The Best Pubs In Rathmines, Dublin

A sister bar of the popular city centre haunt Cassidys, the cosy, quirky interior at Blackbird is an ideal environment in which to relax and enjoy their extensive range of craft beers. This is a unique, welcoming space that provides board games to customers in their heated beer garden – which was mentioned by the Dublin pub guide Publin as one of the best covered, heated beer gardens in the city in winter. Blackbird goes truly overboard (in a good way) at Christmas – they even broadcast The Toy Show on a big screen.

Right in the centre of Rathmines, Martin B. Slattery’s is one of those no-nonsense, authentically old, family-run Irish pubs that doesn’t try too hard, but is incredibly good at what they do – especially when it comes to pulling a fine pint of Guinness. They’re also known for hosting some of the area’s best live music upstairs on weekends. The clientele here is mostly local – an eclectic mix of arty hipsters and long-time Rathmines residents.

Rody Bolands has a unique selling point, in that it was first established in 1873 in Nenagh, County Tipperary, and the entire interior – including counters and original furnishings – was moved to Rathmines in 1994. Therefore, it’s essentially a country pub in the heart of a Dublin suburb. Current owner Kieran O’Meara was one of the founding members of the Tipperary Supporters Club, and it’s a great spot to watch a hurling match on one of their big screens.

An feature of the Rathmines nightlife scene since 2010, Mayan-themed café bar and late night venue Copán boasts a feature garden terrace and an impressive cocktail menu, as well as craft and world beers. Named after the ruined Mayan city in Honduras, they offer great value food and beer combos and run a late bar from Thursday to Saturday.

A roomy pub part of the boutique Uppercross House Hotel, Mother Reilly’s Bar and Restaurant always has an event to attend. This venue holds regular pub quizzes, comedy events, and live music performances. They also champion up and coming local talent by running an open mic night every Thursday, and there’s space to play darts and pool. What more could you need?

Corrigans isn’t a place you’ll go for Dublin’s liveliest nightlife – in fact, the most widely quoted reason to go there is if you’re looking for a quiet place to read or watch a match, with a higher possibility of getting a seat than other bars in the locality. Still, this old-school pub dating back to 1914 is comfortable and cozy, and as it’s slightly off the beaten track, it’s something of a hidden gem.