Six Dublin Pubs That Will Be Hopping On St. Stephen’s Night

James Fenton

You’ve been stuck in the house for so long now you’re probably raring to go again. We all know that Stephen’s Night is one of the best nights of the year to head out but if you’re looking for the craic, it might be best to avoid town.

The city centre is usually a bit dead on December 26 so take your pick from any of the following pubs in the suburbs or on the outskirts of the city.

Throw on all your new gear and enjoy!

McGowans

This Phibsboro spot has been a go-to for northsiders for generations and let’s just say Cupid is always hanging around in here somewhere. Festive romance anyone?

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ???? Our Christmas Lights are up… and we think we’re looking well! #mcgowans #dublin #pubwiththebuzz #phibsboro #lovindublin #barrysballoons
A post shared by Mc Gowans Of Phibsboro (@mcgowansphibs) on Nov 26, 2018 at 7:46am PST
The Merry Ploughboy
Located in Rathfarnham and always a popular spot at this time of year with locals and visitors alike.

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This weeks delayed #traveltuesday?? is to #merryploughboys pub in #dublinireland. I thought this was a fitting destination to celebrate for this weeks #traveltuesday?? as it is the homeland of #halloween???? or #samhain as it is called in old Irish. I loved my time in #ireland???? in 2015 and loved my #contikigreatbritainandireland tour. I hope that you all have a lovely and spooky #halloween???????? #ireland_gram #contiki2015noregrets #contikigazelle #contikisteveharris #irishpub
A post shared by Tam Fisher (@sayyoullstaytamera) on Oct 30, 2018 at 6:36pm PDT
The Bloody Stream
Those in the vicinity of Howth often find themselves in here on December 26.

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As if it isn’t perfect enough that we’re right underneath the dart station, we’ve now got our late bar and live music EVERY NIGHT from tonight until the new year!! Our gift to you this Christmas????????????#christmas #howth #livemusic
A post shared by The Bloody Stream (@thebloodystream) on Dec 13, 2018 at 4:36am PST

Leopardstown Inn
With the Christmas races taking place at the nearby course, the craic always carries over to this great local.

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A post shared by The Leopardstown Inn (@thelepinn) on Nov 17, 2018 at 3:31am PST

Johnny Fox’s
Take it up to the mountains to one of Dublin’s most Christmassy pubs.

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A post shared by lailaila1 (@lailaila1) on May 1, 2017 at 3:01pm PDT

The Bernard Shaw
If you do feel like heading closer to town, The Bernard Shaw always has a decent Stephen’s Night vibe.

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A post shared by The Bernard Shaw (@thebernardshaw) on Aug 18, 2018 at 5:21am PDT

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