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9 Pubs In Ranelagh Worth Sauntering Into This Friday Evening

9 Pubs In Ranelagh Worth Sauntering Into This Friday Evening

If you’re in search of the best pubs Ranelagh has to offer, you’ve landed in the right place.

Ranelagh in County Dublin home to a nice mix of old-school pubs, like Humphrey’s, and new, swanky-style bars, like Americana.

Each of which are perfect to wander into if you just made your belly happy in one of the many mighty restaurants in Ranelagh. Dive on in! 

Our favourite pubs in Ranelagh

smyths pub ranelagh

Photo via Dublin Snugs

The first section of our guide is packed with what we think are the best pubs in Ranelagh. These are places that one or more of The Irish Road Trip Team have visited and loved.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the excellent Humphrey’s and the hugely popular SMYTHS, to Birchalls and more.

1. Birchalls

Birchalls pub

Photo left: Google Maps. Right: Via Birchalls on FB

A lovely old-fashioned pub, Birchalls is renowned for its excellent Guinness, friendly service and cosy, no-frills interior.

This is one of those rare Dublin pubs that’ll make you wish you lived just around the corner. They also serve up typical pub grub, with their famous toasties a fine partner to any tipple.

Unlike some of the pubs in Ranelagh, television time is limited to during big matches, which makes it a lovely pub for a yap with friends.

2. The Hill Pub

best pubs Ranelagh

Photos via The Hill Pub on FB

The recently reopened Hill Pub is well worth moseying into. The Hill closed back in 2019 and reopened in 2021, after a short hiatus.

The interior design is superb, holding onto much of its traditional heritage from when it first opened in 1845.

Although The Hill definitely has a ‘new’ feel to it, it still boasts all the charms of a traditional Irish pub, and there’s plenty of cosy nooks and generous seating areas.

3. TapHouse

Taphouse dublin

Photos via Taphouse on FB

Taphouse is a popular gastropub close to the Ranelagh Triangle. It’s the perfect blend of traditional pub and trendy restaurant, with a vibrant atmosphere that makes it popular for a weekend night out. 

On a sunny day, the balcony is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Dublin, although it gets pretty busy in summer for good reason.

The food is a real standout at this pub and is served from 2pm onwards. You’ll find a range of small plates, snacks and bigger meals on the menu, from burgers to rib eye steak. But it’s the tacos that get rave reviews, so you can’t skip those!

4. SMYTHS of Ranelagh

smyths pub ranelagh

Photo via Dublin Snugs

Smyths is arguably the best-known of the many bars in Ranelagh, and we featured it recently enough in our guide to the best snugs in Dublin.

Smyths boasts a traditional interior with dark timber furniture and all sorts of unique memorabilia on the walls. There’s plenty of corners and nooks to find for a good chat over a pint if you’re in a group.

They tend to have live music at the weekends and, as a result, it can get pretty busy. Arrive early if you want to grab a seat.

Other popular Ranelagh pubs (and ones nearby)

Now that we have our favourite pubs in Ranelagh out of the way, it’s time to see what else this corner of Dublin has to offer.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from Americana Bar and Humphrey’s Pub to McSorley’s,  Corrigans and more.

1. McSorley’s

McSorley’s

Photos via McSorley’s on FB

McSorley’s is a one of the more popular late-night pubs in Ranelagh. Open from 3pm til late every day, it has an energetic atmosphere with live music and live sport playing throughout the week.

If you’re looking for a chilled night out, you’ll find a decent bit of comfy seating along with plenty of corners to tuck yourself away in.

If you’re looking for a more lively buzz, you’ll catch a DJ banging out tunes most weekends. It’s well known for some great pub grub too, from chicken wings to fries, you can find plenty of small bites and larger mains to share with your friends.

2. Corrigans

Corrigans pub

Photo left: Google Maps. Right: Corrigans on FB

Corrigans is nestled away halfway between Rathmines and Ranelagh. This old school pub has a relaxed atmosphere and it’s the perfect spot if you fancy some quiet pints and a yap.

Inside Corrigans, you’ll find an old wooden bar, a comfortable lounge area and plenty of fat little stools to perch yourself on. There’s also a little bit of seating out front.

The Guinness here, on our last two visits, was the business, and there’s a real homely vibe to the whole place. The type of pub you’d happily sit in for hours on a wet winters evening.

3. Humphrey’s Pub

Another of the more traditional pubs Ranelagh has to offer is Humphreys, and you’ll find it right next to Smyths.

This, like Corrigans, tends to be a quiet little pub, for the most part. However, it tends to get some of the spill over from Smyths, when the latter gets too busy.

If it’s a bit crowded when you arrive, head out the back to the beer garden. It’s the perfect place for a drink with some friends, especially on a fine evening.

4. Blackbird

blackbird pub dublin

Photo via Dublin Snugs

Just over in Rathmines, Blackbird is another one worth visiting (although, if you do, keep an eye out for the drop as you’re walking into the toilets!).

The large trendy tavern has a bit of a retro vibe, with vintage video games and board games to challenge your mates over a pint.

There’s plenty of space to accommodate the weekend crowds, with a lovely beer garden and outdoor area, inside dining and bar with dim lighting and some space out the front as well.

5. Americana Bar

Americana Bar

Photos via Americana Bar on FB

If you’re looking for cocktail bars in Dublin, this place is the perfect spot for a date or night out with friends. The stylish bar serves up some impressive cocktails and mixed drinks from the large array of spirits available. 

The food is also outstanding with big portions served from lunch through to dinner. You can choose from the long wooden bar or the spacious dining area with natural lighting from the floor to ceiling windows.

FAQs about the best pubs in Ranelagh

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ranelagh pubs are best for a first date in Dublin?’ to ‘Which are the cheapest?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best pubs in Ranelagh (old-school spots)?

If you’re looking for traditional bars in Ranelage, Birchalls, Humphrey’s, SMYTHS and The Hill are great options.

What bars in Ranelagh are good for a date?

When it comes to Ranelagh pubs that suit a first date, Blackbird and Americana Bar are two solid choices.

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