A Great Dublin Experience: The Brazen Head Pub

“A pint of plain, a glass of “Uisce Beatha” or just a place to rest your weary bones and soak up the atmosphere — there’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned Irish pub, and the older the better. (Irish Central)

The Brazen Head is Dublin’s oldest pub. In fact, they profess to be the oldest pub in Ireland. Brazen Head is an old coaching inn dating back to about 1688, but it can trace its history back to the 12th century. It’s believed to have been a tavern since 1178. The interior with its slender dark wooden doorframes and 7.5 foot ceilings speak of an earlier time. Some of the historical and literary figures who have enjoyed a pint at the Brazen Head include James Joyce, Brendan Behan, Jonathan Swift , Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins.

The Brazen Head has a nice beer garden right out front and three bar/restaurants on the lower level. An upstairs has more formal dining. It is celebrated for its famous Irish pub grub that includes Irish Stew, Guinness Stew, Bangers & Mash. Other dishes are available, but I’d stick to the traditional all-in-one-bowl Irish stews.

Of course beer is the “biggy” at The Brazen Head. Choose from a variety that includes Smithwick’s and Harp. Or stick with the beer that made Dublin famous, Guinness.

So, after you’ve enjoyed a hearty Irish feast and are ready for your second, third or fourth Guinness, get set for entertainment. The Brazen Head hosts live bands, singers and dancers who regale guests with traditional Irish music and well-loved ballads every night. A special treat is the enthusiastic tellers of Irish tales. These storytellers keep their audiences spellbound with their—dare I say “Blarney.”

This pub at 20 Lower Bridge Street is located just off the Liffey quays, outside the city walls and near the original bridge of Dublin. It’s a short walk from the Guinness Brewery.

Here’s a tip, when you land in Dublin, take the day tour of the Guinness Brewery then take the short walk to The Brazen Head to cap off a fabulous day in Dublin.

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