Following on from our first ale trail route of Dublin’s Southbound DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) line, here’s our complete second route.
An ale trail is a bar crawl designed around the stops of a train line. The idea is, you get off at specific stops, have one drink in the nearest pub (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, it’s up to you!), and continue on your way.
Seeing as the Dublin Southbound DART line consists of 16 stops, we’ve broken it into two routes, stopping at every second stop (this is route two, see route one here).
For our second instalment of the Southbound DART ale trail, we suggest you start at Pearse Street. The first station you’re going to get off at is Grand Canal Dock, and from there you will hop off at every second stop en route to Bray, offering a total of eight stops (i.e. eight pubs) along this ale trail of South Dublin.
Stop 1: Grand Canal Dock
Pub: Ryan’s Beggars Bush
Ryan’s Beggars Bush is your typical Irish pub: cosy and local with a substantial beer garden and good vibes. This makes for an ideal first stop on your Southbound DART ale trail.
It serves super cheap Guinness, at only €4.20, and is a solid place to catch a match in the local too!
Address: 115 Haddington Rd, Dublin
Stop 2: Sandymount
Pub: Horse Show House
Get off two stops after Grand Canal Dock at Sandymount; a leafy, green, affluent suburb on the Southside of Dublin and only an eight-minute walk from the pub.
This is another laid back local pub and makes for a great second stop on your ale trail of Dublin with a cosy interior, live sports, and outdoor seating.
Address: 34-36 Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 C535
Stop 3: Booterstown
Pub: The Old Punch Bowl
Only two more stops down the train line is Booterstown, another stunning seaside village. Just two minutes away from the station you’ll find The Old Punch Bowl gastropub.
This is a contemporary setting and makes for a welcome change as the third stop along the Southbound DART line ale trail.
The Old Punch Bowl offers music, good vibes, and delicious fare in a traditional pub setting with a more formal dining room for dinnertime, too.
Address: 116 Rock Rd, Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X2C6
Stop 4: Seapoint
Pub: Flash Harry’s
Seapoint is the fourth stop on your ale trail – only two train stops from Booterstown station.
The nearest pub to Seapoint’s DART station is Flash Harry’s, a 13-minute walk in the direction of Blackrock. This leg stretch will do you well as you crack on to the half-way mark of your ale trail.
Flash Harry’s is a fun neighbourhood bar famous for its offering of bar food. Seeing as you’ve reached the middle mark, we suggest you get some nosh into you. The hot wings and burgers are all anyone can talk about here!
Address: 20 Temple Rd, Blackrock, Dublin, A94 YX72
Stop 5: Dún Laoghaire
Pub: The Forty Foot
The fifth stop on your ale train of Dublin’s Southbound DART line will be Dún Laoghaire. The nearest bar to this is The Forty Foot, a contemporary bar with panoramic views of the seaside and town.
With indoor and patio seating (perfect for a Summer’s day), this is the type of place that is popular with large groups and those catching up over a lazy, weekend lunch.
Address: The Pavilion Centre, Marine Rd, Dublin, A96 X2H2
Stop 6: Glenageary
Pub: Fitzgerald’s of Sandycove
Two stops on from Dún Laoghaire will be the sixth stop along your ale trail: Glenageary. Hop off and walk towards Sandycove and you’ll find a lovely little local pub called Fitzgerald’s of Sandycove.
This traditional little Irish pub offers live sports and locals say it has the best Guinness on the Southside of Dublin!
Address: 11 Sandycove Road, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 WE09
Stop 7: Killiney
Pub: Igo Inn
A short ten-minute walk from Killiney DART station is the Igo Inn, a cosy, no-nonsense Irish pub.
This pub is known for its steadfast service, friendly bartenders, and great atmosphere. Some people even crown it the finest pub in the area!
Address: Military Rd, Killiney, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin
Stop 8: Bray
Pub: Butler & Barry
Finish your ale trail pilgrimage at Bray, only two stops on from Killiney. This seaside setting is the ideal place to end your journey, and with so much to do in the locale, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Head on over to the Butler & Barry gastropub overlooking the water for a celebratory finishing drink, some quality food, and great vibes. What operates as a family-friendly establishment during the day becomes a lively nighttime haunt for locals.
Address: Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow
