At Dublin's historic pub The Long Hall, guests can enjoy their pints and drams amidst the old-world decor.
The Whisky Lover's Dublin Travel Guide
February 6, 2020 –––––– Jonny McCormick
The capital of the Emerald Isle has long been known for having the best pints of Guinness in the world, but now it's earning a new reputation. Thanks to several new distilleries, Dublin has become the home of Irish whiskey's revival. From its new wealth of distillery tours to a rich and lively bar scene, Dublin is an ideal getaway for the whisky lover.
The Intercontinental Hotel stocks over 100 whiskeys and provides a whiskey sommelier to arrange tasting flights.
Celtic Whiskey Shop offers a vast selection of modern and collectible Irish whiskeys.
Dublin's Pearse Lyons Distillery offers tours of the restored church it operates within.
Getting Around
Buses aren't necessary unless you're going out of town. But the Hop On Hop Offroutes will take you to Teeling. Bicycles can be rented via DublinBikes. Taxis are hailed on the street, or go to a taxi rank. Ridesharing hasn't taken hold; Uber is just a taxi-hailing service. Bicycle rickshaws are increasingly common in town, but settle on a fare first! Executive cars or limos are a possible option for out-of-town touring. Buy a Leap Cardfor travel on bus, tram, and local trains.When to Go
New York's Times Square has nothing on Dublin, which celebrates the ringing in of the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show and public concert at the Custom House. Each March, St. Patrick's Day is as popular as you'd imagine, drawing over half a million people to the festivities last year to enjoystreet theater and marching bands from across Ireland and the world, totaling more than 3,000 participants. Although less known, the Bloomsday Festival in June is an annual celebration of James Joyce's "Ulysses." This literary street carnival includes readings and pub crawls to some of the watering holes that inspired Joyce. The Intercontinental Hotel stocks over 100 whiskeys and provides a whiskey sommelier to arrange tasting flights.Where to Drink
You're never far from a traditional pub in Dublin. Most don't offer table service and serve drinks only from the bar. Monday through Thursday, pubs stop serving around 11:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday at 12:30 a.m. Late bars and nightclubs push on later.The Palace BarEstablished in 1823, this Dublin institution is steeped in history and boasts over 100 Irish whiskeys, including their own Redbreast single cask 17 year old.Dingle Whiskey BarChoose from a whiskey list of 150, grab a seat for a Tuesday night whiskey tasting, or enjoy a glass and live music on Sundays.Vintage Cocktail ClubRing the bell and step back in time with an enticing menu of historic drinks organized by cocktail eras.The Blind PigThis hidden, city-center bar is a reservations-only speakeasy serving up tasty cocktails. Address supplied at time of reservation.The Long HallThis should be your first stop if you're looking for a friendly, historic, authentic Dublin pub full of old-world charm.Where to Stay
The MerrionAn elegant, upscale establishment featuring the two-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and a selection of exceptionally rare whiskeys inside the secluded Bar No. 23.Brooks HotelWith an impressive library of over 130 whiskeys, this hotel is convenient for pub crawling through the Temple Bar district, and only a fifteen-minute walk to many distilleries.InterContinental HotelThe bar at this luxury hotel stocks over 100 whiskeys, and its whiskey sommelier will arrange tasting flights. Celtic Whiskey Shop offers a vast selection of modern and collectible Irish whiskeys.Where to Shop
Celtic Whiskey ShopOffers a vast selection of modern and collectible Irish whiskeys.James Fox Cigar and Whiskey StoreA large range of Irish whiskeys, plus their own Midleton single-cask exclusive.L. Mulligan Whiskey ShopA knowledgeable staff oversees an impeccable stock of current and vintage whiskeys.The Irish Whiskey CollectionThe Loop at the Dublin Airport offers an impressive Irish whiskey collection, airport exclusives, and sampling opportunities.Local Exclusives
Teeling Pot Still whiskey, distilled in Dublin, is available at the distillery, Dublin airport, Celtic Whiskey Shop, and elsewhere. Grab some of the Method and Madness releases, Irish Distillers' experimental range. Pick up one of Dublin Liberties Distillery's three new triple-distilled single malts.Hire a Guide
Dublin Whiskey ExperienceJoin personable Dublin Whiskey Experience tour guide Gareth Downey as he shares his insights into Dublin's historic pubs and distilleries, illustrated with some impeccable whiskey selections.Dublin Whiskey TourDublin Whiskey Tours offers lively tours of local bars with well-informed guides and samplings of the full range of Irish whiskey styles.Urban Distilleries & Experiences
Dublin Liberties DistilleryA state-of-the-art distillery offering blended and malt whiskeys.Irish Whiskey MuseumShares stories of Irish whiskey history and selections from various distilleries. Open nights and weekends for live music.Jameson Distillery Bow St.The 40-minute guided tour and whiskey tasting is a fine introduction, but with options for whiskey blending, a warehouse visit, and cocktail making, you can easily fill your day at this world-class facility.Pearse Lyons DistilleryTour the distillery within a restored church and immerse yourself in local history and whiskey.Roe & Co DistilleryThe Power House Tour is a 90 minute guided tour, blending demonstration, and cocktail flavor lesson, and is followed by cocktails in the bar of this newly opened distillery.Teeling DistilleryLearn the history of Irish whiskey and tour Dublin's first new distillery in 125 years followed by your choice of tasting. Dublin's Pearse Lyons Distillery offers tours of the restored church it operates within.