Dublin: it’s a charismatic city with the heart and feel of a village. For all of its history, and hard knocks, this capital is buzzing with community, character and innovation like nowhere else in Ireland. One of the best ways to experience it? Ducking in and out of Dublin’s favourite pubs – the ones the locals really love. 

Writer Emmie Harrison-West explores how to avoid the tourist traps (Guinness Storehouse, we’re looking at you) and live it up in Ireland’s capital for our brand new series, Like a Local. So, ready for a pint? Follow our secret pub crawl itinerary and you’ll find yourself hopping between Dublin’s cosiest pubs and coolest underground bars (that aren’t in Temple Bar) in no time.

Dublin Like a Local

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Like any good pub crawl, you have to start on the right foot and with a full stomach. A stack of fluffy pancakes from Póg on Tara Street, is always a good shout. Plus these pancakes do wonders for your Insta stories – they’re photogenic AF. There’s even candy floss prosecco on offer if you’re feeling brave.

After you’ve fuelled up on brunch, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to your first pub of the day: The Palace Bar. This dark and sultry spot is the only boozer in Temple Bar locals allow – it’s right on the edge of the tourist strip, so escapes most of the bachelor-party chaos. Expect old-school ambiance, great pints and even greater craic. Oh, and if you’re feeling fruity, try a dram of their very own whiskey blend.

Got a taste for the good stuff now? Saunter through the museum triangle, past the National Gallery of Ireland, until you reach the beloved Toners. Whatever mood you’re in, this fabled pub will always show you a cracking time – and if the weather’s playing ball, the suntrap garden’s the perfect place for a pint. 

Next, take a walk through lively St. Stephen’s Green, past the waterfalls in Iveagh Gardens, and grab a tinnie or two for a tipsy park picnic (if the elements are on your side, that is). Then, hop on to The Barge, a gastro pub boasting four bars and some seriously good food. We’d recommend a sizzling serving of skin-on fries and spicy wings. Be warned though: locals flock here for a pint when the sun’s out, so get ready to fight for a table if the clouds disperse.

Up your game by hitting the uber-cool Blackbird, a favourite among trendy local couples, next. If you’re feeling competitive, grab one of the board games from the bar and play a round on the sun-soaked patio.

Once you’ve won, or lost (shame), wander up the canal and drop into Searsons for a tasting flight of hand-picked whiskeys from local Irish distilleries – just make sure it’s not a match day as this place can get rowdy.

Your final stop, Xico’s, is just across the canal at Baggot St. Lower. This self-proclaimed nightly fiesta tavern is the ultimate place to end the night. Order a plate of tasty tacos or sip some mouth-tingling margaritas and you’re guaranteed to finish your Dublin pub crawl off with a bang. Olé!