Everybody knows the best pub crawls involve the largest number of pubs over the shortest possible distance. Thus Dublin is ideal for a journey from pub to pub, as in the center of town the historic bars seem to stand elbow to elbow. Order a half-pint in every establishment; have a full pint in each bar and you might not ever make it home.
Start at the (1) Doheny & Nesbitt (5 Lower Baggot Street). This traditional pub dates back to 1867, and its location just around the corner from the Irish Parliament has always made it a hangout of politicians, journalists, and lawyers. Have a half-pint of Guinness, and ignore the sneers of the regulars, who think only girls drink half-pints.
It’s a short walk from there to (2) Grogan’s Castle Lounge (15 William Street South). This traditional pub has long been a favorite hangout of writers, and is known for its friendly atmosphere. This would be a good place to read your dog-eared copy of Joyce’s Dubliners over a half-pint of ale.
From there, it’s a jaunt across the river to the lovely (3) Long Hall Pub (51 South Great George’s Street). Chandeliers hang from its gorgeous ceiling with gold molding. The clock behind the bar is marked "correct time," and maybe that’s a warning, as you can easily while away the hours chatting with the regulars. Perhaps have a warming single shot of Jameson whiskey here.
On Harry Street—just off busy Grafton Street—(4) McDaid’s dates back to 1779, and its literary history goes back nearly that far. This was Brendan Behan’s favorite pub, and its crowd is a lively mix of tourists and locals. It’s packed to the gills every night, so squeeze into a corner and order yourself a half-pint of something cold.
By now you’d better have something to eat after all that alcohol, so make your way to Parliament Street (about a ten-minute walk away) in Temple Bar. The (5) Porterhouse (16-18 Parliament Street) is a modern microbrewery, and serves up hearty servings of traditional Irish food. You can have a big plate of sausages and mash or a warming bowl of Irish stew, and a small glass of one of their handmade ales. That’ll put the life back in you.
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