The pubs in this country are mostly fucked at the moment in terms of attracting customers. People say its the smoking or driving bans that started it but I think it has a lot more to do with economics and the fact that supermarkets like Tesco pile the booze high and sell it cheap to get people in the door to buy all their groceries there. Why pay a fiver for a pint when you can get half a case of Polish lager for the same price and get shitfaced at home. There are still a few days where the Irish pub is a great place to be and that is on Rugby International game days. With that in mind we’ve put together some of the best places to watch the match, get food or just soak up the atmosphere.
Sam’s Bar Dawson Street
New kid on the block but already proving popular, showing all the matches on a huge HD projector that will give you coverage and atmosphere like you wouldn’t believe.
57 The Headline
Serious about beer and they have an offer “Thanks to the gang at The 5 Lamps Brewery, pints of their beers will be €4 from 2.30pm until the final whistle.” Lovely food to go along with your pints as well.
The Bath Pub
One of the closest to the Aviva and likely to be out the door but they’ve a rugby mad crowd and if you get there early, plenty of screens to enjoy every minute of the game. The cool folk at Base Woodfired Pizza look after the food and you’ll be right in the thick of the atmosphere here if you don’t have a ticket this is nearly as good as actually being at the match.
Bull and Castle (upstairs)
A massive screen, craft beers and meat from FX Buckley mean you’re guaranteed a good time watching the match. You always have a good angle on at least one screen which is the key.
L Mulligan Grocer
This is probably the pub with the best food in Dublin. Big honest dishes and this would be the ideal place to grab a nice big lunch before heading into town to watch the match.
The Exchequer
Doesn’t just make the list because the Irish player Gordon Darcey owns a share as they have a ton of great roast lunch options. You’ll want to book in advance though and if you do you get your own roast beef or a whole roast chicken.
The Taphouse Ranelagh
Great bar bites and a menu that is designed to enjoy with their large range of craft beers that they have on tap. Will be busy though so make sure to get there early to grab a seat
Know any others? Share them in the comments even if you own the place and have a special offer to share.