Beer Garden Pubs in Dublin

Ah yes, Ryan's Beggars Bush in Dublin - another "authentic" Irish pub in a city that certainly wasn't crying out for more of those. Located suspiciously close to the Aviva Stadium, I approached with the weary resignation of someone who's seen too many sports bars masquerading as proper Dublin pubs. But damn it all if this place didn't manage to charm me despite my best efforts to maintain my professional cynicism. Let's address the elephant in the room - match days. You'll either love the electric atmosphere or hate the crushing humanity, depending on your tolerance for rugby-shirt-clad masses practicing their singing. The service can move from swift to glacial faster than a prop forward's sprint, but that's practically a Dublin tradition at this point. At least the prices won't leave you sobbing into your pint glass - a refreshing change in a city where some establishments seem to think they're serving liquid gold. The beer garden deserves special mention, if only because it's actually worthy of both words in that phrase. Unlike the sad concrete patches some Dublin pubs try to pass off as outdoor seating, Ryan's Beggars Bush offers a genuinely pleasant space where you can watch your drink collect condensation in the three annual days of Irish sunshine. The staff maintains it meticulously, which I noticed with increasing amazement as empty glasses disappeared with unusual efficiency. Speaking of staff, they've mastered that uniquely Irish ability to be simultaneously friendly and slightly intimidating. Yes, there's the occasional bout of attitude that makes you feel like you've personally offended their ancestors, but it's almost endearing once you realize it's part of the authentic Dublin pub experience. And let's be honest - if you can't handle a bit of sass from your bartender, you might want to stick to coffee shops. The Guinness here is... well, it's proper Guinness. And while some might roll their eyes at another review discussing Dublin's black stuff, there's a reason tourists and locals alike flock here for their pints. The pour is methodical, the settle is perfect, and the taste is exactly what Arthur himself intended. Though I've heard whispers about some glass-related controversies, I've never seen a badly-served pint leave the bar. For those who haven't pledged lifelong allegiance to stout, there's a surprisingly decent selection of other beverages. The wine list won't win any awards (nor should it - this is a pub, not a vineyard), but the cocktails are unexpectedly competent. They've even embraced the modern necessity of contactless payments, though I suspect some of the old-timers still regard this as evidence of society's moral decline. The pet-friendly policy is another surprise win. There's something oddly charming about watching a local's dog doze under a table while its owner debates sports statistics with increasing passion and decreasing accuracy as the evening progresses. It adds to the homey atmosphere that so many other places try and fail to manufacture. What truly sets Ryan's Beggars Bush apart from Dublin's endless parade of pubs is its ability to balance various identities without losing its soul. It's a sports bar without being obnoxious about it, a local haunt that welcomes tourists without resenting them, and a traditional pub that's made peace with modern necessities. The free street parking nearby is a bonus, though good luck finding a spot on match days unless you arrive before the players do. Look, I didn't want to like Ryan's Beggars Bush. I wanted to dismiss it as just another Dublin pub trading on proximity to the Aviva Stadium. But much like that friend who keeps making bad jokes until you finally crack a smile, it wore down my defenses. Whether you're a local seeking a reliable pint, a tourist on your obligatory pub crawl, or a sports fan needing pre-match sustenance, you'll find something to appreciate here. Just don't expect me to admit that in person - I have a reputation to maintain.

Another pub in Dublin? Just what this city needs - like another Guinness tourist trap or Temple Bar wannabe. But wait... Peggy Kelly's Pub in Dublin's charming Dublin 6 area has somehow managed to pull off the impossible: being both authentically Irish and genuinely worth your time. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. Let's address the elephant in the room - that beer garden everyone keeps banging on about. Yes, it's lovely, and yes, I'm annoyed that I have to admit it. The space manages to be both cozy and expansive, with clever covered sections that make it usable even when Dublin's notorious weather decides to do its thing. It's like they actually thought about the fact that we live in Ireland, not the Mediterranean. The first crack in my cynical armor appeared when I spotted the surprisingly diverse crowd. Peggy Kelly's Pub has somehow achieved what most Dublin pubs only pretend to - a genuine mix of locals, young professionals, and yes, even tourists who've managed to escape the gravitational pull of Temple Bar. The fact that they all seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves is... disturbing. Now, about the food. I arrived fully prepared to write off their menu as another bland attempt at "elevated pub grub," but their Korean fried chicken (of all things) stopped me mid-eye-roll. It's inexplicably good, like someone's Korean grandmother is secretly running the kitchen. The beef burger, which I ordered purely for research purposes, mind you, proved equally traitorous to my predetermined skepticism. The kitchen clearly doesn't know they're supposed to be mediocre - how inconsiderate. The service style here is refreshingly honest - they're not trying to be a fine dining establishment, thank heavens, but neither are they falling into the trap of performative "authentic Irish pub" shtick. Yes, the food service can be a bit leisurely during peak times, but you're in a pub in Dublin - if you're in a rush, you're missing the point entirely. Speaking of points, let's talk about pricing. It sits comfortably in that sweet spot where you can't quite complain about the cost, but you're not checking your bank balance mid-meal either. The portions are generous enough to satisfy without being American-tourist enormous, and the drink prices won't make you wonder if they're serving liquid gold. The amenities hit all the right notes - good for groups (if you plan ahead), child-friendly without feeling like a creche, and that aforementioned beer garden that I'm still bitter about loving. They've even managed to make the indoor space work for sports viewing without turning the whole place into a screaming match when there's a match on. For those keeping score at home, yes, they take cards (welcome to the 21st century), and there's both free and paid street parking nearby. Though if you're planning to sample their rather decent selection of drinks, do yourself and the rest of Dublin a favor and grab a taxi. Here's the real kicker - Peggy Kelly's Pub has managed to create something increasingly rare in Dublin: a place where the atmosphere feels organic rather than manufactured. The "intersection of young, trendy and traditional" that everyone keeps talking about isn't just marketing speak - it's actually true, and I hate that I have to acknowledge it. Look, I don't want to like Peggy Kelly's Pub as much as I do. It would be much easier to dismiss it as just another Dublin pub trying too hard. But here I am, recommending that you book a table (yes, actually book - this isn't your typical walk-in-and-hope setup, especially for the beer garden). Whether you're after a solid meal, a properly poured pint, or just a genuinely pleasant spot to while away an afternoon in Dublin, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.