View of the bar sign from across the street
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Pubs (The Palace Bar)

4.6
·4k reviews·, Ireland

Dublin's historic Victorian pub since 1823, famed for its stained-glass skylight, perfect Guinness, and lively Irish music sessions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Less crowded, easier to get a seat

CrowdMedium
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View of the bar sign from across the street

Pubs (The Palace Bar)

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Less crowded, easier to get a seat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dublin's historic Victorian pub since 1823, famed for its stained-glass skylight, perfect Guinness, and lively Irish music sessions.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"The Palace Bar absolutely deserves its reputation. Great atmosphere, great energy and clearly a hotspot for just about everyone in Dublin."

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TIP

🎯 Best Guinness in Town

Locals and visitors rave about the Guinness here – it's a must-try for any pint enthusiast!

✨ Step Back in Time

Admire the stunning Victorian interior, especially the stained-glass skylight.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Interior

Victorian Interior

Immerse yourself in the pub's original Victorian decor, featuring a breathtaking stained-glass skylight.

The Perfect Pint of Guinness

The Perfect Pint of Guinness

Experience what many consider the best pint of Guinness in Dublin – smooth, perfectly poured, and utterly delicious.

Live Irish Music

Live Irish Music

Enjoy authentic Irish music sessions that fill the air with traditional tunes and a vibrant atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Victorian Charm

Step back in time at The Palace Bar, a historic Dublin pub since 1823. Its stunning Victorian interior, complete with a stained-glass skylight, offers a timeless ambiance perfect for soaking in Irish culture and music sessions. TikTok

Prepare for Crowds

This popular spot, recommended by locals and bartenders alike, can get incredibly busy, even on weekday afternoons. Be ready for a lively, packed atmosphere, especially inside. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less crowded, easier to get a seat
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, music sessions
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pubs with History: The Palace Bar ⁠ ⁠ The Palace Bar, nestled on Fleet Street since 1823, is one of Dublin’s oldest pubs - a place where the city’s literary and political history is etched into the very walls. ⁠ ⁠ Long before Temple Bar became a magnet for tourists, The Palace was a second home for writers, editors, and poets. The pub’s Victorian interior, unchanged in all the right ways, offers a...
@lovindublin
707 likes • 18.6K views

🎯 Best Guinness in Town

Locals and visitors rave about the Guinness here – it's a must-try for any pint enthusiast! Reddit

✨ Step Back in Time

Admire the stunning Victorian interior, especially the stained-glass skylight. TikTok

#406 #ftbentonfundays #karaokebar #thepalacebar video credits katiekincaid
@ninergirl406
40 likes • 715 views
The Palace Bar! One of Dublins oldest pubs, established in 1823 - situated in Temple Bar area, right near Trinity College. The inside is gorgeous, but we were lucky to catch a gorgeous day to sit outside ! #foundmoments #dublin #palacebar #ireland #watercolor
@kerrbur
60 likes • 1.7K views

🚶‍♂️ Prime Location

Conveniently located near Trinity College and the Temple Bar area, perfect for a pub crawl. TikTok

👥 Be Prepared for Crowds

This popular spot fills up fast, so be ready for a lively, packed atmosphere. Reddit

The Palace BogFrog 🐸#thepalacebar #birr #pubtok #irishtiktok #drinktok #irishpub #somethingforeveryone #craicagusceol #trending #fyp #shots #layeredshots #shottok
@thepalacebarbirr
45 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Guinness in Town

Locals and visitors rave about the Guinness here – it's a must-try for any pint enthusiast! Reddit

✨ Step Back in Time

Admire the stunning Victorian interior, especially the stained-glass skylight. TikTok

🚶‍♂️ Prime Location

Conveniently located near Trinity College and the Temple Bar area, perfect for a pub crawl. TikTok

👥 Be Prepared for Crowds

This popular spot fills up fast, so be ready for a lively, packed atmosphere. Reddit

🎶 Catch Live Music

Check for traditional Irish music sessions for an authentic pub experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Palace Bar is a highly-regarded historic Dublin pub, celebrated for its stunning Victorian interior and exceptionally poured pints of Guinness. Visitors praise its lively atmosphere and authentic Irish music sessions, though be prepared for it to get very crowded, especially in the evenings. Reddit

"The Palace Bar was on my “Dublin Pub Crawl” list and also came recommended by a few different bartenders, so I knew it had to be good. It is a very nice place and clearly a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is obvious why. The atmosphere is sharp, classy and lively.

We went in hoping to grab a seat inside, but the place was completely packed. Not a single open chair. So we snagged a spot outside on the patio while I went back in to get our drinks.

And that is when the madness began.

In the thirty seconds it took me to get to the bar, the entire pub somehow filled up even more. People kept pouring in until there was barely any standing room left. It felt like the whole city suddenly decided to meet inside that one pub. Thankfully, I managed to get our pints before the real rush hit.

I asked my wife, “What happened? Did a few Dublin buses stop out front and unload people by the busload?”

We didn't stay long due to the crowds, but it was worth the visit.

Overall, The Palace Bar absolutely deserves its reputation. Great atmosphere, great energy and clearly a hotspot for just about everyone in Dublin. Just make sure your prepared for a crowd, this place fills up quick, no warning at all."

Nic Cravillion

"Great spot with reasonably priced drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. No food or TVs. Love the sense of privacy, it’s perfect for catching up with friends or just enjoying a quiet night out. Always a solid choice! The guiness is a perfect pour."

