If you’ve ever been to the UK or heard about drinking culture there, you know pubs are the place to be. Dublin is a city full of local, traditional pubs as well as some fancy, contemporary ones. Despite what you’re in the mood for, here are 3 (budget friendly) pubs that you can hit up when in Dublin.
1. The Old Storehouse
Located in the downtown area, also known as Temple Bar, this bar/ restaurant has a traditional and local vibe despite its size. Most nights there’s a live band preforming various songs. Some days they do an Irish show, where they preform Irish songs and other nights you can hear a variety of songs. There are 2 floors- the downstairs area is where the bar is and that’s where you would be if you’re only there for a drink and the upstairs area is more of a dining area. Regardless, good music is played everywhere, the service is fast and the prices are decent (especially for a bar/ restaurant in that area). The servers recommend ordering their local beer: Five Lamps.
2. Crowbar
Right around the corner of Temple Bar, this is a small, hidden and cheap-er bar. There are two sections with different types of music and correspondingly atmosphere. You walk in, order your drink at the bar and find yourself a table. This pub is one of those, dark, wooden themed, traditional styled with many candles small tables spread out. If you go on a Friday, there will likely be live music in both halls. This is a good bar to go to if you want something chill- the music isn’t too loud, so you can talk to the people you’re with and it’s not overcrowded and full of tourists. The bartender recommends getting their most popular cocktail: Whiskey & Ginger-ale (for about 8- 10 euros).
3. Mulligan and Haines
A bar with a huge salon, an upstairs and a downstairs area, this place is perfect for large groups. The tables are spread out, with nice red leather couches to sit on. It’s a pay as you order type of place, so no need to worry about tracking the waiter down if you’re in for a quick drink. The music is very house- techno, with contemporary remixes of popular songs. It can get pretty loud, so it’s probably not the best place to go to if you want a nice and quiet evening. Moreover, you can see a diversity of people in this place, from 18 year-old students to couples in their 60’s. The service is good and they serve food too. Personal recommendation: New Fashioned cocktail- whiskey with hints of orange, vanilla and lime (about 10 euros).