O'Donoghues Bar image

O'Donoghues Bar

Bar Irish pub

Renowned traditional music pub with packed nightly live sessions and simple en suite bedrooms. People often mention music, staff, atmosphere, great, good, Guinness, Dublin, Great, service, friendly,


Address

15 Merrion Row, Dublin, Ireland

Website

www.odonoghues.ie

Contact

+353 1 660 7194

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 12 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 12 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (27) staff (23) atmosphere (22) great (22) good (20) Guinness (19) Dublin (17) Great (15) service (12) friendly (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 maura M. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited O' Donoghues Bar with a friend last Sunday evening, what an atmosphere! We were very lucky to get sitting at the bar close to the musicians. Got served our drinks by lovely staff very quickly. Didn't want to leave, just loved it! A must visit for anyone who loves a good atmosphere and amazing entertainment.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil M. 1 year ago on Google
    This Pub is without a shadow of a doubt the best pub in Dublin. My wife & I have been into so many pubs in Dublin & the warmth & friendliness of all the staff in O'Donoghues is amazing. We run our own Pub in England & fully understand what's involved. These guys really go out of their way to make everyone feel so welcome. It has to be said that Paddy (Foxy) is their no.1 he is so unbelievably good at his job, its like looking at a piece of fine art watching him work. Kevin the owner is a very lucky guy to have such an incredibly experienced barman, Paddy is the next level. We need to pay credit to some other staff also who were very good. Andy, Paul. Damo, Billy, Gill, Jake, Paddy, Ant & Paul. Well done Kevin on having such a great team. But I will say Foxy is your key staff member he is management material for sure. Thank you for giving my wife & I such a great time. We will be back again very soon. Keep up the good work guys 👌 5⭐️service 100% Perfect 👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali K. 1 year ago on Google
    Never have a I seen a bar staff more fluid, almost a piece of artistry in which they work together. The service is somehow quick yet courteous. I wouldn't hesitate to even suggest that those who work their are at the absolute pinnacle of their trade. The Irish music also provides an excellent ambience completely engrossing you into the bar.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H W. 3 months ago on Google • 179 reviews New
    This is a traditional bar, with lots of history and tales to tell. Very friendly bar staff, not too bad a pint of Guinness and walls adorned with Dubliners photos. Yes, the wallpaper is nicotine stained and it could be spivved up but it was warm and clean and that's all that matters really. If you want plush surroundings go somewhere else!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Liviu S. 4 years ago on Google
    Cozy place! We had lunch in this “bar” that fits perfectly in Dublin’s atmosphere. The fish soup was tasty and the bread very authentic. Services are great and the atmosphere was very cozy for this rainy day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dominic M. 1 year ago on Google
    It does not get more traditionally Irish than here. Don't come expecting anything more than good pints and good banter. Snug seating, Irish traditional music (on occasion), and top 10 pint of Guinness.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barry W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere but more importantly one of the best jars I've tasted! Friendly staff and old world Irish pub in the heart of Dublin with a good range of beers on tap. Definitely recommend this place but not too much as don't want to be queuing behind the tourists! 👍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tammy M. 1 year ago on Google
    So. Much. Fun. Great atmosphere. Incredible acoustic music, and local vibe!! And Orchard’s Thieves on tap! Great place to meet up with friends or meet new ones!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura C. 1 year ago on Google
    We lucked in for the Sunday afternoon session of music by Coppers and Brass. They play from 1-6. So much fun. The bar is great. The Guinness is excellent.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    Favorite place after 3 days walking around in Dublin, found by pure chance. They don't go in for fancy food menus, just a soup/sandwich for the day and the best beer I had the whole trip. The alley dining area actually made me feel, for the first time, like I wasn't just at any old bar back home. Paddy was our guy there, did an absolute diamond job, made it even better. Ate (and drank, copiously) outside, but the inside looked cozy and well broken in. Highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin G. 1 year ago on Google
    Barman (Daniel) poured three MAGNIFICENT pints of Guinness at the same time. Never seen the likes in all my 24.3 years! Faced the glass logos towards us. I felt valued. I felt like I could be vulnerable with him and there would be no judgement. 5 stars.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan E. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited here mid-day. What a great place. Some locals were playing some music in the back. They had a large outdoor section in the back. Seating on the sidewalk was nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Taha T. 3 years ago on Google
    It was really bad experience. Food wasn’t worth the price. Service staff was really rude. I’ll never go again. I think they don’t need money.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dale P. 5 months ago on Google • 224 reviews
    Iconic place which was a lot bigger than I expected. We went to listen to the live music. But sadly that part was narrow and crammed with people talking so could barely hear the music plus it was roasting so we went into the courtyard. Shame they don't pipe the music through speakers as there's no music outside (when we went). All that aside it's a fantastic pub and worth a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anwesha G. 5 months ago on Google • 374 reviews
    I went to O'Donoghue's Bar for an office party. The pub was quite crowded the day I went and the service was a bit slow. There are two entrances to this pub as it is a huge pub, the hallway opens up to the two sides of pub for inside bars. You can even find a spot in the hallway. There is good heating system that's done at the hallway for people to enjoy drinks in the winters. The location of this pub is very good, at the heart of baggot street. Ideal location for a pub crawl. Might be a task to find parking around as there is construction going on around currently. There was no music in this pub and it was a lot of chatting with each other and getting to know each other. So if that is your vibe, go to this pub and have some intimate conversations over pints.

