Finnegan's of Dalkey

Just what Dublin needed - another pub claiming to be the authentic Irish experience. Finnegan's of Dalkey joins the countless establishments vying for tourist euros with promises of "genuine craic" and "traditional atmosphere." I approached with the weary resignation of someone who's seen too many Pinterest-perfect pubs trying desperately to manufacture charm.

But damn it all if Finnegan's of Dalkey didn't catch me off guard. Perhaps it's the location, nestled in that absurdly picturesque corner of Dublin where the sea meets the hills. Or maybe it's the way the afternoon light streams through windows that have witnessed more stories than any Instagram filter could capture. Whatever sorcery they're employing, it's working.

The woodwork alone deserves its own paragraph. While other Dublin pubs install pre-fabricated "vintage" fixtures that would make their ancestors weep, Finnegan's sports the kind of craftsmanship that comes from decades of elbows polishing dark oak to a mirror shine. The snugs - those intimate wooden booths that are increasingly endangered in modern pubs - remain gloriously intact, offering refuge for both secretive lovers and antisocial writers (guilty as charged).

Let's talk about the Shepherd's Pie because apparently, we must. It arrives at your table approximately three degrees below the surface temperature of the sun, which is how you know it's actually been made today, not reheated from last week's batch. The patience required while waiting for it to cool to non-lethal temperatures is rewarded with a dish that somehow manages to elevate simple comfort food to something worth writing home about. Though I'd rather eat glass than admit this in person, it might be the best in Dublin.

The fish and chips deserve mention, if only because they've managed to avoid the cardinal sin of Dublin pub food - mediocrity masked by beer batter. The haddock is fresh enough to make you forget you're not actually seaside, though you're close enough to Dalkey's coast to hear seagulls plotting their next chip heist.

Live music here doesn't feel like the obligatory guitar massacre that plagues lesser establishments. They've somehow managed to cultivate a roster of musicians who understand that volume isn't a substitute for talent. And while we're on the subject of atmosphere, the staff have mastered that elusive balance between attentiveness and leaving you the hell alone - a skill seemingly lost on many of their contemporaries.

The prices won't make you choke on your Guinness (which, by the way, is poured with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious ceremonies). It's not bargain-basement cheap, but you're not paying Temple Bar prices for Tourist Bar quality either. The value proposition actually makes sense, which is increasingly rare in Dublin's hospitality scene.

Speaking of drinks, the bar staff know their stuff without being insufferable about it. Order a cocktail, and you won't get an eye-roll - just a properly made drink. The wine list is surprisingly decent for a pub, though if you're coming to Finnegan's of Dalkey for the wine list, we need to have a different conversation about life choices.

Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, though they might have to compete with locals who've been holding court at the bar since before Instagram existed. The outdoor seating area manages to be pleasant without feeling like an afterthought, perfect for those three days of summer Dublin experiences annually.

Located just around the corner from the DART station, Finnegan's of Dalkey is annoyingly accessible, removing your last excuse for not visiting. Street parking exists if you're feeling optimistic, though honestly, the train is your friend here. They take cards (welcome to the 21st century), and their NFC payment system actually works, which shouldn't be noteworthy but somehow still is in Dublin.

Look, I wanted to dismiss Finnegan's of Dalkey as just another entry in Dublin's endless pub catalogue. But like that friend who keeps making good life choices despite your determination to view them cynically, this place has earned its reputation. Whether you're a local seeking refuge from the tourist traps or a visitor hoping to experience a proper Dublin pub, you'll find what you're looking for here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.