FreshieCraft beer in Dublin
Ireland · Europe
The scene
Dublin's beer scene operates on two parallel tracks. The traditional side: Guinness, perfectly poured at pubs that have been refining the technique for decades — Mulligan's reputedly serves one of the best pints in the city. The modern side: a wave of craft breweries that emerged in the 2010s (Trouble, Wicklow Wolf, Galway Bay, Rascals, Hope, Whiplash) plus brewpubs serving them. Urban Brewing in the IFSC is the central craft showcase. The Guinness Storehouse and Open Gate Brewery are tourist destinations but the indie scene runs deeper.
Breweries, brewpubs & taprooms
Where to drink in Dublin
Urban Brewing
Brewery + restaurant in the historic CHQ Building. House-brewed beers + Irish craft guests + cocktails + wine. Brunch through dinner. The dressed-up craft beer destination in the central business district.
Daily 12pm-10pm/11pm
J.R. Mahon's Public House & Brewery
Multi-floor pub + brewery with a gorgeous wood-and-whiskey interior. Their house Galway Girl Hazy IPA gets called out alongside the Guinness. Live music, Irish dancers when running. Touristy but beautifully done.
Daily 10:30/11:30am-11pm/12:30am
The Black Sheep
Capel Street craft beer + board games + dog-friendly. Cashel blue cheese burger + Irish stew + chowder all praised. Two levels. The casual fun-evening option for a friend group.
Daily 12pm-11:30pm/1am
Mulligan's
250-year-old Dublin institution. Reputedly the best Guinness pint in the city — multiple reviewers from elsewhere note it as their best-ever. James Joyce-era atmosphere unchanged. Smoking area outside. The Guinness pilgrimage.
Daily 12:30pm-11:30pm/12:30am
Porterhouse Temple Bar
Ireland's first craft brewery (founded 1989) — Temple Bar location is the flagship. Wide guest tap list alongside Porterhouse house beers. Multi-level, live music, gets crowded. Oysters and mussels notable on the food side.
Daily 12pm-12:30am+ (Fri-Sat to 3am)
For takeaway
Bottle shops
DrinkStore
The OG craft beer + wine shop in Dublin. Stoneybatter neighborhood store with owner-recommended selections. Strong whiskey selection alongside the beer/wine. Will explain anything you ask about.
Daily 10:30am-8pm/10pm (Sun from 12:30pm)
Craft Central
Best central Dublin bottle shop. Constantly rotating selection of Irish + international craft. Turkish-owned, very helpful. Online delivery available for larger orders. Open late.
Daily 10:30am-10pm (Sun 12:30pm)
Practical
Getting around & local context
Dublin's compact — walk between central pubs. Most pubs open 12pm and run until 11:30pm-12:30am (later Fri-Sat). Order Guinness early in your visit ("a pint of Guinness, please") and watch the 2-stage pour ritual. Tipping rounds-up at the bar. Live music common in pubs — check signage. Card payments universal.