11 Best Dublin Pub Crawl Experiences In 2023 

You absolutely cannot leave Dublin without having the best Dublin pub crawl of your life, knocking back pints, and learning all about Irish culture and history along the way. 

Dublin is well-known for its pub culture, with its oldest pub dating back to AD 900. I mean, the country even has a whiskey museum and one of its most iconic tourist attractions is a brewery. 

It’s not by chance that you, my friend, have landed on this very article about the best Dublin pub crawls. 

You’re keen to know what this bustling Irish city has to offer and you’re raring to go.

We’re Aisha and Ger, and when Aisha first traveled to Ireland, Ger took her on a few pub crawls to introduce her to the thriving pub scene in Dublin. 

This is our top pick of the best Dublin pub crawl experiences, based on our own experiences and also recommendations from friends.

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Best Dublin Pub Crawl: My Top Pick

1. Dublin Historical Pub Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

⭐️Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, with 5 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 4 hours 

Why book this tour?

Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with someone, going on a private and personalized pub crawl in Dublin is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

This experience with City Unscripted will bring you not just around the popular Temple Bar district, but also the Rathmines neighborhood – a more local area where you can soak in all the nightlife vibes. 

Rest assured you won’t have to walk the distance between Temple Bar and Rathmines as there will be a private vehicle to get you there.

Your private tour guide will have an itinerary in place for you like visiting one of Dublin’s oldest pubs, The Brazen Head. 

But because they’re also locals familiar with the areas visiting, if there are any places you’d like to explore or drinks you’d like to have, definitely let them know ahead so they can re-route where necessary! 

With the price you’re paying, you’ll also get 2 drinks specially selected by your host, as well as the chance to hear traditional Irish music being played and sung and stay safe while enjoying a night out. 

The Dublin Historical Pub Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private includes:

• Private and personalized pub crawl experience
• 4 hours with a private host
• 2 drinks specially selected by the host 
• Hotel meet-up (available upon request)
• Private vehicle (Uber) from Temple Bar to Rathmines 

What past guests loved about the tour:

“Had a fantastic guide named Eoghan. He was fun, interesting, and knowledgeable. We had a great time and loved the places he took us to! Recommend this tour if you want to get away from the touristy spots!” 

– Susan G. (read more reviews) 

Best Dublin Pub Crawl: Runners-Up 

2. Dublin: Guided Irish Musical Pub Tour

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 1 positive review 

⌛️Tour Length: 3 hours 

Why book this tour?

If you’re someone who loves music and wants to learn more about the Irish music scene and how it has evolved, then this is the pub crawl for you. 

You’ll be led by a professional tour guide and a musician who will take you and your group on a private tour of the historic cultural quarter of Temple Bar and weave in and out of traditional pubs and bars throughout the evening.

You’ll hear historical snippets of how Temple Bar’s name came to be, and milestones around the area, and also experience authentic Irish pub vibes accompanied by Irish music along the way.

Depending on your preferences, you might be able to visit up to four places in the evening, allowing you to experience different craic, which is Irish slang for fun and enjoyment 

If you’re keen on a pub crawl with a difference, this is your pick!  

The Dublin: Guided Irish Musical Pub Tour includes:

• Private group tour 
• Professional guide and musician
• Visit Template Bar 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Since my guide was from Italy, she knows how to explain Dublin to outsiders. There were many things we did not recognize and once explained gave a deep understanding of this old city. Went to 4 pubs with 4 different craic! If you want to learn step-dancing, then she is the one for you!”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

3.  Dublin: Private Pub Crawl Tour

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 1 positive review
⌛️Tour Length: 4 hours 

Why book this tour?

Now if you’re new to the Dublin nightlife scene and want a local with deep insider knowledge on the best pubs where no tourists have gone, then this is one hundred percent one of the best Dublin pub crawls to check out. 

The guides from DublinTourGuide will take you on a four-hour journey through some of the most hidden and local gems in Dublin. 

They’ll bring you into pubs that are brimming with character, beer, and conversation, and even throw in bits of history along the way. 

Like letting you know which pubs some Irish literary giants like Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien, and Brendan Behan frequented. 

If you’re down to drink like a local, then definitely sign yourself and your travel mates up for this tour!