  • 2/5 Eimear 6 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Have been here a good few times and usually love it but last night we had a table beside the door. The door was left open at one stage and it was making our table very cold so I got up to close it. As I was trying to close it I was shouted at by an older man and told to get away from the door. The security man also gave out and said the door is to stay open. Absolutely no way to talk to customers. All they had to do was explain that they wanted the door to be open nicely, just because it’s a pub doesn’t mean you can go around shouting at customers!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glyde Hart K. 8 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Music was the best part. Pub was packed and lively. Best to go early if you want a seat in the listening area. Plenty of room in the back if you're not so inclined toward the music. The barkeep looked gave me a hard time for ordering water for my friend but all in good fun. Loved this place. Lots of Americans but I guess they're okay too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Berk B. 3 years ago on Google
    Probably one of the most terrible places i've ever been. I worked f&b and tourism sectures for many years, so i have some perspective about the business of f&b. This place is just the definition of snobbish from a to z, in particular Rua's manager is so arrogant and rude behaviour and approach-wise. Whenever we went to this place - i was a regular customer- with my family/friends, the staff was always approached and served us in very angry and hasty way, they were almost like they were favoring us by giving beer or smth. I do believe that it causes from the head, every bad management creates bad and toxic environment among the staff, perhaps this reflected on us constantly. I hope the management can make up their mind one day but i definitely won't be coming to this place again and i don't recommend BR to anyone, you should change your style asap.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing against this pub. It was recommended by some locals. I've been to several pubs on my travels around Dublin. I sat at the bar, she they have a serious fruit fly issue. I've been in the industry, and that generally means a lack of cleanliness. Toner pub right down the street would probably be a safer bet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 April C. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a wonderful, authentic Irish pub. Great mix of locals and tourists. Wonderful, very friendly service. Worth more than one visit for a trip!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rana Nagihan A. 4 years ago on Google
    We tried irish coffee, it was tasty. Music was good. If you look for tasty traditional foods and peaceful place you should choose this one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rogier 'DocWilco' M. 1 year ago on Google
    Good Irish pub, definitely a locals place and not so much overrun by tourists (yet.) Has live music if you're lucky. Has heaters in the courtyard area, for comfy outdoor drinking no matter the temperature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean L. 1 year ago on Google
    The famous bar where the Dubliners used to sit and perform had a trio of amazing gents keeping the Irish tradition alive on a Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. Grab yourself a pew, a pint of Guinness and enjoy. Some of the friendliest patrons you’ll ever have the pleasure to meet visit this bar. The quick pour system is run outstandingly well also ensuring that you won’t be waiting for a Guinness
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krzysztof S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome pub - 100% Irish. Amazing decor of the premises and a unique atmosphere. Live music (Irish of course). The wonderful taste of perfectly poured Guinness. I recommend to everyone!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 K M. 5 months ago on Google • 199 reviews
    Reasonably priced for Dublin. Friendly staff, busy on the day visiting with tourists and locals. Had live music on the Sunday making for a good atmosphere, especially as it was raining. Large smoking area, actual bar very small and traditional.

  • 5/5 Trev 5 months ago on Google • 138 reviews
    Always a great pint. and surprisingly quiet today. managed to get a seat inside. Yay. although the beer garden is also a good option. Staff always friendly and willing to have a laugh.

  • 5/5 Brian G. 6 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Always a great spot for a few pints and the Guinness is always top notch. Particularly mid week there's plenty of choices for seating between indoor and outdoor areas. One of the best Dublin spots especially when they've got some live music going. Not to be missed for tourists or Dublin regulars

  • 5/5 Aoife K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for a pint and some trad. Nice to see so many people enjoying a few tunes on a Sunday afternoon. Don't change a thing about the place.

