There’s arguably not a more classic Dublin Christmas tradition than the famous 12 pubs of Christmas, so here are our suggestions of the best southside pubs and bars to get into the Christmas spirit. From Chic, modern cocktail bars to warm, traditional pubs, you won’t find a more eclectic 12 pubs line-up than this.
Pubs 1 Through 7:
J.T. Pim’s:
- J.T Pim’s is the first stop on your pilgrimage and is found on South Great George’s Street.
- J.T. Pim’s is an old school bar at heart , serving the classic pints of ales, stouts and more, but they also have a modern selection of craft beers, fine wines, cocktails as well as their own gin bar.
The Stags Head:
- The Stags head can be found on Dame Court.
- They seem to have mastered the art of being a traditional Dublin pub, with excellent hospitality, great pints, classic Irish dishes and incredible ambience, their pub is so good that they were awarded Best Traditional Pub in Ireland in 2019 and 2023!
Food Break:
At this point in the night, it might not be the worst idea to get a few bites into you, so here is our suggestion to help continue on with the night, as well as hopefully combat the impending hangover.
Reyna:
- Reyna is a Turkish Grill located on Dame Street.
- They are committed to bringing authentic Turkish flavours to Dublin patrons, one kebab at a time.
- They haver a number of vegetarian options, as well as your classic lamb, chicken and even liver dishes.
O’Neill’s Pub:
- Next up is O’Neill’s Pub on Suffolk Street. Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Molly Malone statue.
- They are also a traditional Irish pub, that has been a licensed premises since 1755.
- O’Neill’s hosts live music every night of the week as well, so when you pop in you will be serenaded with traditional Irish music.
The Old Stand:
- You can find The Old Stand on Exchequer Street.
- They have been serving the people of Dublin good food and great pints for the past 350 years.
Dakota:
- Yuletide stop no. 5 is Dakota on Williams Street South.
- They have a large amount of beers, wines, cocktails (signature and not) as well as spirits aplenty.
- They also have a stunning food menu with burgers, fish and chips, nachos, chicken wings, salads and many desserts.
The Rag Trader:
- The Rag Trader is located on Drury Street.
- They are a primarily stout and whiskey bar but they also sell plenty of other beers, spirits and non alcoholic drinks.
- They are named after the booming textile industry that called Drury Street home.
Idlewild:
- Idlewild is a chic, retro bar on Fade Street.
- While the outside is just a classic fade Street bar, the inside is a chic 1940’s/50’s style cocktail bar based on a bar that was in what is now JFK Airport.
- They have an incredible selection of specialty cocktails, craft beers, gin’s, whiskey’s and more.
Five Guys:
- You can find Five Guys on South Great George’s Street.
- Five Guys is an iconic American-style burger joint . With milkshakes, burgers (of course), hot dogs and chips, you cannot go wrong with Five Guys when taking on these Southside pubs.
Pubs 8 Through 12:
The Hairy Lemon:
- The Hairy Lemon can be found on Stephen’s Street Lower.
- This staple of Dublin culture is decorated with memorabilia collected over the years, an iconic yellow and green paint job and bank notes from other countries.
- They have an incredible selection of beers and wines that are perfect for this years 12 pubs.
Bambino:
- Bambino is located on Stephen Street Lower.
- Bambino is the New York style pizzeria that has taken Dublin by storm, with a whole community of not just pizza lovers, but Bambino lovers, their pizza is inimitable, one of a kind and so damn tasty.
- All of the ingredients that go in their pizza are made fresh daily, they have a wide range of different toppings and they are open until 12 a.m. I mean, need I say more?
Bar Rua:
- You can find Bar Rua on Clarendon Street.
- They have a wide selection of Irish craft beers, cocktails, delicious wines and host live music quite frequently.
Zozimus Bar:
- Zozimus is a one of a kind bar located on Anne’s Lane.
- The famous umbrella canopy will lead the way to number 10 on the list.
- Once again, Zozimus is primarily a high-end cocktail bar, but they also have a wide selection of beers, wines, champagnes and more.
Peruke & Periwig:
- Peruke & Periwig is located on Dawson street.
- They are a cocktail bar first, but their craft beers are not ones to turn your nose up at either.
- The interior is beautifully decorated with artworks, warm lighting, comfy furniture and various antiques.
Tapped:
- Tapped is a craft beer haven located on Nassau Street.
- They have beers for anyone fortunate to walk in, with beers from all over the globe as well as local brews, but they also have a number of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
- Their kitchen is also stunning, serving pizzas, brisket, ribs, nachos, burgers, tenders, salads and desserts.
And there it is, from modern cocktail bars to traditional Irish pubs, this 12 pubs experience may be the best one yet.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas (and a headache free morning after), and remember, please Always Drink Responsibly.
