Why Your Holiday Pub Crawl Needs a Cheat Sheet
Let’s be real: the only thing that makes December bearable in Dublin is the promise of a warm pint and a festive vibe that screams, “I’m here to celebrate, not to pretend I’m a responsible adult.” If you’ve ever tried to navigate the city’s Christmas pub scene with a GPS and a sober brain, you know it’s a nightmare. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate, meme‑infused guide to the best Xmas pubs Dublin has to offer. Grab a gingerbread‑spiced IPA, buckle up, and prepare for a journey that’s part Reddit thread, part BuzzFeed listicle, and 100% unapologetically boozy.
1. The Merry Monk – Temple Bar’s Holiday Hideout
If you thought Temple Bar was just a tourist trap, think again. The Merry Monk transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, faux snow, and a bartender who knows the difference between a “proper” stout and a “hipster” oat‑milk latte. Home of Dublin’s craft scene, this spot is perfect for those who want a classic Irish vibe with a sprinkle of Christmas glitter.
- Must‑try: The “Jolly Jäger” – a Jägermeister‑infused black porter that feels like a hug from Santa’s beard.
- Vibe: Live acoustic folk, a massive Christmas tree, and enough mistletoe to make you question your life choices.
2. The Brazen Bull – For the Bold & the Boozy
Located in the gritty heart of Smithfield, The Brazen Bull is where you go when you want your Christmas lights to be as loud as your karaoke rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The décor is a mash‑up of industrial chic and over‑the‑top holiday kitsch – think exposed brick wrapped in tinsel. The crowd? A mix of locals who can recite “The Office” quotes and tourists who think they’re in a “real Irish pub.”
- Signature drink: “Yule Log Lager” – a smoked lager that tastes like a fireplace you can actually drink.
- Special: Midnight Santa‑themed trivia – win a free pint or a sarcastic insult.
3. The Guinness Storehouse – Because Nothing Says Christmas Like a 9‑Story Pint
Okay, this isn’t a “pub” in the traditional sense, but you can’t talk about Dublin’s Christmas drinking without mentioning the Guinness Storehouse. The Gravity Bar offers a panoramic view of the city, a festive playlist that’s basically “The Office” Christmas episodes on loop, and a pint that’s older than most of your relatives.
Pro tip: Book the “Christmas Ale Experience” and get a limited‑edition stout that’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of “I‑need‑a‑vacation.” Make Your Own Beer? Yeah, they’ll teach you how to brew a holiday version of the black stuff.
4. The Brazen Head – Ireland’s Oldest Pub (and Its Most Over‑the‑Top Christmas)
Founded in 1198 (or so the legend goes), The Brazen Head is the OG of Dublin pubs. During December, they go full Victorian: gas lamps, carol singers, and a massive fireplace that could double as a sauna. The staff wear period‑accurate costumes, which is a bonus if you love historical cosplay.
- Drink of the night: “Victorian Mulled Guinness” – a mulled version of the classic that will make you question why you ever drank plain Guinness.
- Atmosphere: Candlelight, crackling fire, and the occasional “Ho‑ho‑ho” from a bartender who’s clearly auditioning for a Santa role.
5. The Stag’s Head – Classic Charm Meets Christmas Chaos
If you want a pub that feels like stepping into a Friends episode, The Stag’s Head is your spot. The interior is a Victorian masterpiece, and the Christmas décor is so over‑the‑top it could be a meme in itself. Think garlands the size of a small dog, and a bar that’s practically dripping in tinsel.
And yes, they have a “Christmas Cocktail Challenge” where you can create your own festive concoction. If you’re feeling extra daring, try the “Elf on the Shelf” – a gin‑based drink with peppermint and a splash of eggnog. It’s basically a holiday spirit animal.
6. The Porterhouse – For the Craft‑Obsessed Connoisseur
When you need a break from the usual holiday jingles, head to The Porterhouse. This place is a craft‑beer haven with a rotating tap list that includes a special “Winter Warmer IPA.” The décor is sleek, with a minimalist Christmas vibe – think white lights, a single evergreen, and a bar that screams “I’m too cool for tinsel.”
- Top pick: “Frostbite IPA” – an IPA with a hint of orange zest and a frosty finish that will leave your tongue tingling.
- Bonus: Their Custom Beer service lets you design a holiday brew that you can brag about on Instagram.
7. The Palace Bar – Old‑World Elegance with a Modern Twist
Located on Fleet Street, The Palace Bar is the kind of place where you can sip a glass of “Christmas Sherry” while debating whether “The Office” or “Parks and Rec” is the superior sitcom. The interior is draped in velvet, with chandeliers that could double as a disco ball. The Christmas tree? A towering masterpiece that would make even the Grinch reconsider his life choices.