Traci T

"It's what you'd expect out of a pub.

I asked locals and did research on where I could have the best pint of Guinness, as I frequently drink it, I was not disappointed, this was definitely the best pint of Guinness I've ever had.

Their Guinness is rather easy to drink and more on the smooth side than the creamy side, depends on what you like, but this was perfect for us.

The Bulmers off the tap was also excellent, it had kept its fizz quite well, as they're usually served via bottle.

The barmen were fast and on point, no bullshit, just drinks."

Ye

What People Like

Best Guinness pint
Historic Victorian interior
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Palace Bar is centrally located on Fleet Street, making it easily accessible. It's a short walk from Trinity College and within the general vicinity of the Temple Bar area. Many Dublin Bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from many city center accommodations. TikTok

While often associated with the Temple Bar district due to its proximity, The Palace Bar is technically located on Fleet Street, just on the edge of the main Temple Bar tourist hub. This offers a slightly more local feel while still being very central. TikTok

From Dublin Airport, you can take the Aircoach or Dublin Express bus service, which will drop you off in the city center. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride to The Palace Bar. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Palace Bar is a public house and does not require tickets for entry. You can walk in and enjoy the atmosphere. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, The Palace Bar is open daily from late morning through the evening. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for live music events. TikTok

There is no entry fee to get into The Palace Bar. You only pay for your drinks and any food you might order. Reddit

Due to its popularity and often crowded nature, reserving a table can be difficult, especially during peak hours. It's often a first-come, first-served situation. Reddit

🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience

The Palace Bar is renowned for its excellent selection of beers, including a perfectly poured Guinness and Bulmers cider on tap. They also serve a range of spirits and other beverages. Reddit

According to reviews, The Palace Bar does not typically serve food, focusing instead on providing a great pub experience with drinks. Reddit

Yes, The Palace Bar is known for hosting Irish music sessions, contributing to its lively and authentic atmosphere. TikTok

The atmosphere is described as sharp, classy, and lively, with a timeless, historic ambiance thanks to its Victorian decor. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reddit

While it offers a sense of privacy and is perfect for catching up with friends, it can get very busy and loud, especially in the evenings. A weekday afternoon might be better for a quieter experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning Victorian interior, especially the stained-glass skylight, and the perfectly poured pints of Guinness. The exterior on a nice day also makes for a charming shot. TikTok+1

Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside The Palace Bar to capture its unique ambiance and historic features. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🍻 Pint Aficionados

If your mission is to find the best pint of Guinness in Dublin, The Palace Bar should be at the top of your list. Numerous reviews and local recommendations point to their expertly poured Guinness as a standout experience – smooth, balanced, and a true testament to the art of the perfect pint. Reddit Don't miss out on trying their Bulmers cider on tap as well, which is noted for its excellent quality. The efficient bar staff ensures you get your drinks quickly, even when the pub is bustling. Reddit

🏛️ History & Culture Buffs

For those who appreciate history and authentic atmosphere, The Palace Bar is a must-visit. Established in 1823, it's one of Dublin's oldest pubs, retaining its original Victorian charm, including a stunning stained-glass skylight. TikTok It's a place where you can feel the echoes of Dublin's past, having been a haunt for writers and intellectuals. TikTok Immerse yourself in the timeless ambiance and imagine the stories these walls could tell.

🎶 Music Lovers

The Palace Bar is a fantastic spot to experience traditional Irish music sessions. The lively atmosphere, combined with authentic tunes, creates a memorable evening. TikTok While the pub is popular for its drinks and history, the live music adds another layer to its appeal, making it a vibrant destination for soaking in Irish culture. Check their schedule for specific performance times. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Established in 1823, The Palace Bar is one of Dublin's oldest and most storied pubs. It has long been a gathering place for the city's literary and political figures, with its walls seemingly steeped in history. The pub's original Victorian interior has been meticulously preserved, offering visitors a genuine step back in time. TikTok

The most striking feature is the magnificent stained-glass skylight that bathes the interior in a warm, inviting glow. Combined with the dark wood paneling and classic bar setup, it creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortably traditional. This timeless ambiance makes it a beloved spot for those seeking an authentic Dublin pub experience away from the more overtly tourist-centric venues. TikTok

While it's a popular spot, many visitors find that even when crowded, the pub retains a sense of charm and character. It's a place where you can imagine generations of Dubliners sharing stories and enjoying a quiet pint. Reddit

The Art of the Perfect Pint

For many visitors, the primary draw to The Palace Bar is the promise of an exceptional pint of Guinness. Reviews consistently highlight the quality of the pour, with many declaring it the best Guinness they've ever had. The beer is described as smooth, easy to drink, and perfectly balanced, avoiding excessive creaminess for a more refined taste. Reddit

Beyond Guinness, the pub also serves other popular beverages, including Bulmers cider on tap, which is noted for retaining its fizz well. The bartenders are praised for their efficiency and no-nonsense approach, ensuring quick service even during busy periods. This focus on quality drinks and efficient service contributes significantly to the positive visitor experience. Reddit

Whether you're a seasoned Guinness drinker or trying it for the first time, The Palace Bar offers an opportunity to savor a truly expertly crafted pint in a historic setting. It's a simple pleasure that forms a core part of the pub's enduring appeal. Reddit