18 best pubs in Dublin to visit on your next trip

The Blue Light
Best pub in Dublin for: the views

It’s a bit of a trip out of the city centre to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, but The Blue Light’s terrace offers majestic views of the entire city stretching as far as the hazy outline of the Howth peninsula. Dating back over 300 years, the pub takes its name from smugglers looking for a signal that the coast was clear so they could safely land illegal booty such as rum, tobacco, wine and brandy.

If you’ve been exploring the mountains or hiking the Wicklow Way, there’s no better spot for a post-walk pint; the cinematic views are at their best as the sun goes down and the city lights begin to flicker on.

Address: The Blue Light, Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin D18 PF72
Website: thebluelight.ie

John Fallon’s “The Capstan Bar”
Best pub in Dublin for: a post-whiskey tour pint

In 2015, the first whiskey distilled in Dublin for almost 50 years passed through the Teeling Distillery in the historic Liberties district, and there’s nowhere better for a post-tour pint than the curiously named Capstan Bar.

Just a five-minute walk from Teeling, this centuries-old street-corner pub in the shadow of St Patrick’s Cathedral pours some of the city’s finest Guinness, while lined behind the bar is a splendid Irish whiskey selection with prices hanging from small cardboard tags. Many modern hipster bars love a bit of exposed brick decor, but the smoke-black bricks behind this bar are the real thing, though sadly the antique heater sitting at the back of the room is purely decorative. Grab the cosy snug, if you’re lucky.

Address: John Fallon’s, 129 The Coombe, The Liberties, Dublin D08 NP52
Website: instagram.com