  • 5/5 Santiago “Tati” Y. 11 months ago on Google
    Some singers there chanted happy b'day to one of my friends. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was fantastic. I love being there.

  • 5/5 Kurtis H. 10 months ago on Google
    Stayed two nights in the rooms they rent out. Went down both nights to enjoy the atmosphere and live music. Everything was nearly perfect. Great way to experience Dublin.

  • 5/5 Loyal C. 1 year ago on Google
    Best pub in all of Dublin, hands down. Just about as authentic as they get. Live music was phenomenal, Guinness was perfect, staff went above and beyond. Put this on your bucket list, you'll thank me later!

  • 5/5 Chris E. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a must visit while in Dublin! Class pub, great beer, ambiance and music. Don’t waste anymore time, go there now!

  • 5/5 Chris R. 5 months ago on Google
    It's a unique lively spot full of character! A living traditional Irish pub slapped right into the center of Dublin City. If you're looking to find a real irish pub, forget Temple bar, this is the place to go!

  • 5/5 Bruce G. 1 year ago on Google
    Sitting at the bar watching the servers handle a busy Friday was an experience I won't soon forget. The music was great but they wouldn't play my request. Maybe next time.

  • 4/5 Jackson I. 5 months ago on Google
    Classic pub with great vibes and greater people. Mix of old and young and social and more intimate groups. Definitely will be back.

  • 5/5 Craig H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing pub. We didn't eat, but the drinks were great and the atmosphere was exactly what we wanted. Staff was polite and very hospitable. Awesome experience.

  • 5/5 AJ M. 1 year ago on Google
    Big beer garden. Fella had a problem with me wanting a lime in my coke. A gin and tonic would take longer to make. Apart from him the other staff are very friendly and helpful. (Tip worthy)

  • 4/5 Ray B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Atmos, excellent pints of Guinness, friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Daniel G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great bar with a large outdoor space and room in two different buildings. By the entrance there's always musicians playing a lot of authentic folk tunes. However, it's often jam-packed with both locals and tourists alike, making it difficult to hear the music.

  • 4/5 Hipchick 1 year ago on Google
    I've booked a room for a couple of days to stay in Dublin. The room was very comfortable and nice, although at night there was some noise coming from the pub downstairs. The actual problem are other people residing in the pub, that come and go as they please (as it should be) making terrible noise just by talking loudly in the stairs. Overall the position in relation to bus stop and things like that is very nice, the city centre is also nearby, as is the national gallery of Ireland. The people working at the pub are super nice and friendly

  • 5/5 Eric S. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolute hidden gem just outside Dublins Temple bar area. Great atmosphere and live Irish music. Just walk in, order a pint and sit down with the playing musicians. Simple and pure.

  • 5/5 Rajat S. 1 year ago on Google
    Correct me if I am wrong that this place serves the fastest Guinness pint in Dublin!!. Should visit here if you are in Dublin, lovely atmosphere,nice pints. I believe places like this should be promoted more atlest for tourists, who spending fortune in temple bar.

  • 3/5 Greg S. 1 year ago on Google
    Ok pub, Guinness was nice apparently, real old Dublin feel to it, but one particular bar man is very rude. Trying to be funny, but coming off smart. Heard him saying nasty stuff to a few customers.. I'll go elsewhere in future..

  • 3/5 Hannah K. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was nice. Next time I would ask for the nachos separately or on the side so they're not all soggy from the beef etc. The staff was friendly. The pint of Guinness was nice and I don't drink Guinness but had to try it. The one thing I didn't like was the toilets. The smell was awful once you went down to the toilets. They could really do with more regular cleaning and bin emptying.

  • 4/5 Nadège S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place, good food and great ambience. The cocktail was just perfect

  • 5/5 John D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great beer and food. Highly recommend

  • 3/5 Duda M. 4 years ago on Google
    Service is dropping down

  • 5/5 nash o. 4 years ago on Google
    Cosy 2nd floor windows seating.

  • 4/5 Kate L. 4 years ago on Google
    Phenomenal cottage pie!

  • 4/5 Aisling O. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and cosy spot. Lovely for small groups/couples, reasonably priced drinks

  • 5/5 Colette C. 3 years ago on Google
    Fabulous food and service.

