Dublin is a city famous for its pub culture. To put it in perspective, Leopold Bloom famously remarked in James Joyce’s book Ulysses “a good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub”.

Good luck with that!

So we asked a Dublin expert, Allison Hughes of Vagabond & Driftwood Small Group Tours of Ireland, to choose three great Dublin pubs. She replied that they all have a few things in common. “Firstly their Guinness is great, along with their other selection of beers. Prices are reasonable and they have all retained their original charm. Most have been in families for generations. You won’t find any blaring TV’s in these establishments. This makes them perfect for a good chat over a pint and to mingle with locals & tourists alike. Full of history and colourful characters, this is how an Irish pub experience should be.

Gravediggers Pub

Opened in 1833 by John Kavanagh, and still in the family. With its weathered worn feel, it hasn’t lost its 19th century charm. Sharing a wall with the historic Glasnevin Cemetery. The local gravediggers were known to knock on the wall of the bar to ask for a pint. A place where people of all walks of life can mingle over the perfect pint of Guinness. As the late owner of the pub Eugene Kavanagh put it, in an interview with herald.ie “We get successful millionaires in here sitting chatting with people who barely have the price of a pint. That’s what it should be all about”. The Lonely Planet even listed the pub in the top 50 secret spots for travelers.

The Palace Bar

A traditional Victorian bar on the edge of the bustling Temple Bar. Its decor hasn’t changed in nearly 200 years. It has a history of attracting writers and intellects, owing to its connections to the Irish Times newspaper, who’s offices are located nearby. Today it attracts a mix of clientele; artists, journalists, tourists & students alike. A beautiful high ceiling stained glass skylight greets you in the snug as you enter. Upstairs you’ll find a great little whiskey bar. If you’re lucky you might catch the occasional music session.

John Mulligan

A bit off the beaten path. The walls are adorned with history and local awards. Another Dublin haunt frequented by intellects. The friendly staff welcomes both local and tourist alike in. Rub shoulders with the locals in this 18th century pub. Its dark wooden panels gives it a brooding feel. Famous figures such as; Garland, Seamus Heaney, Con Houlihan, James Joyce and John F. Kennedy have passed through its doors. The barman have even claimed to have seen ghosts on the premises!”