Pro tip: Order the “Holiday Highball” – a whiskey highball with a splash of cranberry and a cinnamon stick. It’s like a Christmas card in a glass.
8. The Church – Where the Sermon Is a Shot of Liquor
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a sinner in a sanctuary, The Church is the spot. The interior is literally a converted church, complete with stained glass windows that now double as neon signs. During December, they go full “Christmas miracle” mode with a massive nativity scene made entirely out of beer bottles.
- Signature: “Holy Hops” – a hop‑forward ale with a dash of cinnamon, served in a chalice‑like mug.
- Atmosphere: Choir‑like chants of “Bottoms up!” echo through the nave.
9. The Liquor Rooms – For the Instagram‑Ready Drinker
Located in the historic Temple Bar area, The Liquor Rooms is a multi‑level bar that looks like a set from a Netflix series. The Christmas décor is curated to perfection – think marble statues wearing Santa hats, and a bar that glows like a Christmas tree. The crowd is a mix of influencers, locals, and anyone who can pull off a “cheers” selfie.
- Must‑order: “Mistletoe Martini” – a gin martini with rosemary, cranberry, and a splash of sparkling wine.
- Bonus: Their Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer guide is perfect if you’re thinking of opening a holiday pop‑up bar.
10. The St. Stephen’s Green – Outdoor Pub Vibes with a Frosty Twist
When the weather is mild enough to survive outside, head to the St. Stephen’s Green area. The pubs here set up massive heated tents, string lights, and a “Winter Wonderland” photo booth. The best part? You can enjoy a pint while watching the park’s historic statues get a temporary makeover with snow spray.
Try the “Snowball Stout” – a stout infused with vanilla bean and a hint of peppermint. It’s like a snowball fight for your palate.
11. The Woolshed – A Rural Retreat in the City
Think of The Woolshed as a countryside pub that decided to move to the city for the holidays. The interior is decked out with reclaimed wood, hay bales, and a massive Christmas wreath made of hops. The vibe is laid‑back, perfect for those who want to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a genuine Irish Christmas.
- Drink of choice: “Cider & Spice” – a hot apple cider spiked with Irish whiskey and a dash of nutmeg.
- Special: Live folk music on Saturday nights that will have you dancing like no one’s watching (except the bartender, who’s definitely judging).
12. The Vintage Cocktail Club – Sophistication Meets Santa
For the folks who think a “Christmas cocktail” is more than just a spiked eggnog, the Vintage Cocktail Club delivers. The décor is 1920s speakeasy meets Santa’s workshop. Velvet booths, brass fixtures, and a Christmas tree that looks like it was plucked straight from a Gatsby party.
- Signature cocktail: “Rudolf’s Red Nose” – a beet‑infused gin cocktail with a hint of orange bitters and a sugared rim that glows under the bar lights.
- Atmosphere: Jazz standards, a live saxophonist, and a bartender who can shake a cocktail faster than you can say “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.”
SEO & Social Tips for Your Pub Crawl
Now that you have the holy grail of Dublin’s Christmas pubs, let’s talk about how to make your night legendary on the internet. Here are a few quick hacks that even the most seasoned meme‑lords will appreciate:
- Use the right keywords: Sprinkle phrases like “best Xmas pubs Dublin,” “Dublin holiday bar crawl,” and “Christmas drinks Dublin” throughout your Instagram captions and blog posts. Google loves that stuff.
- Tag the venues: Most of these pubs have active Instagram accounts. Tag them, use location stickers, and watch the likes roll in faster than a bartender pouring a pint.
- Leverage internal links: If you run a beer‑related site, link back to relevant Contact pages or the Custom Beer service. It boosts SEO and makes you look like a pro.
- External authority: Cite reputable sources like Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer when talking about distribution or online sales. Google’s algorithm will give you a tiny nod of approval.
- Memes are your secret weapon: Drop a meme of a cat in a Santa hat with the caption “When the bartender says ‘Last call’ at 10 PM.” It’s relatable, shareable, and will get you that sweet, sweet organic reach.
Final Thoughts (and a Snarky CTA)
There you have it – the definitive, meme‑approved guide to the best Xmas pubs Dublin has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned pint‑sipper or a first‑time visitor looking to make your holiday Instagram feed sparkle, these 12 spots will keep your spirits high and your wallet slightly lighter.
Now, stop reading and start drinking. And if you’re serious about turning your own holiday brew into a bestseller, check out our Make Your Own Beer guide. Because nothing says “I’m a responsible adult” like selling your own Christmas ale on Beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer). Cheers to a festive season that’s as bold as your sarcasm and as smooth as a perfectly poured stout. Go forth, get wasted responsibly, and remember: the only thing better than a good drink is a good story about it.
