‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’
This old Gaelic proverb is the same as saying, “there’s no place like home” in English except it literally translates into ‘There’s no fireplace like your own fireplace’.
Traditionally, the fireplace has always been a big deal in Irish homes given the country’s famous (or infamous) cooler climate. Ireland is well known for its windy, cold and rainy days; as most people experience during a visit! Nothing beats sitting beside a cosy fire on a cold day and getting warm, with a pint of Guinness or a glass of whisky, in one of Ireland’s best cities!
Should you find yourself in Dublin’s fair city this spring or summer and in need of a warm place to sit, and maybe even a hot whisky, here are the best Dublin pubs with fireplaces.
This 200-year-old pub on Thomas Street is one of our top recommendations for Dublin City. It has a lovely turf fire which the staff light every day of the year (this is ideal, it can be chilly even on a ‘summer’s’ day in Ireland). It’s very conveniently located if you’re taking in the sights of the city as it’s the nearest pub to one of Dublin’s main tourist attractions, the Guinness Storehouse. They have a reasonably priced lunch menu and do an amazing beef and Guinness stew.
Birchall’s isn’t in the city centre but is located in nearby Ranelagh which is worth a visit for its wonderful pubs and restaurants if you are in the capital for more than a few days. Birchalls is a great place to dry off and enjoy a few pints on a cold, rainy day. We love it because it has a real local feel. The staff are really friendly too!
Located on Bridge Street Lower, the Brazen Head was first opened in the 12th century and is officially Ireland’s oldest pub! Fireplace lovers are spoilt for choice as they can take a walk around and pick their favourite one to sit beside – there’s five of them in this pub! A quick tip for the hungry – make sure to try one of their delicious burgers too!
A great atmosphere can always be expected at the Bath pub in Ballsbridge. They have a good brunch menu and also do what may quite possibly be the most amazing pancakes in Dublin (literally to die for!!!!). The pub is near the AVIVA stadium which makes it a great place to watch a rugby match. While all the fans that managed to get tickets to the game are in the stadium and getting drenched in the rain you can enjoy watching it on the TV beside the fire.
Located on Drury Street, this newly built bar, which is designed in an impressive vintage style actually aims to give customers the impression of being in an older pub. Adding a fireplace, we believe, was a necessity! It’s the perfect bar for whisky fans given the large selection on offer. There’s also a decent beer menu and they do some really tasty seafood dishes too.
This pub is located in the beautiful seaside town of Howth in county Dublin. If you’re visiting Howth on a cold Irish day there’s nowhere better to go to heat up after your visit. It’s a lovely place to have a casual meal and a drink with some friends. Order some delicious fish and chips and munch on them beside that roaring fire!
O’Donoghue’s is a pub in Dublin’s Merrion Row filled with song and stories and one of the best places to hear some traditional Irish music. Great bar, great beer, great Guinness and of course a great fireplace. O Donoghue’s is one of those charming Irish pubs that’s often packed with people simply enjoying themselves. It’s a favourite among students, tourists and locals alike and you’ll see why when you get there!
They are our favourite Dublin pubs with fireplaces – have you come across any others you would add to the list? Let us know.
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