Bar
The Brazen Head
A pub on Bridge Street Lower that dates its history to 1198 and calls itself Ireland's oldest, with food daily, stews and traditional music.
The Palace Bar
A Victorian heritage pub on Fleet Street with a famous snug and a whiskey collection, praised by Patrick Kavanagh as a wonderful temple of art.
At a glance
- Type
- Victorian heritage pub
- Area
- Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- thepalacebardublin.com
Good to know
- Victorian snug
- Whiskey collection
- Literary history
Why we recommend it
The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is a Victorian heritage pub on the edge of Temple Bar, close to College Green and Trinity College. It has a strong literary reputation: the poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh called it the most wonderful temple of art, and the pub still plays up its reputation for what it calls intellectual refreshments. For visitors who want a traditional pub with history but without the crowds of the busiest Temple Bar bars, it is a good choice.
The interior is the main attraction, especially the Victorian snug, a small enclosed space that was traditionally used for a more private drink. Ask whether it is free when you arrive. The pub's stories of writers and journalists who drank here, including a tale it tells about three literary musketeers, are part of its charm, and you can read more about them on its website.
Whiskey is a speciality. The Palace has built up a whiskey collection and sells its own merchandise through an online store, so it is a good place to try an Irish whiskey you have not tasted before. Staff can usually suggest something based on your preferences, whether you prefer a lighter style or something richer.
The pub suits couples, solo travellers and small groups looking for conversation rather than loud music. It can be busy on Friday and Saturday evenings and before and after events in the city centre, but weekday afternoons and early evenings are usually more relaxed. Opening hours are not listed on the website, so call ahead if you are planning an early or late visit.
Fleet Street runs parallel to the river between Westmoreland Street and Temple Bar, so the Palace is a couple of minutes from Trinity College, O'Connell Bridge and the Ha'penny Bridge. It works well as a first stop on a pub crawl through Temple Bar or as a quiet drink after a day at the Book of Kells. Contact the pub on +353 1 671 7388 or at [email protected].
A visit here pairs well with an afternoon at Trinity College just across the road, or with a walk over O'Connell Bridge to the north side.
The Palace Bar FAQs
What kind of pub is The Palace Bar?
A Victorian heritage pub with a famous snug and a whiskey collection.
What is the literary connection?
Patrick Kavanagh described the Palace Bar as the most wonderful temple of art.
Where is The Palace Bar?
At 21 Fleet Street, Dublin 2, on the edge of Temple Bar.
Is it good for whiskey?
Yes, the pub has a whiskey collection and staff can suggest something to try.
Is there a snug?
Yes, the pub has a Victorian snug; ask whether it is free when you arrive.
When is it quietest?
Weekday afternoons and early evenings are usually more relaxed.
How do I contact the pub?
Call +353 1 671 7388 or email [email protected].
What is nearby?
Trinity College, O'Connell Bridge, the Ha'penny Bridge and Temple Bar are all a couple of minutes away.