The Dublin: Private Pub Crawl Tour includes:

• Professional private tour guide 
• Visit 3 or more authentic traditional Irish pubs
• Opportunity to partake in a traditional Irish music session
• Commentary on Dublin’s literary history
• Hotel pick-up 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Austin was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly.”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

4. Dublin: Traditional Pubs Walking Tour with Local Guide

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 28 positive reviews

⌛️Tour Length: 3 hours

Why book this tour?

This tour will take you on a walk around Dublin’s best bars under the watchful guidance of a knowledgeable local. 

They’ll take you on a tour to their secret gems, off the beaten track, and feed you Irish history trivia along the way. 

You’ll get a good taste of Irish ale, whiskey, and stout, learn about the history behind the drinks, and even get to visit up to four locations during this fun walking tour.

While general drinks recommended by the guide are not included, there will be a free Guinness drink (what’s a trip to Dublin without some Guinness?) and some shots along the way. 

Bring some cash to get additional drinks because the tour also comes with great discounts at the pubs you’ll visit. 

The Dublin: Traditional Pubs Walking Tour with Local Guide includes:

• Local tour guide
• 1 free Guinness beer
• Free shots
• Drink discounts all night
• Drinking games along the way
• Free entry to pubs and venues, including a special VIP club entrance 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Great tour! Kevin was my absolute favorite guide throughout my entire trip. Took us to a variety of places from old Irish to a hipster/trendy bar. Shared stories, laughter, and amazing beverages. 

I did this tour on my first day (and right after Kevin’s food tour) and it was perfect to get my bearings and see things I wouldn’t have just exploring by myself. Great time- a must while you’re in Dublin!”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

5. Dublin City Pub Crawl: Best Pub Experience

⭐️Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, with 33 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 4 hours 

Why book this tour?

If you’re looking for a low-cost, affordable pub crawl in Dublin, then this one’s your go-to. 

For a low price of less than $22, you can get a personal tour guide who will lead you on a lively crawl of four of Dublin’s best pubs. 

The guides come with a robust background of Dublin’s history and drinking background and will provide you with not just fun and drinks, but enrich you with knowledge along the way. 

You’ll get to hear Irish music along the way and even end the evening dancing away at a bustling Dublin night venue. 

Drinks aren’t generally included, but to get you warmed up the crawl promises just one arrival drink of a beer or wine, and potentially free shots along the way. 

Whether you’re looking for a boozy night out or just keen to enjoy the nightlife, this tour’s going to be just right for you! 

The Dublin City Pub Crawl: Best Pub Experience includes:

• Personal pub crawl guide
• Free arrival beer or wine
• Free shots 
• Free drink specials
• Live Irish music
• Free entry to pubs and venues 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Tour guide was a lovely lady, was able to give us interesting information and we all enjoyed her company. The bars we were taken to we all enjoyed and enjoyed our evening.”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

6. Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

⭐️Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 989 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 2 hours 

Why book this tour?

If the name James Joyce rings a bell, then you’re definitely a Dublin literary follower who’ll love this Dublin literary pub crawl! 

Go on a pub crawl like no other as you revisit the steps of famous literary writers and visit the very pubs and drinking holes that inspired them as they churned out their literary masterpieces.

You even get to show off your knowledge at the end of the night during a literary quiz. 

This Dublin literary pub crawl also promises to be an interactive experience as experienced actors will not only take you on a good tour of the best Dublin drinking spots but provide entertaining narration along the way. 

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl includes:

• Experienced tour guide
• Literary quiz with prizes for winners 

7. Generation Pub Crawl Dublin

⭐️Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, with 149 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 5 hours

Why book this tour?

Book this tour if you’re a solo traveler or one that loves to meet other travelers outside of your current travel mates.

This tour promises you a fun-filled night out and great value, providing you with a free Guinness, shots, and discounts along the way as you visit five night venues (or more!). 

The entry fee for every pub and club you go to is also included so you don’t need to worry about queuing or paying extra aside from additional drinks.

Anyone who goes on this tour will also leave great memories and some lasting newfound friendships. Afterall, that’s what having fun on a night out in Dublin is really about! 

