If you’re heading to Dublin for the first time, or even the fifth, there’s a version of the trip that stays with you and a version that doesn’t. The difference is usually pretty small; it could simply be the pint you let settle, or just a whiskey you went for because someone behind the bar recommended it. Drinking in Dublin isn’t really about ticking boxes; it’s about slowing down enough to actually enjoy where you are. With so much on offer, we’ve broken down our top picks for drinks to try while you’re in the city.

Guinness

People who say Guinness tastes different in Dublin aren’t being romantic about it. A proper two-part pour takes a couple of minutes, and most places here won’t cut corners on it because the locals wouldn’t stand for it. The first pour fills the glass about three quarters of the way, then it’s left to settle until the surge of bubbles drops and the pint turns that deep, dark colour. 

Only then does it get topped off. If the only Guinness you’ve had was served warm or in a plastic cup at some outdoor event, this is the trip to reset your opinion entirely. Order one, find a seat, and give it the time it deserves.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey tends to be triple distilled, which makes it noticeably smoother than a lot of what’s out there and a good deal more approachable if you don’t usually go near spirits. Jameson is the easy entry point, and there’s no shame in starting there, but Dublin has some serious whiskey bars with ranges that go well beyond the mainstream. Single malts, single pot stills, small batch releases from distilleries you won’t have heard of; there’s a lot to get into if you’re willing. 

Ask whoever’s serving you, and if they know their stuff, they’ll point you somewhere interesting based on what you usually drink. It’s one of those categories where a bit of curiosity goes a long way.

Irish Coffee

Ignore whatever you’re picturing. A properly made Irish Coffee, good coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and cream floated on top rather than stirred through it, is one of those drinks that genuinely earns its place on any list. The cream sits on top of the hot coffee, and you drink through it, which sounds like a small detail until you actually try one done properly. It works after dinner, it works on a rainy afternoon, and Dublin tends to provide plenty of those. 

It’s something we take seriously at Bad Bobs, and if you’ve never had a decent one before, this is the place to change that.

Something Local on Tap

The craft beer scene in Ireland has grown enormously over the past decade, and Dublin is a good place to explore it. It’s worth paying attention to the taps when you walk into a bar, because there’s usually something local worth trying alongside the big names. 

Irish breweries are producing some genuinely interesting work right now, everything from easy-drinking pale ales to darker, more complex stuff that holds its own against anything you’d find elsewhere in Europe. 

Cocktails

It would be a shame to visit Dublin and not spend at least one evening in a proper cocktail bar, as we do them better than most parts of the world.

Classic cocktails done well are always worth ordering, but it’s also worth asking what the bar does well specifically, because the best places usually have a few things they’re particularly proud of. At Bad Bobs, our cocktail bar is one of the highlights of the venue, and the menu has plenty to keep you busy across a long evening.

Enjoy Your Drinks at Dublin’s Best Bar 

The drinks definitely matter, but so does where you are when you order them. So, make sure to visit us at Bad Bobs. We’re nestled in the heart of Temple Bar, and we are always happy to accommodate you and your group, whether that’s a small gathering or a big party!