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17 great locations to absolutely send it from.

The Six Nations—rugby’s most sacred annual pilgrimage. Five weeks of spine-tingling scrums, questionable refereeing decisions, and pints spilled accross tables in excitement. With the 2025 tournament kicking off This Friday January 31st, it’s time to scout the best spots in Dublin to soak up the action.

Maybe you’re looking for a screen the size of a small house. Or a crowd that knows their rucks from their mauls. Either way we’ve got you covered.

McGowan’s

Located in Phibsboro

Swans Bar

Located in Curragha

PITCH Ireland

Located on Dawson Street

Arkle Sports Bar

Located in central Maynooth

If you’re venturing out of Dublin, the Arkle Sports Bar in Maynooth is an absolute gem. With massive screens, a well-stocked bar, and an enthusiastic crowd, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the Six Nations atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned rugby fanatic or just here for the pints and passion, Arkle delivers an unforgettable match-day experience.

The Halfway House

Located on the Navan Road on the border between D15, and D7

A northside gem that’s perfect for those who don’t want to venture too far into town, The Halfway House is a cracking spot for Six Nations action. It’s got all the essentials: big screens, a lively but not-too-chaotic crowd, and some of the best-poured pints of Guinness this side of the Liffey. The atmosphere is electric on match days, with everyone cheering for every decent pass, tackle, and try.

The Harbour Bar Bray

Located in Bray

Searsons

Located on Baggot Street, keep up with them via Instagram

The holy mecca of rugby-watching in Dublin, with delish cocktails and pub grub for anyone looking to make a day of it. Those used to the rush of match day will know you'll want to be down at Searsons nice and early to secure your spot, whether you're looking for indoors or out back in their leafy beer garden.

 

Toners

Located on Baggot Street, keep up with them via Instagram

McSorley's

Located in Ranelagh, keep up with them via Instagram

This Ranelagh haunt is always a popular spot for match day, and perfect if you don't want to be smack bang in the middle of town. The pints are great, the staff are friendly and there's sport on every telly in the place.

The Bath

Located on Bath Avenue, keep up with them via Instagram

Situated just a stones throw from the Aviva, The Bath always tends to be right at the heart of the action. And although the first round of the Six Nations is taking place a bit further afield, you won't feel too hard done by at this stalwart rugby pub with tasty food and great atmosphere.

The Hill

Located in Ranelagh - keep up with them via Instagram

It probably won't surprise anyone that a good bulk of the rugby pubs are in Ranelagh but there you go, The Hill will be playing the Six Nations on their screens with plenty of walk-in space available. This landmark Ranelagh pub underwent major refurbishment and reopened under new owners back in 2021. It's now a lot snazzier inside, while still maintaining a lot of its original character and charm.

Rody Bolands

Rathmines

 

The Horse Show House

Located in Ballsbridge - keep up with them via Instagram

Don't let the name fool you, this spot has a lot more on the go than Cheltenham - Horse Show House is a consistently great southside spot for enjoying sports of all kinds, and they also boldly claim to have the best beer garden in Dublin. Head down for yourself to see how you reckon it measures up.

The Bridge 1859

Located in Ballsbridge, keep up with them via Instagram

Run by former Leinster Rugby players Seán O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip, and Rob and Dave Kearney, as you'd imagine the Bridge is a great place to watch a match and chow down on some pub grub while you're at it. Their food menu is a departure from what you'd usually expect - think steaming bowls of mussels laced with 'Nduja, fragrant vegan curries and a drool-worthy chicken parm.

The Woolshed

Located on Parnell Street - keep up with The Woolshed right here

Always a great spot to watch matches of any description - the Woolshed is known for its mammoth-sized screens and great atmosphere on match day, whatever the sport is. If you're looking for soakage, their bar menu has all the classics - burgers oozing with American cheese, saucy chicken wings, the scent of which wafts temptingly throughout the venue urging you to order a portion for yourself and of course, icy beers, Aussie style.

The Bleeding Horse

Located on Camden Street, keep up with The Bleeding Horse via Instagram

With its central location and ample seating around its central hexagonal bar, The Bleeding Horse is an ideal spot to watch the match with a group or on your own, tucked in at the bar with a pint of plain and plenty of tellies in plain sight. The Bleeding Horse also have a bar menu brimming with all your pub grub faves, and is ideally placed if you're planning on celebrating well into the night.

The Camden

Located on Camden Street, keep up with them via Instagram.

The Camden have one of the biggest screens for sports in the city - a 4k machine that's been used to show everything from the All Ireland Final to Ryan Tubridy's Oireachtas appearance. This weekend though, it'll be wall to wall rugby at one of Dublin's most impressive sports bars.

Sinnotts Bar

Sinnotts is located on King Street South, just off Grafton Street. Keep up with them via Instagram

You don't need to head out to the leafy 'burbs to catch the action - Sinnotts is slap bang in the middle of town with massive screens, a great buzz and even a telly outside so you can keep one eye on the match and another on the comings and goings of King Street South.

Did we miss out your favourite place to watch the rugby? Let us know and in the meantime, go sports, etc.

Header image via Getty & Instagram/bathpubdub

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