Inside Porterhouse: Dublin’s Original Craft Beer Bar
Long before “craft beer” became a buzzword, there was Porterhouse. Opened in 1996 in the heart of Temple Bar, Porterhouse wasn’t just another Dublin pub — it was a game changer for likeminded beer enthusiasts. A bold move against bland beer and monopoly taps. A place where beer lovers could try something different, brewed with character and served with pride.
Today, while brewing has moved offsite, Porterhouse remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s craft beer story — with the same recipes, the same spirit, and a team committed to keeping the legacy alive.
Where It All Began: 1996 in Temple Bar
Back in the mid-90s, Dublin's beer scene was dominated by mass-market lagers and a whole lot of sameness. Porterhouse broke the mold as Ireland’s first brewpub, pouring its own beer at a time when that was practically unheard of.
From the moment the doors opened, the focus was clear: do things differently. Brew beers with personality. Create a space where great beer, great music, and good people collide. The original Plain Porter quickly gained a cult following — and awards to match.
Still Ours: Brewed by Partners, Made the Porterhouse Way
While Porterhouse no longer brews in-house, the beers haven’t lost their soul. Today, our flagship styles are brewed in collaboration with two of Ireland’s most respected independent breweries: Kinnegar and White Hag.
These partners don’t just follow a spec — they’ve committed to using our original recipes and staying true to the brewing traditions that made us who we are. The result? Beer that tastes just as it did from Day One, crafted with care and delivered with pride.
The Beers That Built the House
You’ll still find our classics flowing from the taps — just as rich, roasty, and full of flavour as ever.
Plain Porter – The original. Smooth, balanced, and repeatedly named “Best Stout in the World.”
Temple Lager – Clean, crisp, and brewed to be seriously sessionable.
Hop Head IPA – Bold and aromatic, for lovers of big hops and big flavour.
Seasonals & Rotators – Special releases pop up throughout the year, keeping things fresh.
Every pint is poured with intention — no gimmicks, no fluff, just honest beer for people who care what’s in their glass.
More Than Beer: Music, Atmosphere, and That Dublin Energy
Part of what made (and still makes) Porterhouse special is the vibe. Walk in and you’ll hear live music seven nights a week, see groups of friends packed around tables, and feel that unmistakable hum of good craic in the air.
There’s no sterile taproom vibe here — just dark wood, walls stacked with bottles, a buzzing bar, and bartenders who know their stuff. Whether you’re in for one or settling in for the night, it always feels like a real Dublin experience.
A Legacy That Pours On
Nearly 30 years on, Porterhouse is still doing what it set out to do: challenge the ordinary, champion craft, and create a pub that feels like home — whether it’s your first time in Dublin or your hundredth visit.
We may not brew under our roof anymore, but the beer in your glass still tells the same story. And it starts right here, at Porterhouse Temple Bar.
Sláinte!