The Generation Pub Crawl Dublin includes:

• Local tour guide
• 1 free Guinness
• Free shots 
• Drink discounts and specials all evening
• Drinking games
• Free entry to all pubs and venues during the tour, including a VIP club entrance

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“The whole experience was amazing! from the first bar to the club at the end. Me and my 3 buddies met so many new people. I recommend doing it at the beginning of your trip because we met drinking buddies for the rest of the trip. 

Really good experience and a blast the drinks were cheap and our tour guide was fun as well!”

– Jaden S (read more reviews) 

8. Dublin: Old Town’s Famous Pubs Outdoor Escape Game

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 4 positive reviews

⌛️Tour Length: 2.5 hours (145 minutes) 

Why book this tour?

Now, this isn’t quite your regular pub crawl but one that you can take on your own time and on your device. 

For less than $10 you can purchase a specially-designed mobile game that puts you in the shoes of a man who has come to Dublin to discover more about his Irish history. 

As you delve deeper into the game, you’ll get to explore famous Irish pubs like The Brazen Head, Palace Bar, Darkey Kelly’s, Temple Bar, and the Shelbourne Hotel.

There isn’t going to be a physical tour guide, but the best part about that is that you have the flexibility to take this crawl at whatever time you want, and with as many or as few people as you’d like. 

If you’re the adventurous sort who loves a little problem-solving and scavenger hunt, then this is definitely a pub crawl you’ll want to try! 

The Dublin: Old Town’s Famous Pubs Outdoor Escape Game includes:

• City exploration game download for your phone
• Ready 24/7 customer support 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Very entertaining and a great way to get to know the city.”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

Other Dublin Drinking Tours 

9. Dublin: Coastal Craft Beer & Seafood Trail

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 24 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 3 hours 

Why book this tour?

For those of you who prefer having a drink with some food, you’ll probably enjoy this craft beer and seafood trail tour in Dublin! 

Down five types of locally-brewed craft beer and also sample locally-sourced fresh seafood along the way. 

It won’t just be an all-out-eating session, but you’ll also have a local guide with you, sharing insights on the places you’ll visit, including Howth Harbor. 

Your local guide will even introduce you to some local fishermen who will regal you with their stories from the sea. 

Now, this isn’t quite a pub crawl, but it sure promises to be a drinking tour to remember with the freshest seafood, most entertaining stories, and the most refreshing Irish craft beers. 

The Dublin: Coastal Craft Beer & Seafood Trail includes:

• Personal tour guide 
• Tasters of five local craft beers
• Servings of locally-caught seafood including prawns, mussels, oysters, crab claws, calamari, and seafood chowder 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“This was a wonderful afternoon excursion from Dublin. It is very easy and inexpensive to take the Dart out to its end at Howth. 

There we met Mark with another couple and spent three hours enjoying both the seafood and beer as promised. Mark is very knowledgeable and funny and was a terrific guide. I highly recommend this tour.”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

10. Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin

⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, with 91 positive reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Why book this tour?

Keen on visiting some pubs but more of a whiskey drinker? Then definitely embark on this whiskey-tasting tour of Dublin instead of a regular pub crawl.

During this short small group tour, you’ll get to taste up to five types of whiskeys in two of Dublin’s most iconic venues, Palace Bar and The Lincoln’s Inn, and learn about the history of whiskey along the way.

You’ll also step foot or pass by places that literary giants such as Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift visited, and pick up anecdotes about other famous Irish whiskey fans along the way. 

The Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin includes:

• Professional whiskey guide
• Tasting of five types of whiskeys
• A small tour group size 
• Visit two classic Irish drinking venues 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“Rachel was friendly, personal and very knowledgeable about whiskey and it was a pleasure to spend the time with her. The selections she offered at two very cool pubs were fun and the background provided on each made the time fly by. 

This was a good event to learn about whiskey and to try some varieties that you would not routinely find, it is not a drinking event it is an educational event which was perfect.”

– Gilbert O (read more reviews) 

11. Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings

⭐️Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 1236 reviews 

⌛️Tour Length: 45 minutes 

Why book this tour?

If you’re looking for a reliable Dublin drinking tour, then this tour with more than a thousand reviews is just what you’re seeking.

Designed for those who just have some time to spare, this 45-minute tour will take you on a fully-guided tour of the world-famous Jameson Distillery in Dublin, coupled with a whiskey-tasting session. 

You’ll delve into the story of John Jameson and learn how he made whiskey, discover the building’s history, and also learn how this world-famous whiskey is made. 