  • 5/5 Shane Q. 3 years ago on Google
    Great service great food and a lovely atmosphere

  • 5/5 Karen C. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice bar and restaurant. Food was tasty and plentiful. Staff friendly.

  • 1/5 John H. 3 years ago on Google
    Booked a table here for 7pm last night. Our first drinks and food arrived pretty quickly, and the food was excellent. The table service after that was appalling. Far from attentive., we had to wait a considerable amount of time to get a second round of drinks. After sitting there for over 30 mins, trying to get the a waitresses or waiters attention, we eventually tried to order - only to be told she would have to check the time we came in at. She returned soon after with the bill and informed us our 1hr 45 was up. When we explained that we were waiting over 30 mind to order a final drink, she said that she was on her break!!! Absolutely disgraceful service.

  • 5/5 Gisèle Bugnot P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice spot to have something to drink and eat in a not very crowded street but still close to everything. Suitable for celiac people.

  • 4/5 Stephen B. 3 years ago on Google
    Ate here the last day before lockdown, food was good and the staff ran things smoothly. Enjoyed the heated outside seating on a chilly day.

  • 4/5 Cain W. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice food, sound staff. Lovely bar

  • 5/5 Francesca D. 4 years ago on Google
    I entered because I heard a guy playing guitar and I decided to have a quick dinner. I ordered prawns and I loved them! I was there by myself and I also got to know other people, so the atmosphere as friendly. I recommend it on a night with live music, since that added a lot to the evening!

  • 5/5 Aidan M. 3 years ago on Google
    Got a small portion of the chicken wings and I regretted not getting the large - they were delicious! 🤤😋

  • 5/5 Gary St L. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic night with lovely staff ❤️ definitely be back

  • 5/5 Ollie D. 5 years ago on Google
    Some of the best seafood I've had. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Carolyn D. 3 years ago on Google
    Comfortable outdoor seating great staff and service Food choices decent and good quality enjoyable Friday late lunch thank you

  • 5/5 Darragh Q. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely chowder, great Guinness.

  • 5/5 Federico Martin F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great beers, the seafood and the hamburgers are great. Awesome atmosphere. Totally recommend.

  • 5/5 Malore1 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very cool winding pub with live music (Original) Sehr coole verwinkelte Kneipe in der es live Musik gibt

  • 5/5 damien p. 2 years ago on Google
    O',Donohoes bar is the same. Exactly the same great place over the last 40 years to meet new friends and old, have a drink, listen to some often great diddly eye music and have a ball. Great experiences happen here!

  • 5/5 Mariana G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great meal and atmosphere. Lovely staff!

  • 5/5 Ken L. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place for a pint and a chat. Staff are friendly and helpful.

  • 4/5 Mark Francis Mat W. 2 years ago on Google
    Iconic boozer but the pint of plain does not meet the standard of what one would expect from an institution such as this. If you are looking for top class Guinness, best to look elsewhere.

  • 5/5 Tom M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a gem. One of the best pubs in the city. Have always loved the atmosphere and on this occasion we got a high table at the end of the bar. Man, what a day. The barman was a legend and the Guinness was fantastic. Take me back.

  • 5/5 Elaine F. 2 years ago on Google
    Sat outside for Guinness and tea. Milk was provided for the children and there was live music! Very friendly staff. Great atmosphere.

  • 4/5 JPBradyx 2 years ago on Google
    Well organised re covid, we felt safe and compliant with all regs. Mature security and management so no unnecessary drama at the door. I would recommend.

  • 5/5 alexandru adrian s. 4 years ago on Google
    Verry good beer

  • 5/5 noel m. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely bar with a great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Dominik S. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the pub and it was just a great atmosphere. Home-made live music paired with some great beer. Gives you a great irish pub feeling!

  • 5/5 Seamus C. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food. Excellent service.

  • 5/5 Dylan D. 4 years ago on Google
    Cozy with a good draft selection.

  • 5/5 Carolina C. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent experience. I celebrate my 40' birthday and the service and attention was excellente. Many thanks.

  • 5/5 Maria 4 years ago on Google
    Good music & atmosphere

  • 5/5 Brian O R. 4 years ago on Google
    Food and service second to none

  • 4/5 Aussie W. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice bar nice staff

  • 3/5 Darragh H. 4 years ago on Google
    Poor Guinness, okay besides

  • 5/5 Luciana P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place and good 80's musics

  • 3/5 Philip K. 4 years ago on Google
    Its grand for a pint. Not my cup of tea


Call +353 1 660 7194 Open on Google Maps

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