Best Craft Beers and Breweries to Taste in Dublin – a GUide

Did you know that, according to one survey, 91% of people prefer craft beers over big-brand beer? Also, the story of craft beer and breweries has been an interesting tale of revival and innovation in the Emerald Isle. The country has a tradition of brewing and started the craft beer movement a short time ago.

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History of Craft Beers and Breweries in Ireland:

Ireland’s rich brewing culture dates before the 19th century, when people used to brew beers at home or within small local communities. However, stout was the most prominent style of brewing, making Guinness the famous and most popular beer in Ireland.

But due to the consolidation of the breweries in the 20th century, Ireland experienced a decline in the brewing industry. However, when the craft beer movement began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, more independent breweries were set up to give more variety and taste. This gave rise to Porterhouse Brewing Company in 1996, a company brewing traditional and innovative beers.

And since the 1990s, Ireland’s craft beer industry started growing rapidly. Some of the famous breweries playing a crucial role in the growth were Galway Bay Brewery, Eight Degrees Brewing, and Franciscan Well Brewery. In 2011 The Irish Craft Beer Association was formed for promoting the interest of craft brewers and raising awareness domestically and internationally.

Presently, Ireland has an immense amount of people following craft beers, seeking independent breweries and taprooms. This has led to many beer festivals being conducted in the country, and in turn, giving rise to craft beer pubs also. Whatever you desire, this country can brew it, ranging from ales to lagers, and malts.

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BrewDog Outpost Dublin is a craft beer paradise that offers a huge variety of unique and bold brews. Just right beside the River Liffey is the place that offers a variety of 32 craft beers on tap, two bars on its ground and upper level and a delicious menu. This bar is a favorite among beer fans looking for distinctive flavors and a dynamic experience in the center of Dublin, because of its modern and welcoming ambiance.

Address: Three Locks Square, 4, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.- 11:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Farrier & Draper is a chic craft beer pub, with an air of sophistication and charm housed in a magnificent old structure. The place has the capacity to fit a gathering of 400 people, and they also offer a variety of craft beers to choose from. It provides a classy atmosphere to sip on a pint of expertly brewed beer while having an amazing beer list that includes regional and worldwide favorites.

Also, visit the hidden gem situated in Farrier & Drapier, “La Cucina” – an authentic Italian restaurant where customers can watch the chefs working on the hand-made pasta and enjoy the open wood-burning oven.

Address: Unit 1, 24, 24a, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 William St S, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 12 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday: 12 p.m. –  2:30 a.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The Bleeding Horse, a historic traditional pub in Dublin, is a bar on Upper Camden Street that has a history dating as far back as the 17th century. The Bleeding Horse is a well-known craft beer establishment that combines traditional charm with contemporary flair. It’s a place where both locals and visitors can enjoy the craft of brewing thanks to its wide variety of brews and friendly ambiance.

Address: 24-25 Camden Street Upper, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin

Opening Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Thursday: 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.

The Temple Bar prides itself on providing great beer, great live music, and great food. Enter any time of the week, and you will find the party atmosphere present in the pub every night. It is a friendly and funhouse, where the staff treats you cheerily with the large selection of craft beers.  You can choose from Irish and international ales, lagers, and stouts, and ditch those mainstream beers.

Not only this, but they have a very rare and fascinating collection of whiskeys gathered for decades from around the world. Also known for winning “Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year” for ten years in a row, visit this bar and experience the vibrant pub culture of Dublin yourself.

Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Friday-Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.

Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Also known as Dublin’s first brewpub, this place has been active for almost 25 years now and continues to serve some of the finest pints. They serve a range of signature options, like vibrant Irish ales to hefty full stouts, or their world-class collection of beers. Apart from this they also play live music every day, which is mostly traditional music from local acts.

So if you want a place with live music, delicious food, and an exotic collection of beers, this place is one sure-stop point for you and your group.

Address: 16-18 Parliament St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 1 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

This place is inspired by Brooklyn’s design, with neon littering, graffiti, and cult movie artwork displayed. R.I.O.T. offers its customers live music, DJs showcasing their talent, arcade games, and pool. Experience the retro-inspired selection of cocktails they offer to their customers, along with the mouth-watering menu filled with tacos and burritos, and chicken wings.

It’s the ideal location for beer fans looking for a vibrant and memorable experience because it has a changing tap list with beers from both domestic and foreign breweries, as well as a gritty ambiance.

Address: 4 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 4 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.

