These Christmassy pubs are basically Santa’s living room right now
December’s here, and all of our favourite watering holes have been dusting off Mariah Carey, unearthing their Christmas jumpers, and hurling baubles at every available surface. Which means it’s officially time to ditch the sensible pints and dive headfirst into mulled wine, fairy lights, and a full-on tinsel takeover at one of Dublin’s most Christmassy Pubs.
A properly decorated pub is the ultimate midweek pint-mas. It’s the theatre of it all. We want garlands so lush they’d make a florist weep, Christmas trees big enough to rival NYC, and lights bright enough to guide Santa’s sleigh straight to the snuglet. Bonus points if there’s a roaring fire and someone half-cut crooning along to The Pogues. It’s tradition and a proper good excuse to spend miserably dark evenings in the pub.
If you’re part of this holly-jolly brigade and find yourself craving a festive pint in a pub that looks like it’s been decorated by Buddy the Elf, then fear not! Here are 14 of Dublin’s finest establishments that have fully committed to the Christmas chaos.
14. The Storyteller
Their Spotify Wrapped might say “my mates a DJ,” but come December 1st, it’s wall-to-wall Fairytale of New York that’s how Christmassy this Grand Canal boozer is this year. The pints are solid, the staff are sound, and there’s craic to be had.
13. O’Neill’s
The multi-storied Suffolk Street pub is as sparkly as a drag queens make up bag. This place is a trove of covert alcoves perfect to hole up in and get the few scoops. It does some pretty solid grub too; making it perfect for the post work ‘will we go for one just to avoid the traffic’ pint. Though you’re liable to get carried away with all the Christmas merriment splashed all over the walls and the ballads echoing through the speakers.
12. Stag’s Head
Dame Court/Lane
The Stag’s Head has gone full-on Victorian Christmas chic. Think classy white fairy lights snaking around mirrors and banquettes. You’re smack in the middle of town here, and if your festive pint needs a postscript, hit the comedy nights downstairs on Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesdays. Nothing says Christmas like belly laughs and beer, right?
11. Strawberry Hall
Strawberry Beds
If you like your pints creamy and your ceilings dripping with enough tinsel to make Glinda the Good Witch blush, Strawberry Hall is your vibe. Add a wood-fired pizza to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas miracle. Perfect for group hangouts or if you just want to be blinded by twinkling lights.
10. The Hole in the Wall
Blackhorse Avenue, Phoenix Park
Calling itself Europe’s longest and most Christmassy pub might seem like a stretch, but step inside, and you’ll see why they’re shouting about it. This place is a festive fever dream of decorations that go up in October and hang around long enough to brighten your January gloom. Have your phone ready because Instagram isn’t going to reel itself.
09. The Bank Bar
College Green
Beautiful architecture covered in twinkly lights plus a giant tree? Count me TF in. The Bank is like walking into Rockefeller Center, but with far better pints. A massive tree lords over the bar, garlands drape elegantly from every corner, and there’s seafood chowder for those who prefer their Christmas spirit with a side of sophistication. Ideal for impressing your mam or indulging your shopaholic aunties.
08. The Ginger Man
Fenian Street
Christmas royalty, right here. The Ginger Man doesn’t dabble in festive cheer – it dominates. This pub has been hoarding decorations for 30 years, and it shows. It’s like walking into Santa’s grotto after he’s had a few too many eggnogs. If you don’t visit at least once this season, are you even celebrating?
Most Decorated pub for Christmas
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The Ginger man, Dublin pic.twitter.com/PAsZAQv6th
07. The Old Stand
Exchequer Street
The Old Stand turns its already impressive exterior into a Christmas card come to life. Giant red ribbons, fairy lights, and a sprinkling of old-school charm make this the ideal spot for snapping smug selfies with a pint in hand.
06. The Flowing Tide
Middle Abbey Street
Seeing a show at the Abbey Theatre this Christmas? Don’t even think about skipping The Flowing Tide. Cozy vibes, green garlands, twinkling lights, and Irish coffees that slap – it’s basically the perfect warm-up act for your night out.
05. Devitt’s
Camden Street Lower
If Camden Street is your stomping ground, you’ve already clocked Devitts’s festive light display. The Christmas cheer doesn’t stop at the door – inside, it’s wall-to-wall decorations, live music every night, and a pub menu solid enough to fuel your mulled-wine marathon.
04. McNeill
Capel Street
Capel Street has it all: vinyl, vintage, vibrators – and, of course, the festive haven that is McNeills. With its open fire and cozy corners, it’s the perfect spot to rest your shopping bags (and your feet) while sinking a pint under its glitzy decorations.
03. The Oval
Middle Abbey Street
Post-Penneys pint, anyone? The Oval’s decked itself out with massive velvet bows, garlands galore, and enough festive charm to turn the most hardened Scrooge. Bonus points for letting you stash your shopping bags while you bask in your consumerist glory.
02. The Palace Bar
Fleet Street
This is a snug to cuddle up in now the twinklers have gone in. Who doesn’t want to curl up with a pint and stare longingly into the eyes of Michael Collins while the Christmas twinklers sparkle around them? Plus this family run pub is full of sound lads and whiskey that would make you weep with joy.
01. The King’s Inn
Bolton Street
Tucked away like a gift waiting to be unwrapped, The King’s Inn is the ultimate combo of old-school Irish pub charm and Christmas sparkle. This snug little gem amps up its cozy vibes with fairy lights and holiday decor that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a festive movie set. Whether you’re a tourist hunting for an authentic pint or a student dodging deadlines with some mulled wine, this spot has you covered. Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, it’s the perfect pitstop for anyone soaking up Dublin’s seasonal magic. Consider it your merry little home away from home
There you have it. Whether you’re after cozy fires, over-the-top decorations, or just an excuse to sup Guinness in a Santa hat, these spots have got you covered. Tis the season, after all.
