are lined with colorful pubs and music spills onto the cobblestones every day from noon till midnight.
Guinness is undoubtably the drink served most frequently in Temple Bar. The stout was invented in Dublin in 1759. Today, the dark full-bodied ale is as much a part of the local pub culture as its trad-music sessions and friendly atmosphere. In Ireland, pubs are community hubs.
While not as intimate as the pubs in small towns, bars in Dublin endeavor to be “craic” (welcoming and fun).
When trying to decide what to do in Dublin Ireland, a pub crawl should be high on your list. Irish pubs are for everyone. It is acceptable to be highly social or to sit quietly at a table and read a book. Singletons, couples, groups, and families with children are normally welcomed. Some pubs have kitchens and some do not, so check ahead if you plan to eat a meal while out.
DAY TOURS FROM DUBLIN IRELAND
IRELAND ITINERARY: DUBLIN PUB CRAWL DETAILS
Activity: Self-guided Dublin Pub Crawl
Location: Temple Bar neighborhood in Dublin, Ireland
Walk Length: The walk is 1 km in length
Duration: Without stopping this walk would take 15-minutes. Stopping to eat, drink, hang-out, and listen to music plan for a full afternoon or evening.
DUBLIN IRELAND HOTELS
The hotels in the lively Temple Bar area tend to be budget accommodations. The area is bustling with tourists during the day, and can get noisy at night – but you can walk from the pubs to your room. The area around Stephen’s Green has many mid- and higher-end hotels – and is 15-20 minute walk. Here are some nearby hotels:
DUBLIN IRELAND WEATHER
The weather in Dublin Ireland ranges from summer temperatures of around 60’F (16’C), to temperatures around 41’F (5’C) in the winter. The sunniest month is May. The wettest month is August. It rains frequently year round.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBLIN
The best time to visit Dublin is during the months of May, June, September, and October. In these months all attractions are open and there are many indoor and outdoor things to do – but crowds are not at peak.
However, for a pub crawl there is no bad time to visit Dublin. Many pubs will have fireplaces lit and candles glowing – even during the day. Bring a sweater and rain jacket for the walk home.
GUIDED PUB CRAWLS & BAR TOURS
DUBLIN PUB CRAWL MAP
DUBLIN PUB ETIQUETTE
Tipping in pubs is different than in the US. In most cases, 20% is not expected. It is more common to ‘round-up’ to the nearest Euro when making payment in cash. Or, for a large round or complicated drink order, to give the server 1-2 Euros – or a larger amount when leaving after several rounds.
In pubs, if someone buys you a drink you are expected to reciprocate by buying a ‘round.’
In general: Sit at the bar if you want to mingle; sit at a table if you would rather keep to yourself.
IRELAND ITINERARY: DUBLIN PUB CRAWL ROUTE
When thinking about what to do in Dublin Ireland a pub crawl should top the list. Read on for a route that takes in four iconic Dublin pubs: Darkey Kelley's, Oliver St. John Gogarty's, the Temple Bar Pub, and the Quays.
Darkey Kelley’s Bar & Restaurant
Begin your Dublin pub crawl at Darky Kelley’s. The pub’s namesake, Darkey Kelley, was an 18th century brothel owner who was burned at the stake for witchcraft. The bar is located on historic Fishamble Street (where centuries ago the Dublin fish market was located).
Darkey Kelley’s is our favorite pub in Dublin. The interior is homey and warm. There are lots of spaces to sit, but none of the room are cavernous. The space where the musicians perform is in the heart of the venue.
There is usually live music playing every night (and some afternoons) be it piano, singer-songwriter, trad, or rock. Food is served noon to 9:45pm. From Darkey Kelley’s take Fishamble, to Essex, to Fleet Street to arrive at your next destination.
Oliver St John Gogarty’s Restaurant & Bar
The bright yellow Gogarty’s Restaurant and Bar sits in the center of the Temple Bar neighborhood. The venue’s restaurant serves a traditional Irish menu (Dublin Bay Mussels and Guinness Stew) – so this is a great choice for lunch or dinner. There are also self-efficiency apartments and a hostel onsite.
The bar is open 7 days a week. Typically, in the late afternoon and evening there is live Irish music in the upstairs bar (from around 2:30pm to 2:00am) where a smaller pub grub menu is served. No cover charge. From Gogarty’s, it is a short 2 minute walk down Fleet Street to our next pub.
The Temple Bar Ireland
Any Dublin pub crawl would not be complete without a visit to the Temple Bar Pub. The warm red and gold exterior announces its presence and invites you in. At this location since 1840, the pub advertises the largest collection of whiskies in Ireland as well as the largest selection of pub sandwiches “anywhere in the world.” The Temple Bar Pub offers live Irish music every day.
Temple Bar Ireland has an expansive shop selling clothing, local crafts, and souvenirs. It also offers classes (Irish coffee and whiskey tasting) and walking tours. Of all the Dublin pubs we visited this was the most touristy and loud (it also sometimes gets a bad rap for high prices), but the venue is interesting and fun – we had a good time at this bar. Here is a link to the Temple Bar Night Tour.
When you are ready, continue down Fleet Street for 3 minutes to our last destination.
The Quays Bar Dublin
We thoroughly enjoyed the music and atmosphere at this Dublin pub. The décor was modern-pub, the clientele was a pleasant mix of locals and out-of-towners, and the live trad-music was top notch.
The Quay’s Bar menu consists of light bites and pub grub fare with traditional Irish stew and Dublin coddle (stew). Live music starts around mid-day. Last stop on the tour, so settle in and enjoy.
We hope you enjoy a pint of the black stuff (Guinness). Sláinte! (Cheers), Laura & Randy
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