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The Palace Bar
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
literaryhistoriccozy
About the Vibe
The Palace Bar is Dublin's most literary pub, a Victorian treasure on Fleet Street where Patrick Kavanagh once called it the "most wonderful temple of art." You'll find journalists, writers, and whiskey lovers mingling under stained-glass skylights and walls adorned with portraits of Ireland's literary greats. Skip the touristy Temple Bar crowds and head here for an authentic pint surrounded by history—just be prepared to pay premium prices for a seat.
Known For
- •Victorian heritage interior
- •literary history
- •Whiskey Palace
- •intellectual refreshments
Best For
afternoon pintliterary tourismwhiskey tasting
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
Dublin's Literary Temple
The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is a genuine piece of Dublin's literary heritage, established in 1823 and still operating as a Victorian pub with all the trimmings. The atmosphere is unmistakably historic—wood paneling, stained-glass skylights, and walls covered with portraits of the writers who once held court here. Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O'Brien, and Brendan Behan all counted this as their local, and you can still see their legacy everywhere, from the cheeky "intellectual refreshments" sign to the plaques embedded in the footpath outside.
The upstairs "Whiskey Palace" offers a more intimate setting for traditional music sessions, while the main bar maintains that classic pub feel with its authentic snug. The staff clearly take pride in preserving this heritage, even displaying a cheque once written by Kavanagh after a heavy drinking session. Prices have crept up over the years, and finding a seat can be challenging during peak hours, but you're paying for the experience of drinking in the same space where Ireland's greatest writers once debated, wrote, and drank. It's touristy but authentic—a rare combination in Dublin's city center.