Have you experienced the pubs in Dingle?
Dingle is a vibrant seaside town sticking out from the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry and is one of the towns that have the best pubs in Ireland. Weather-worn and remote, this small community is a haven for seafood, local culture and some of the most unspoilt landscapes on offer across the Emerald Isle.
In a town of just over 2,000 people, there are an impressive 32 local watering holes, each of which is buzzing with life seven nights a week. Pub culture is intrinsic to this slow-paced way of life type of town, so if you want to be in with the locals, a bit of a pub crawl is your best bet.
The only problem is, with such dense numbers of venues dotted around the tiny fishing village, it can be a challenge to choose the best bars.
In a bid to make it simple, here are the top five pubs where locals drink in Dingle.
5. Murphy’s Pub
Murphy’s is a pub, bed and breakfast on the waterfront in Dingle. Run by husband and wife duo John and Eileen Murphy, this is your quintessential traditional Irish pub.
With a rustic wooden bar, stool seating, low tables for dining and an open fire, this charming local watering hole is a regular haunt for community folk.
Food is served from noon daily starting with a lunch menu of hot and cold dishes, whilst the evening menu is equally broad. Vegetarian and even vegan options can be catered for at Murphy’s, but the must-try dish has got to be the locally caught Dingle Bay fish.
Make sure to stop by for a Guinness and brush shoulders with the locals as an impromptu trad music session ensues at Murphy’s.
Location: Murphy’s Pub, Bed & Breakfast, Strand St, Dingle, Co.
4. The Dingle Pub
For one of the more lively pubs in Dingle, a great shout is The Dingle Pub. It is located on the main street in the centre of town, and attracts a variety of locals, from young bucks to pub veterans, as well as a hearty stream of out of towners.
This is a larger pub accommodating more bodies than the former, in an open plan fashion. Local musicians play nightly, and a pool table is on hand for those keen for an extra bit of banter.
Above the pub, an on-site B&B offers those weary from a night on the “black stuff” (aka Guinness) a solid place to rest their heads. Although, booking in advance is recommended.
Location: The Dingle Pub, Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry
3. Kennedy’s
For one of the more electric pubs in Dingle, Kennedy’s is the ultimate hangout. Ask just about anyone living in the town, and they’ll point you in this direction, so needless to say it’s not a pub worth skipping.
This quaint little watering hole has traditional interiors of stone floors, wood panelling, low stools and candlelight. As the building has been renovated from a private residence into a pub, it carries over a sense of homeliness and warmth.
Private nooks are the perfect spot for an intimate drink, whilst sometime a small trad session will be happening, one nook over. The craic is mighty – as well as the Guinness – making this a must-visit in Dingle.
Location: Kennedy’s, Upper Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry
2. Foxy John’s
Foxy John’s is a local hangout in the heart of Dingle. It is a half hardware store, half pub, meaning you can stop by for a cheeky pint en route to pick up those nails, twine or whatever DIY essentials you’re lacking.
The pub itself is small and traditional in design with a bar on the left and the hardware store counter on the right, upon entry. Out the back, a covered beer garden offers guests a lazy spot to escape the summer sun during the more favourable months.
Location: Foxy John’s, Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry
1. Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewery
Finally, Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewery is the pub most renowned for local drinking in Dingle. This pub is alight in the warmer months when crowds file into the buzzing beer garden, complete with street food vendors, picnic tables and quirky nostalgia memorabilia dashed about.
In winter, bodies brush shoulders fireside as they sip on Guinness and listen to the latest music marvel to hail from the quaint village of Dingle. And, for all you city-dwelling craft beer-loving folk, they even have a super trendy brewery and Taphouse on site with a killer offering and tours.
Simply put, Dick Mack’s is the number one Dingle pub experience.
Location: Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewery, 47 Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry
