Where to enjoy craft beer in Dublin

The Barge is an institution in Dublin, well known for its ‘impromptu parties when the sun shines’. With beautiful outdoor seating overlooking the famous grand canal, it’s the perfect location to indulge in a cold beer with mates. Sweetman’s seasonal craft brews are a big hit here, and there are also a selection of world beers on rotation. Even better, The Barge also  serves up fantastic food. From classics like bangers and mash to braised lamb shank and seasonal salads, the dishes make for the perfect accompaniment to your beverage.

A brewery, bar, and restaurant, Urban Brewing is located inside the stunning Irish Emigration Museum. Highly atmospheric, with dim lighting, stone walls and tonnes of vaults to peek inside, we guarantee that a drink here will be memorable. There are hundreds (yes hundreds!) of delicious craft beers to choose from. With tipples from Italy, the US, Denmark, Spain – and of course Ireland – you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one. That said, the staff are wonderfully helpful and are happy to provide you with suggestions. Why not make a day of it and book yourself on the brewery tour? Here, you’ll be take into the wonderful world of brewing where you’ll learn how the exclusive beers are made. The tour is even followed by a beer-tasting. What’s not to like?

Situated on Lower Baggot Street, Toners is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous traditional pubs. Alongside some of Europe’s finest pizzas (it’s got the award to prove it!), the pub serves up a range of quality craft beers. Most are from local breweries and the knowledgeable bar staff are happy to talk you through them all. The atmosphere is laid back and unpretentious, and so are the clientele. A Dublin must-visit!

BrewDog may have originated in Scotland but rest assured that it doesn’t feel out of place in Ireland’s buzzy capital. Housing two bars, 32 taps of incredible craft beer and a mouthwatering food menu, there’s plenty to enjoy at this outpost. Soak up the beautiful views of the River Liffey and investigate the onsite microbrewery as you make your way through the expansive building. We know that you’re here for the beer, but if you don’t try some of the ‘World Famous Wings’, you’ll be missing out. In our opinion, crispy buttermilk chicken wings (served with a hot sauce and honey glaze, topped with a blue cheese dip) is the perfect dish to soak up any excessive beer consumption… 

For seriously sophisticated craft beer, look no further than Lemon & Duke, an ornate and chic bar located just off Grafton Street. The vibe is ‘New York meets Dublin’, and indeed, this spot is more like a Manhattan cocktail bar than a traditional Irish waterhole. Nevertheless, it still retains the ‘comfort and craic of an Irish pub’, and even more importantly, offers a stunning selection of craft beers. It often recommends anything from 5 Lamps, which specialises in Irish beer that’s hand crafted and produced using only natural ingredients. You won’t want to miss out!