It’s not just for those who like their whiskey neat – you’ll even get to try a signature Jameson cocktail after the whole tour – something you can only experience by heading to the distillery.  

The Dublin: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings includes:

• Fully-guided tour
• Whiskey tasting 
• Signature Jameson cocktail 

What past guests loved about this tour: 

“The great tour teaches you about the history of Jameson and whiskey in Ireland. The tour guide makes the experience feel personal and connected. 

Learning about the process and tasting will educate your knowledge of whiskey! I would sign up for the extra cocktail experience to add to the tour and celebrate your visit to Ireland!”

– A GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews) 

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What Is A Dublin Pub Crawl?

A Dublin pub crawl is simply when a group of people head out to several pubs in one go and typically takes place in the evening. 

During a pub crawl, you’ll usually enjoy free alcoholic beverages, priority entry into certain pubs and night venues, as well as beverage discounts.

Pub crawls are great for solo travelers who want to enjoy a city’s nightlife but want to do it in the company of others for safety and so they also know where some of the best nightspots are. 

Oldest Dublin Pub 

The oldest Dublin pub is The Brazen Head, located on Dublin’s Bridge Street, and has been around since 1198. 

Most Famous Pub In Dublin

The most famous pub in Dublin is Temple Bar Pub, which is also located right within the Temple Bar district. Yes, both the bar and the area have the same name. 

Notable Dublin Pubs

The ten most notable Dublin pubs include:

• The Brazen Head
• Temple Bar Pub
• The Palace Bar
• The Stag’s Head 
• The Swan
• The Gravediggers
• Johnnie Fox’s 
• The Long Hall
• McDaids
• The Arlington 

Best Dublin Pub Crawl Drinks To Try 

Here are the best Dublin pub crawl drinks to try if you’re going to an Irish pub or bar for the first time:

• Guinness Beer
• Baby Guinness Shot – A Guinness lookalike shot comprising Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and Sambuca 
• Irish Coffee
• Irish Whiskey
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Smithwick’s Beer
• Rock Shandy, a mocktail that has sparkling orange and lemon 

FAQs On Best Dublin Pub Crawl

Which Is The Most Famous Pub In Dublin?

The most famous pub in Dublin is Temple Bar Pub without a doubt. It is also the most famous bar in Ireland – you’ll see its iconic red exterior feature in promotional photos of Dublin and Ireland a lot. 

What Is The Main Drinking Street In Dublin?

The main drinking street in Dublin is Temple Bar, and it is also known as Dublin’s cultural quarter and the center of Dublin’s nightlife scene. 

You can go on tours around Temple Bar, do pub crawls, or even just walk around at your own pace. It’s easy to explore and very vibrant! 

Why Is Temple Bar In Dublin So Famous?

Temple Bar Pub is famous because it’s right in the heart of the Temple Bar district, serves up great whiskey and beer, and also delivers awesome craic and service.

Craic is the Irish slang for fun and enjoyment and if you want the ultimate definition of craic, just step into Temple Bar and you’ll know! 

What Is The Name Of A Popular Pub District In Dublin?

Temple Bar is Dublin’s popular pub district and is brimming with music, entertainment, art, and alcohol. It is the place to go if you want to experience Irish pub culture and live music. 

Where Is The Best Pub Crawl In The World?

There isn’t one single best pub crawl in the world, but these cities have pretty awesome pub crawls: 

• Dublin, Ireland
• Prague, Czech Republic 
• London, UK
• Budapest, Hungary 
• Barcelona, Spain 
• Amsterdam, Netherlands  
• Lisbon, Portugal 
• Singapore
• Tokyo, Japan 

So there you have it, some of the best Dublin pub crawls and even some from around the world for you to have a go at the next time you’re craving a drink!

Going to a pub in Dublin is quite an experience and even if you’re traveling solo, you shouldn’t let that deter you from experiencing this unique drinking culture.

Pub tours are a perfect way to get an insider’s lens into some of the best pubs in the area, an affordable means to get drinks, and also a great avenue to meet fellow travelers. 

Ger and I have met some lifelong friends on pub crawls we’ve done in other cities, and we think you’ll find the same if you decide to go on one! 

Tell us which Irish drink is your favorite from these pub crawls! 

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