Before we go on our Christmas/New Year hiatus, we’ll leave you with a brief wrap-up of 2025. This year, we wrote about 39 pubs – or, if you prefer, 38 locations, as our very first pub of January, Biddy Mulligan’s, had a swift closure and re-opening as The Sackville. We began adding Best Pubs For… themed roundups this year, partially as we had enough of an archive to do so, and partially as it’s easier to get to three new pubs in a month versus four. We lamented the closure of Underdog and the ever-decreasing availability of independent beer in Dublin as taps are replaced by less-interesting (and more expensive) options in certain pubs, but we’ve also seen some bright spots as new pubs open and others have very positive improvements.
And to keep on a cheery note before we close for the holidays, some Golden Pints from 2025’s profiled pubs:
Most Underrated Pub: The Morris Bar
This pub’s gorgeous interior honours the building’s history and has been a real asset to the local area; the addition of a covered outdoor space is another bonus, and the pizza is excellent. We love it.
Darkest Pub: Frank Ryan’s
No contest here, and locals simply know, but it’s a handy heads-up for visitors.
Most Welcome Surprise: TP Smith’s
The area around the Jervis Centre can be hectic and more than a bit messy even outside the holiday shopping season; TP Smith’s is a real oasis of calm, and with a surprisingly good beer selection.
Most Improved Pub: Tapped
One of the few places left in Dublin for a reasonably wide beer selection, its vibes were very much off when it first opened, but it’s much more welcoming now. There’s also a bonus cask ale option at the attached Harty’s Bar next door.
And finally, this coveted award:
Why Don’t We Go Here More Often? The Belfry
Well, the ‘why’ is because there are just so many excellent pubs in Stoneybatter, but The Belfry is a really great spot – a nice beer selection, a lively atmosphere and a pleasant interior. We’ll try to get over this way more often in 2026.
With that, we’ll sign off for 2025, and we will be back in January with new pubs to talk about and more Best Pubs For… features. In the meantime, you can always check out the map to find a pub we’ve mentioned, or let us know in the comments if there’s a pub you’d like to see covered.
See you next year!
Discover more from Weirdo Guide to Dublin Pubs
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
