I’m heading to Dublin next month with 7 other guys to catch Ireland play Wales in a Six Nations match. We’re staying at the Shelbourne Hotel (for location reference) and need some recommendations for restaurants and any pubs you think are worth having a pint. I’ve been to Dublin twice, but the most recent trip was 2014, so it’s been awhile.
The group I’m traveling with has a sophisticated palate to help you with recommendations.
For a very broad range of interesting beers (and hopefully still cheap early evening food) against the grain was a favourite when I was working in Dublin https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bu6KdboNCWZ2u72s9
Aside from that loads of great pubs, but personally I would absolutely avoid the touristy pubs in the Temple bar area. If you want genuine historical, then The Brazen Head is reputedly the oldest pub in Dublin. It is still popular with tourists, but has reason to be popular with the age, plus being a little way out, avoids the drunken crowds of Temple bar (edit: doubly be fearful of the drunken mess temple bar will be when the rugby is on). https://maps.app.goo.gl/zv6Kt91NcgY2t1546
Sorry can’t help with high-end restaurants, and unfortunately a wonderful Italian enoteca / bistro I loved closed down. For cosy and a little quirky, I did like Camden st Kitchen, but this was I guess something of a Spanish/French bistro style.
Fallon and Byrne’s wine bar for a glass and browse of the shelves before dining elsewhere ought to be of appeal.
Yeah the last time we were there in 2014 we stayed at the Weston across from Temple Bar, so I’m quite familiar with that area. I’d like to explore the south side and up north off of Connor St. I’ve been to Chapter One a couple of times and both times the food was very good and the service was friendly. Had a wonderful South African wine there in 2011.
Le Cave Wine Bar in Dublin on Anne St S is excellent. The wine list is exemplary and quite extensive with a heavy emphasis on French. The atmosphere is cozy and gets lively on weekends. I enjoyed a delicious Left Bank Bordeaux there recently. Chateau Talbot 2001
Loose Cannon for a great fun wine bar more ‘naturally’ focussed.
Sole was excellent during our March 2023 visit, including best scallops I have had anywhere. It has a different vibe than Chapter One; I love Chapter One’s vibe.
Uno Mas is very good.
I like the intimacy of the cellar bar at the merrion hotel which is a 5 minute walk from the Shellbourne. can’t remember ever going I thought Foleys pub between the Shellbourne and Merrion was semi famous for getting visits from a lot of political folks.
Best restaurant by far in Dublin was Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. It was so good we cancelled other reservations and dined here twice. https://restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie/
I lived Patrick Guilbaud too, but it was 10 years ago for me.
My wife and I went to Glovers Alley last May. It has a Michelin Star and it was totally worth the price of admission!
