Sláinte! The Best Pub Hotels in Dublin, Ireland

Photo courtesy The Arlington Hotel 

There’s no better way to experience Ireland than by visiting a traditional Irish pub. Better still, why not stay in one? Contributor Gina Baksa shares this list of the best pub hotels in Dublin

  Updated Dec 30, 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links

When looking for great places to stay in Dublin near shops, sightseeing, and cultural activities, choosing a pub hotel in Dublin is guaranteed to tick all the boxes. Often located in historic buildings, Dublin pubs serve excellent gastro pub meals alongside comfortable, well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, and a warm, friendly welcome.  

Dublin’s best pubs also have regular live music nights where guests can enjoy traditional Irish music over a pint of authentic Guinness, or a dram of the finest Irish whiskies. From the wild nights at Temple Bar pubs to quieter pub hotels with their on-site restaurants, there’s a pub to suite all tastes and all budgets.

Here’s a selection of Dublin pub hotels where you can expect Céad Mile Failte – one hundred thousand welcomes.

The Best Pub Hotels in Dublin

The Arlington Hotel

A large slice of Irish craic awaits guests at The Arlington Hotel in central Dublin, just 5 miles from Dublin Airport. Within easy reach of Dublin’s major tourist attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College, this historic Georgian hotel is moments from O’Connell Bridge that spans the River Liffey, right at the heart of the main shops, bars, and restaurants.

One of the most popular pub hotels in Dublin, all rooms here are ensuites and comfortably furnished. The in-house Arlington Bar and Restaurant plays host to regular Irish traditional music gigs and is a popular bar with sports fans thanks to the numerous screens.

Food here is a classic mix of pub bistro plates with an extensive drinks list. Book a Celtic Nights package which includes your room, full breakfast, and a seat at the Celtic Nights Show.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit The Arlington Hotel.

The Norseman

This iconic Temple Bar hostelry is one of the most famous pub hotels in Dublin, and has been serving customers the finest whisky, craft beer, food, and live music since the 1500s. Officially recognised as the oldest pub in Temple Bar, The Norseman takes its name from the Viking longships discovered in the area back in the 70s.

Today the pub is one of the best places to stay in Dublin and offers guests the choice of five luxury ensuite bedrooms, all with complimentary Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here alongside live music seven nights a week. There’s a great selection of surf and turf options as well as traditional pies and veggie dishes.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit The Norseman for more details.

The Draper Rooms

A true family run Dublin hotel pub, The Draper Rooms pub, restaurant, and townhouse is a great base for exploring. Close to the Aviva Stadium and an easy level walk to the historic Trinity College, the property is also near Dublin’s main shopping along Grafton Street and all the nightlife action in and around Temple Bar. The Grand Canal Dock is only moments away, as is the park at Merrion Square.

Rooms here are well-appointed and quiet – ideal for solo travellers as well as friends and couples. Best of all is the in-house pub and restaurant Oil Can Harrys, serving a tasty breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu every day of the week. Grab the craic with live music every weekend over specials such as Thai green chicken curry and confit duck leg.

To find out more, contact The Draper Rooms directly via phone (353 1 548 8705).    

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: The Draper Rooms

Kennedys Drumcondra

Sports pubs in Dublin don’t come much better than Kennedys Drumcondra. This historic pub hotel is centrally located opposite the Archbishop’s Palace on the Lower Drumcondra Road, and handily near Croke Park.

Located on one of the ancient throughfares leading into the city, Kennedys has been serving up quality food and drink to appreciative patrons for over century. Under new management, the owners have established a classic pub menu of old favourites.

Fast forward to today and this popular Dublin pub hotel offers thoroughly modern and well-appointed ensuite bed and breakfast accommodation. Kennedys is a local institution, and the perfect base for a Dublin holiday.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more details, visit Kennedys Drumcondra.

The Lombard

Eight beautiful bedrooms, a raft of craft beers, a fine selection of Irish whiskeys and spirits, and guaranteed craic await guests at The Lombard. This established Dublin pub hotel is located in the centre of the capital and offers easy access to popular tourist attractions and fun things to do.

This former tearoom once served the elite students and professors from Trinity College and is located within an easy walk of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre as well as Dublin’s Convention Centre (CCD). 

A varied menu awaits guests in the bar restaurant making full use of local produce (fresh daily caught fish, as well as Irish lamb and steaks), while The Lombard’s all-day breakfasts are a perennial favourite.

Rooms are decorated in calming neutral tones with warm wooden panelling – a serene backdrop to luxurious bed linens and amenities. The Lombard is one of the best pubs in Dublin for your holiday or staycation.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit The Lombard for more information.

O’Donoghues Bar

Imagine staying at one of Dublin’s most famous music bars: O’Donoghues Bar has played host to many Irish musicians – both traditional and contemporary – from The Dubliners (the pub is a shrine to the group) to Thin Lizzy. If only walls could talk!

Today guests can enjoy live traditional Irish music seven nights a week, and Guinness served as it should be – not too cold. In addition, sports fans will enjoy the special rugby weekends during the Six Nations Tournament.

Located near St Stephen’s Green, O’Donoghues is within walking distance to Grafton Street shopping, as well as top food and drink establishments and popular Dublin attractions.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit O’Donoghues Bar for more details.

O’Neill’s Victorian Pub & Townhouse

Established in Dublin in 1885, O’Neill’s Victorian Pub & Townhouse enjoys a central location on Pearse Street opposite Trinity College. Located just a couple of blocks from the River Liffey, O’Neill’s is perfect for a family or group holiday.

The Victorian building retains its historic charm with all modern comforts in the eight smartly decorated ensuite bedrooms. We love the sleigh beds and original wooden polished floors.

This relaxing smoke-free Dublin pub hotel has a three-bedroom family suite in the annex that sleeps 5 – perfect for a celebration or a stag or hen weekend. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the guest rooms.

A full Irish breakfast is the best way to begin a day full of sightseeing – or business meetings – and is served in the restaurant. There are regular whiskey tastings as well.  All guests receive complimentary access to the gym facilities at Trinity Sports Centre.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For more details, visit O’Neill’s Victorian Pub & Townhouse.

Uppercross House Hotel, Rathmines, Dublin

The Uppercross House Hotel is a 3-star boutique hotel in the western suburb of Rathmines just 3km from the centre of Dublin. This popular Dublin pub hotel offers 49 comfortable ensuite rooms and a warm Irish welcome.

The spacious King suites comprise a king bed and a relaxing sofa, and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a work desk, and widescreen TV. You can even bring your pet!

The in-house Mother Reilly’s Bar & Restaurant hosts regular live traditional Irish music evenings. Enjoy a few whiskies at the bar or book a table upstairs in the dining room. The menu here is typical tasty gastro pub and the wine list features a good selection.  

Stay in and order room service from the extensive menu, or head out to enjoy some of the many neighbourhood cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Uppercross Hotel offers a convenient and relaxing base for your Dublin vacation with complimentary off-street parking and 24-hour reception.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit Uppercross House Hotel for more information.

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Contributor Gina Baksa writes about hospitality, lifestyle and travel for various international publications. See more of her work at https://ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com