Home to one of, if not the best pint of Guinness in the world, the Gravediggers in Dublin is one of the city’s finest pubs.
Sharing a wall with Glasnevin Cemetery, the Gravediggers is one of Dublin’s finest drinking establishments. First opened in 1833, it has been serving some of the city’s best Guinness and food for almost 200 years.
Don’t just take out word for it: legendary chef and travel writer Anthony Bourdain wrote of the pub, “Your pigs’ feet are sublime, your coddle amazing. Heaven looks like this”.
Here is our quick guide to the Gravediggers.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting the Gravediggers:
- Drinking Guinness in an Irish pub is a no-brainer, but we cannot stress the importance of having a pint in the Gravediggers. If you don’t like the Guinness here, you don’t like Guinness.
- Important Irish figures of all cultural facets are buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. A visit to their grave followed by a toast to their memory is a fitting way to pay respects.
- If you don’t drink and wish to drive to the Gravediggers, bear in mind that there is no free parking. You will find on-street parking nearby, but you will have to pay.
- However, there is little need to take the car: the Gravediggers is handy to the city centre. Bus numbers 4, 9, and 155 all pass the Gravediggers from the Dublin Bus head office. Alternatively, the walk only takes about half an hour.
Interesting facts about the Gravediggers:
- The pub’s name is John Kavanagh, after its founder. It gained its nickname due to frequent post-shift visits by the Glasnevin Cemetery gravediggers.
- John Kavanagh opened the pub in 1833 after his hotelier father-in-law gifted him the premises. It has remained in the Kavanagh family ever since.
- Today, the Gravediggers is excellently run by Ciaran Kavanagh.
- The kitchen prides itself on fantastic local dishes like coddle.
What’s nearby
Food: The kitchen at the Gravediggers serves up excellent food. But, if you visit while the kitchen is closed, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the Washerwoman (Irish), Dall’Italiano (Italian), Yeeros (Greek), and the Tower Café (lunch/café-style).
Drink: If, for some reason, you decide to leave the Gravediggers and drink elsewhere, nearby pubs include the Bernard Shaw, Hedigans, and the Bald Eagle.
Accommodation: Dublin Skylon Hotel (four-star), Egans Guesthouse (three-star), Maples House Hotel (three-star).
Other attractions: Glasnevin Cemetery, the National Botanical Gardens, Griffith Park, the statue of Brendan Behan, Croke Park.
Your questions answered about the Gravediggers
Is there a TV in the Gravediggers?
No, there is no TV in the Gravediggers, so it’s not the place to watch sports. It’s perfect for a chat and a bit of craic.
How old is Gravediggers pub?
The Gravediggers was founded in 1833, making it 190 years old as of 2023.
What is the oldest pub in Dublin?
The Gravediggers might go back a while, but the oldest pub in Dublin is the Brazen Head. This pub on Bridge Street opened in 1198.
Contact and more info
Address: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin, D09 CF72, Ireland
Phone: +353 87 296 3713
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://johnkavanagh-the-gravediggers.business.site/
Opening hours:
Monday, 11:30 am–10:30 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 am–10:30 pm
Thursday–Saturday, 10:30 am–11:30 pm
Sunday, 12:30–10:30 pm
Kitchen opening hours:
Sunday and Monday, Closed
Tuesday–Friday, 12–8:30 pm
Saturday, 2–8:30 pm
