The Brazen Head

The Brazen Head on Bridge Street Lower presents itself as Ireland's oldest pub, with a history it dates back to 1198. Whatever the exact age of the present building, the pub has been part of the life of this corner of old Dublin for centuries, and it is a natural stop for anyone interested in the traditional Irish pub experience.

The pub combines drinking, eating and entertainment. Food is served every day from 12:00 to 21:30, and the kitchen is known for its traditional stews, beef and Guinness stew and Irish stew, which make a hearty lunch or dinner on a cold day. In the evenings the pub hosts live music, both traditional Irish sessions and contemporary bands, and storytelling events also feature in the programme. What you hear depends on the night you visit, so check the website or ask at the bar if you want to catch a traditional session.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the pub suits a wide range of visitors: couples, groups of friends, families eating early in the day and solo travellers looking for a seat at the bar. It gets busy in the evenings and at weekends, particularly in summer and around St Patrick's Day, so arrive early if you want a table for food. Reservations are not needed for normal visits; the pub's own advice is that you take it as you find it. Groups of ten or more should email in advance to request a booking.

Opening hours are long. The pub opens at 10:30 on most days and 12:30 on Sunday, closing at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 00:30 on Friday and Saturday. It is closed from 24 to 26 December. Wednesday opening time is not listed on the website, so check before an early visit that day.

The Brazen Head is a short walk west of Christ Church Cathedral and Dublinia, and around ten minutes from Temple Bar along the quays. It makes a natural stop after sightseeing in the medieval part of the city, or before heading on to the Guinness Storehouse or the Liberties. For enquiries, call +353 1 679 5186.