9 Dublin City Pubs with Open Fires You’ll Want to Visit this Winter

Nine Dublin City Pubs with Open Fires

There’s something magical about warming the cockles of your heart by the hearth of the fire. Whether it’s your arse or your toes that get the first blast of heat is entirely up to you but you have to agree that open fires and winter go hand in hand like rhythm and blues, and that warming up in front of one with a pint or a cuppa in hand can’t be beaten.

The old saying goes …

‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’ – There is no fireside like your own fireside.

… but someone else’s fire can be just as inviting especially if it’s one of the open fires of a Dublin pub. Sure you won’t even have to make your own brew!

So whether it’s a pint after work or a cuppa after a shopping expedition, here are my top picks, in no particular order, when it comes to Dublin City Pubs with Open Fires.

image source: Hacienda Bar Facebook

Hacienda Bar, 15 Little Mary Street, Dublin 1

The Hacienda Bar on Little Mary Street is an institution with locals and visitors alike. From Irish and international movie stars to rock legends, the Hacienda has hosted them all. It’s located just off one of Dublin’s most eclectic streets, where you can shop till you drop and then wine and dine the night away.

It’s also the perfect stop off if you’ve been shopping along Henry Street or at the Cineworld Cinema on Parnell Street. For more info you can visit the Hacienda Facebook page here: facebook.com/Hacienda-Bar-Dublin

image source: theworkmansclub.com

The Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2

Just across the River Liffey and you can warm your arse by not just one fire, but two fires across two floors! Obviously not at the same time. The Workman’s Club is one of Dublin’s best music and entertainment venues.

Gigs range from acoustic to rock, from album launches to world tours, from late night DJ’s to Karaoke Kings. Comedy nights, book readings, markets, it really is an artistic mix. For more info visit The Workman’s Club website here: theworkmansclub.com

The Bank on College Green, 20 College Green, Dublin 2

You might not know this but The Bank on College Green, Dublin 2 is sister to The Oval pub on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin 1. Only a short stroll from Trinity College Dublin, The Bank on College Green is in a very central spot, especially if you plan on meeting friends or family.

If you are visiting to warm the cockles of your heart during the Christmas period, you’re sure to be impressed with the decor that adorns this fabulous looking bar and restaurant. For more info visit The Bank’s website here: bankoncollegegreen.com

J.W. Sweetman on Burgh Quay, Dublin 2

Before I take you further South, we can’t forget about this city centre Craft Beer Brewery! The building dates back to 1756 but thankfully their taste doesn’t, and you’ll be happy to tickle your tonsils with some of J.W. Sweetman’s very own brews, warming your toes by the open fire on the second floor as you do so. For more info visit the J.W. Sweetman website here: jwsweetman.ie

image source: facebook.com/brazenhead.dublin

The Brazen Head, Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8

The Brazen Head has been around for years, in fact as it dates back to 1198 it’s a fact that it’s one of ‘Ireland’s Oldest Pubs’! Popular with locals and tourists alike, The Brazen Head is a hit when it comes to traditional Irish food, drink and music. A lively spot that should be on your list to try when out and about in Dublin.

And when it comes to open fires, well they’re stocked up on those too. Now they might not be turf or wood burning, but what they lack in traditional effect they make up for in quantity. And so you’ll find not one but three open ‘real effect’ gas fires in this lovely establishment. For more visit: brazenhead.com

image source: facebook.com/KehoesPub

Kehoe’s on South Anne Street, Dublin 2

Part of the Fitzgerald Group, Kehoe’s on South Anne Street is steeped in history. Actually everything about the bar is from history because they say that the pub looks the same as it did 100 years ago! It’s a great place to come to if you like a pint of the black schtuff, and you never know who you’ll bump into on a busy night.

It’s just off Grafton Street so is central to shopping and dining too. For more information and a little history lesson on one of Dublin’s most famous working Victorian pubs visit the Kehoe’s website here: louisfitzgerald.com/kehoes

image source: facebook.com/whelanslive

Whelan’s, Wexford Street, Dublin 2

With fires in the traditionally styled bar downstairs and the vintage styled ‘The Parlour’ venue upstairs, you won’t go cold in Whelan’s of Wexford Street … well you probably won’t need a fire if you’re in here anyway because you will, most likely, be bopping about at one of their live gigs, and Whelan’s know how to gig … after all they do have over 27 years experience doing so.

For more information, especially their live music listings, visit the Whelan’s Live website here: whelanslive.com

image source: facebook.com/The-Lord-Edward

The Lord Edward at Christchurch Place, Dublin 8

Only a stone’s throw from Christchurch Cathedral, you may on occasions be able to warm your arse by the fire while listening to the chiming of the bells across the road. However don’t be disappointed if you don’t because The Lord Edward has its own music sessions to keep you entertained.

It’s the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a cuppa or a something stronger. If stout is your thing then you’ll be happy to know that The Lord Edward pride themselves on their pint pulling experience. For more information visit their Facebook page here: facebook.com/The-Lord-Edward

image source: facebook.com/ArthursPub

Arthur’s, Thomas Street, Dublin 8

Arthur’s on Thomas Street has become somewhat of an institution for Blues, Folk and Jazz live sessions. It’s so close to the Guinness Storehouse that it has no excuse not to serve a decent pint, however if it’s craft beer you’re after then they have beverages to tickle your fancy too. They ‘light a real turf fire every day’, and a lovely fire it is. For more info on menus and on gig listings visit the Arthur’s website here: arthurspub.ie

Just Nine Dublin City Pubs with Open Fires to warm you up on a cold winter’s day or night. Do you have a number TEN? If so I’d love to know your choice and I’m sure others would too … the comment box below is waiting for you!

*This article was originally published on December 8th 2016 but has since been updated.