7 Christmassy Pubs In Dublin For A Festive Pint

There are some fantastically Christmassy pubs in Dublin that range from subtle Victorian interiors with a few well-placed garlands to full buildings transformed into festive displays that take days to put together.

Many, like the Gingerman, are based in and around the city centre while others, like the Strawberry Hall, require a little more effort to get to.

And, while the Christmas markets in Dublin leave a lot to be desired, there are some very festive pubs to tuck yourself away in for an hour or three.

Christmassy pubs in Dublin

The map above will give you a sense of where the various Christmassy pubs are located across the capital.

Many are dotted across the city but note that others, like the Strawberry Hall, are further afield and a little harder to get to.

1. The Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall sits on Blackhorse Avenue along the boundary of the Phoenix Park, and it’s one of the few pubs in Dublin that decorates their entire building for Christmas.

Its history stretches back to 1651 when it operated as the Blackhorse Inn. Today it’s known for its long Tudor-style frontage and for being one of Europe’s longest pubs, running the length of a full terrace.

At Christmas, the entire building is decorated from end to end. The exterior is fully lit each evening, and inside, every section has its own theme, with lights, trees and displays running the full stretch of the pub.

Dublin’s festive activities and events: There’s lots taking place during Christmas in Dublin, including the new Twinkletown and Dublin Loves Christmas markets

2. The Strawberry Hall

The Strawberry Hall sits in the Strawberry Beds near Chapelizod, along the Liffey, and it’s known for a 70+ year family tradition of turning the entire pub into a Christmas grotto.

The decorations started in the 1950s and still take about two weeks to install, with old and new pieces covering every room.

Visitors can look forward to great Guinness, friendly staff, and the option to bring in Goats Gruff pizzas from the car park across the road. Expect glowing trees, bright displays, and a cosy interior that feels tailor-made for cold evenings.

3. The Gingerman

Arguably the most famous of the Christmassy pubs in Dublin is The Gingerman on Fenian Street.

They’ve been going all out at Christmas for over three decades, and the setup now covers every part of the building, from ceiling displays to themed corners.

The team closes the pub for several days each year to install everything at once, including a full Christmas village that supports Focus Ireland.

New features are added annually, and recent additions include an old-style festive room fitted with vintage pictures, wallpaper, and a fireplace sourced to match the 80s–90s theme.

4. The Temple Bar

The Temple Bar is arguably best known for its external decorations but, as anyone who’s nipped inside during the festive period will tell you, the interior is just as impressive.

Inside, The Temple Bar is packed tight with lights, garlands, and framed memorabilia covering almost every surface.

The ceiling is loaded with baubles, bows, and strings of warm LEDs, giving the whole room a dense, layered look. The walls are lined with old Guinness ads, pictures, and mirrors, all wrapped in greenery and lighting.

I was here yesterday evening for several expensive pints – while many regard it as a tourist trap due to its prices, you can’t fault the live music, the atmosphere and the fantastic festive decorations.

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5. The Bank

The Bank on College Green leans heavily on the building’s old banking hall, and the Christmas setup makes the space look even larger.

A huge tree rises almost to the stained-glass ceiling, surrounded by garlands wrapped along the mezzanine and the marble columns.

The room is already ornate with its carved plasterwork, tiled floors and high arches, so the decorations sit naturally into the structure rather than overwhelming it.

With the skylight lit from above and the tree fully dressed, the main bar becomes one of the most visually striking festive rooms in the city.

6. The Stag’s Head

The Stag’s Head sits on Dame Court, just off Dame Street, in the middle of the old commercial district. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Dublin and it’s one of the city’s best-preserved Victorian pubs, with features that date back to the late 1800s.

Expect stained-glass ceilings, polished mahogany, mirrored walls, and crowds! At Christmas, the decorations are kept deliberately light so the building’s already impressive interior does the heavy lifting.

Garlands run along the timber arches, red bows mark the columns, and the low lamps and leather snugs stay at the centre of the room.

7. The Oval

The Oval sits on Middle Abbey Street, just off O’Connell Street, and traces its history back to the early 1820s.

It was destroyed during the 1916 Rising and later rebuilt, so the interior still reflects strong Victorian and Edwardian influences (dark timber, patterned ceilings, snug booths and mirrored walls).

At Christmas, the decorations are worked into the existing structure rather than piled on.

Garlands wrap the balcony and bar, large red bows sit along the upper rail, and the lamps and woodwork stay central. The result is a warm, old-style festive look that fits the building’s history without overwhelming it.

Discover more great Dublin pubs this Christmas

If you’ve had your fill of Christmassy pubs in Dublin, these guides will come in handy:

• The best pubs with live music in Dublin
• Where to find the best Guinness in Dublin