Sunday: 4 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

57 The Headline offers its visitors the best of Irish and International craft beers served in 24-taps, providing a selection of the highest quality beer and food. The only difficult decision you’ll have to make in this fantastic pub is which way you want to get sozzled. There is a huge selection of Irish craft beers on draught (which changes frequently), fantastic guest beers, a great range of Irish whiskies, and a wide selection of reasonably priced cocktails.

Address: 56-57 Clanbrassil Street Lower, Dublin 8

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Friday: 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Saturday: 3 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The Palace Bar is one of Dublin’s prominent bars. A place for you to experience the Victorian charisma. The bar got recognition way back in the ’40s and since then, it has been a place of gathering for newsmen, correspondents, and compositors.

Even now, this 189-year-old building with its historic grandeur holds up todayas well. The pub currently offers a wide variety of beers, liquor, and even its own special brand of whiskey, which patrons may sip while indulging in a menu of traditional comfort food.

Address: 21 Fleet St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12 p.m.- 11:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Urban Brewing, a distinctive brewery, and pub set in a magnificent 19th-century warehouse, is situated in the center of Dublin’s Docklands. The interior, which combines industrial and contemporary design, is chic and welcoming.

With an emphasis on cutting-edge flavors and types, Urban Brewing offers a wide variety of craft beers, including their own creations and guest brews. Whether you want rich stouts or hop-forward IPAs, Urban Brewing offers a wide variety of craft beers to suit every beer enthusiast’s taste.

Address: CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, IFSC, Dublin 1

Opening Hours: Everyday: 12 – 11 p.m.

The Dublin-based Rascals Brewing Company is renowned for its daring and innovative brewing methods. Their beer selection, which includes a variety of varieties that push the limits of conventional brewing, is a monument to their audacity.

Rascals offer a wide range of flavors, from hopped ales to barrel-aged sours. The interior of the brewery mirrors its vivid personality, with a buzzing taproom where guests can take in the buzz while sipping on a pint of their distinctive and delectable brews.

Address: Goldenbridge Estate, Tyrconnell Rd, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Friday: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Saturday: 1 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Sunday: 1 – 11:30 p.m.

J.W. Sweetman is a brewery with a proud history, that focuses on using traditional brewing methods. It is situated in the center of Dublin on the storied O’Connell Street. The brewery’s decor has a traditional Irish pub ambiance with comfortable seating and a warm vibe.

A variety of handcrafted beers, including crisp lagers, delicious ales, and silky stouts, are available from J.W. Sweetman. Both traditionalists and those eager to discover the subtleties of traditional beer genres, are drawn to the variety of beers to choose from.

Address: 1&2 Burgh Quay, Dublin

The famous street lamps that illuminate Dublin’s historic Liberties neighborhood, gave rise to the name of the 5 Lamps Brewery. The inside of the brewery, which is located in the center of this thriving neighborhood, showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the locality.

The 5 Lamps Brewery is committed to making handcrafted, small-batch beers with a focus on premium, regional ingredients. Their beer selection pays respect to traditional Irish brewing, while also introducing contemporary twists to thrill beer connoisseurs, from their crisp lagers, to their strong porters.

Address: 84-87 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2

Opening Hours: Thursday: 2 – 4 p.m.

Friday: 12 – 5 p.m.

The Porterhouse Brewing Co., with facilities all around Ireland, is recognized for its cutting-edge and trophy-winning beverages. Their décor emits a homey, classic pub atmosphere that creates a welcoming atmosphere.

The Porterhouse Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from traditional Irish stouts and ales to experimental and seasonal options. Their beers accommodate a wide range of tastes and preferences while upholding a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Address: Unit ¾, Stag Industrial Estate, Ballyboggan rd., Cabra West, Dublin 11

Without including Guinness, any discussion about breweries in Ireland would be lacking otherwise. Guinness, which was first produced in Dublin in 1759, has come to represent the culture of Irish brewing. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Guinness Storehouse, which is located at the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin.

The interior, which highlights the brewery’s rich history and the brewing process, combines historical and modern design features. Stout from Guinness is recognized for its distinctive flavor and velvety texture. Guinness drinkers and tourists alike will have a unique experience at the Gravity Bar, where they can savor a pint while taking in panoramic views of Dublin.

Address: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday; 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

After going through this article, plan your next weekend with your friends and pay a visit to these artistic and authentic bars. If you feel confused about what to taste, try out these 15 Irish beers?