An ode to Dublin pubs

This is an ode to the pubs that have warmed up my days and my heart with their ambiance and liquors. They have seen numerous scenes, from drunken drama and breakups to nights of sheer euphoria and unforgettable memories.

The first sunset I saw after stepping out of the Ferryman

Let's take a walk together through Dublin's city center and stop by my favourite places.

Fun fact about me: I did live for a few months right above THE Temple Bar. I am now officially allergic to the song "Country Home, West Virginia", as it was probably the most played one at 2 am every day without fail. I loved the flat though, and of course how central it was. Life was really a party then.

1. First my love letter to Chaplins

You will walk past Chaplins and probably miss it. There are a few benches outside, sometimes filled with smokers, sometimes empty, courtesy of the Irish weather. A few meters away from Trinity College, you will step into the pub and think it is the ultimate Irish pub. A wooden interior, a central bar, a few high chairs, and all kinds of old-fashioned artworks. The atmosphere is cozy, the light deemed and the place full.

Chaplins is different though. It was my HQ since I met a dear friend of mine Laura. It became this safe haven, where we could talk and exchange about the sorrows and joys drifting through our minds every Wednesday, under the watchful and friendly eye of our favourite waiter, Martin. No matter what happened during the week, Chaplins' night was the one night where we could just relax and be carefree.

Chaplins knows how to surprise you at times. I remember one evening, where we happily dove into our fourth drink of the night, being just drunk and happy when suddenly trad music arose from the corner of the room. The mood switched to this kind of nostalgic, emotional vibe that comes directly to nestle in your heart.

Chaplins is your ultimate Irish pub, central and lovely, full of life and drinks. The heartbeat of my life in Dublin.

2. On a night out at Doyle's

Doyle's is around the corner from Chaplin's. Doyle's is a place where I loved bringing my dates to and where I also met my now boyfriend. Doyle's is also the place that pleases everyone, whatever they taste in drinks or music are. Hearty pub food or pizzas, decent prices (for Dublin), loud music and "dancefloor" upstairs on the weekend, great intimate concerts on Tuesday nights downstairs, warm atmosphere, and wooden decorum: this is the perfect environment for a great pub sesh.

Heading to Doyle's was always the promise of a good night ahead, full of friendly encounters and music that brings you energy.

3. By The Liffey at the Ferryman

The first pub I ever went to in Dublin as it was a short walk away from my flatshare. Convinced it was actually called the "Fairy Man", which is still what I want it to be called.

Ferryman is more on the pricey side of pubs, it is maybe more "chic". Yet, its beautiful location next to the Liffey and its rooms breathing Irish history was the perfect background to multiple nice memories with my friends there. It breathes this kind of indescribable warmth, this sensation that you are always welcomed.

And yes, this is not a picture of the pub. It is taken a few meters from its entrance, on the Samuel Beckett bridge. Let's say that this counts as a potential view you get from the pub.

4. Expressing my inner metal soul at Fibber Maggee's

"Fibber's?", "Fibber's". This was the text exchange signaling that the Saturday night party could start. We used to head there most weekends with my friends, changing our allegiance from O'Reillys to Fibber Maggee's. We did love O'Reillys but they stopped their metal night after a while.

Fibbers was ideal for a night out, actually literally out since we spent most of the time in the gigantic outdoors smocking area.

Drinks cheaper than average, lovely metal crowds, and fantastic playlist: Fibber's has all the prerequisites of a good night out for me. It is also located just across the Living Room, which came with its set of scantily-clad girls and boys partying the night away on a more commercial playlist. The contrast between the two crows was just beautiful.

5. O'Donoghues

Head there before 8 pm if you can, grab a drink, secure a seat at the front, facing the little sofas in the round alcove. The musicians will arrive soon and will fill your soul with beautiful Celtic songs and ballads. Just sit, enjoy and let yourself dream of the lyrics and sounds offered by the musicians, their flutes, bagpipes, and bodhrans. Here is a little video I took there for you to enjoy:

6. Temple Bar

As mentioned above, I lived right above the Temple Bar. The picture underneath is taken from the first window on the left, right next to the Guinness sign, my living room window!