The Best Craft Beer Bars in Dublin: A Local’s Guide
Dublin’s pub culture is world-famous, but for craft beer lovers, there’s more on tap than just Guinness. From lively beer halls to cozy corners pouring everything from Irish stouts to hazy IPAs, Dublin is home to a vibrant scene of craft beer bars that showcase the best of Irish brewing — without needing to brew on-site.
Whether you're a curious tourist or a die-hard beer enthusiast, this guide walks you through the top spots to sip craft beer in Dublin, starting with the legendary Porterhouse.
Why Dublin Is a Must-Visit for Craft Beer Lovers
Over the past two decades, Ireland’s beer landscape has transformed. Independent brewers are thriving, and bars across the city now curate local, small-batch, and international craft beer selections alongside traditional stouts and lagers.
What makes Dublin special is the mix: you’ll find historic pubs serving innovative pints, modern taprooms in industrial spaces, and hidden gems where music, food, and community come together over a beer.
Porterhouse Temple Bar —
The Original Craft Beer Bar
Back in 1996, Porterhouse made history by becoming Ireland’s first craft beer bar, serving its own house-brewed beers at a time when very few alternatives to the major brands existed. While brewing is now handled offsite, the commitment to quality, independence, and variety hasn’t changed.
Located in the heart of Temple Bar, Porterhouse pours a wide range of its signature beers, guest craft taps, and classic pub pours — all in a warm, wood-filled space complete with nightly live music and hearty Irish food.
What to Try at Porterhouse:
-Porterhouse Plain Porter – Award-winning, rich Irish stout
-Temple Lager – Crisp and sessionable
-Seasonal/guest taps – Rotating Irish craft beers
Other Top Craft Beer Bars in Dublin
Dublin’s love for craft beer is citywide. Here are a few more bars worth visiting on your hop-forward adventure:
Tapped Late Bar & Kitchen – 44-46 Nassau Street
Just off Grafton Street, Tapped is where beer meets buzz. With a whopping 50 taps, this spot has something for everyone — hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, smooth stouts, and even a few surprises. Add in handcrafted cocktails, a 15-metre bar, DJs spinning 'til late, and food to keep you going — this place isn’t just a bar, it’s a night out.
The Underdog – 1-2 Chancery Place
Underdog is back — and better than ever in its new Chancery Place digs. This place is for proper beer lovers: no fluff, just quality craft beer from local legends and international heavy-hitters. Twenty taps, rotating regularly, a cozy underground feel, and staff who actually care about what’s in your glass.
Caribou – 30 Stephen Street Lower
Caribou took over where P.Macs left off and didn’t miss a beat. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with mid-century decor, low lighting, and beers that make you stop and say, “Wait, what’s this?” It’s ideal for a date, a solo pint, or catching up with pals over something unexpected.
Kodiak – 304 Rathmines Road Lower
Minimalist, sharp, and quietly confident — Kodiak doesn’t shout, it just pours great beer. With a strong line-up of seasonal taps and cult-fave bottles, it’s the kind of place that makes beer geeks and casual drinkers equally happy. Whether you’re after a fruity sour or a dark, boozy imperial stout, they’ve got you covered.
Raise a Glass in Dublin
Dublin's craft beer bars offer more than just good pints — they’re an experience, a vibe, a part of the city’s story. From the big energy at Tapped to the laid-back charm of Kodiak, there’s something for every kind of beer drinker here. So grab a stool, chat to the bar staff, and taste what Dublin has brewing.
Sláinte!