The Stag's Head

The Stag's Head is everything you want from a Dublin pub and then some. From the moment you step through the door, you're transported back in time with its ornate woodwork, warm lighting, and that unmistakable smell of old wood and good beer. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable—they'll happily guide you through their impressive whiskey collection or recommend the perfect pint. The food is solid pub grub done right, and if you're lucky, you'll catch some of their live trad music sessions that happen most nights of the week.

What sets this place apart is the genuine warmth and the sense that it's still a local's pub first, tourist destination second. You'll see regulars chatting at the bar, students grabbing a quick pint after class, and visitors who've clearly done their research. The location is perfect—just a short walk from Grafton Street's shopping but far enough away to escape the crowds. This is the kind of place where you'll want to linger over a second drink and strike up conversations with strangers. It's Dublin pub culture at its finest, and it's easy to see why it won Best Traditional Pub in 2023.

The exterior alone is worth the detour — three bronze stag heads cast a watchful eye over Dame Court, and the famous mosaic stag inside the entrance is one of the most photographed floors in Dublin. The pub broke new ground in its heyday, being the first in Ireland to install electric lighting. Whether you're here for a quiet afternoon pint or a lively evening with trad music, the Stag's Head delivers the authentic Dublin experience that so many places promise but few actually deliver.