A good pint of Guinness and the Irish capital go hand in hand. Whether it’s a rough day at work, a celebration, or simply sharing a good time with friends, there always seems to be a pint of Guinness involved when you’re in Dublin.
As the home of the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin has a deep connection with this particular stout ever since Arthur Guinness started brewing at St. James’s Gate.
Ask any Dubliner, and they’ll tell you, not all pints poured in Dublin are the same. It comes down to how well the pub maintains its lines, the pressure in the taps, and the skill of the bartender pouring it. When all of that comes together, and it’s served in the right glass, you’ve got the perfect pint, which is exactly what we sample on my Dublin food tours.
If you want to try the best pint of Guinness for yourself, these are the best pubs to do it.
What Makes a Great Pint of Guinness?
Every pint of Guinness goes down a treat, but there’s an art behind it that contributes to the incredible flavor.
It begins with the two-part pour, which must be made at a 45-degree angle, but is stopped around three-quarters of the way through to allow it to settle. When it’s ready, then the pint must be topped with a creamy head before the consumer can take the first sip.
Rather than sticking to CO2 like most beers, Guinness has a Nitrogen and CO2 balance that gives it its smooth velvety texture. For a pint to taste good, it comes down to the freshness of the keg, which must be stored in a cold room, and the lines must be cleaned regularly for quality.
When it comes to glassware, regular Guinness drinkers claim that the pint doesn’t taste the same unless served in a clear, branded glass, commonly known as ‘tulip glasses.’ The serving temperature is also very important, with the recommended range being around 5–7 °C.
The Best Pubs for a Pint of Guinness in Dublin
John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
Photo credit: John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
One of Dublin’s most famous pubs, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, is famed nationally for its delicious pint of Guinness. It’s a quintessential Irish pub, complete with wooden interiors, locals gathered at the bar, and a friendly atmosphere.
I could clearly see that all of the bartenders had perfected the slow pour, with lines of pints settling gradually at the bar as I walked in. After taking my first creamy sip, I began to understand why this place is so famous, it was so smooth with a delightful crisp aftertaste.
John Kavanagh The Gravediggers – Dublin D09 CF72 – Open every Monday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, and every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Kehoes
Photo credit: Kehoes
Hugely popular among locals and tourists, Kehoes on Anne Street is where everyone in the city gathers on the weekend for a refreshing Guinness. This pub always maintains a lively atmosphere, with a snug feel and an energetic crowd, especially when a match is on.
After the bartender dropped my pint, I knew the kegs were as fresh as they could be because of the velvety head on it. The pint itself has a light sweetness with some earthy undertones, accompanied by a subtle bitterness that I enjoyed.
Kehoes – Dublin D02 NY88 – Open every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, Tuesday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30 am, and every Sunday from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Grogans
Photo credit: Grogans
A go-to boozer on South William Street, famed for its Guinness and toastie combo, Grogans is one of the top pubs in Dublin. Seeing a group of people standing outside holding smooth, full-bodied pints as I walked past convinced me right away. I followed suit and paired that with one of their oozing cheesy toastie, which was a tasty duo.
I found Grogan’s to be a tourist-friendly spot where you can sit and chat, and the locals are always happy to strike up a conversation. The bartenders, too, were very helpful with their recommendations.
Grogans – Dublin D02 H336 – Open every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30 pm to 11:30 pm, Tuesday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30 am, and every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm
How to Drink Guinness Like a Local
Want to sip your pint like the Dubs do it? Here are some pointers for you.
- Wait until the pint settles before you pick it up for a gulp, or else you’ll get some eye balls.
- Take your time when drinking your pint. You want to savor every sip to enjoy the taste.
- Order some grub to have while you’re drinking, like soda bread, Irish stew, or fresh oysters.
- Try to snag a seat at the bar alongside some regulars for a local experience.
Is the Guinness Storehouse the Best Place for a Pint?
Many first-time visitors will have the Guinness Storehouse on their to-do list, it is the home of this great stout, after all.
To say the quality of Guinness here is fantastic would be an understatement, but it’s more geared toward tourists, so it’s not quite as authentic as sitting at a bar somewhere in Dublin with a pint in hand.
If you go, you’ll likely visit Guinness’s famous Gravity Bar, which overlooks the capital and offers amazing views, along with all kinds of crafty Guinness-infused drinks in addition to pints.
However, the vast majority of locals prefer to nurse their pints in a traditional Irish pub, where the crack is mighty, and conversation flows freely with those around you, all while sipping an exceptionally poured stout.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Guinness isn’t just like having another drink in Dublin, it’s more like a religion, where every pint is an experience. The atmosphere and the history of the pub you drink in all play their part.
To track down the tastiest pint, you’ll need to visit a few pubs, not just one. Don’t be shy about asking locals where to go; they always know the right bars that have the best pours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the best pint of Guinness in Dublin?
The best pint of Guinness in Dublin can be found at John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, although Kehoes and Grogans are brilliant alternatives.
Why does Guinness taste better in Ireland?
Guinness tastes better in Ireland for several reasons, including more frequent line cleaning, better keg storage, careful attention to pouring techniques, and the high volume of daily orders, which means kegs are used up faster.
What’s the secret to a perfect Guinness pour?
For a pint of Guinness to be poured perfectly, it must be done with a two-part pour at a 45-degree angle and allowed to settle three-quarters of the way before being topped with a creamy head.
Should I visit the Guinness Storehouse or a local pub for the best pint?
It depends on what you’re looking for. High-quality Guinness can be found in both types of establishments, but it’s best to visit a local boozer for a true Irish pub experience.
What foods pair well with Guinness?
Guinness goes well with a wide variety of foods such as soda bread, Irish stew, and fresh oysters.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin/
John Kavanagh – The Gravediggers. (n.d.). John Kavanagh – The Gravediggers. Facebook. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/JohnKavanaghTheGravediggers/
Kehoe’s. (n.d.). Kehoe’s Dublin. Kehoe’s. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://kehoesdublin.ie/
Grogans. (n.d.). Grogans Pub. Grogans. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.groganspub.ie/
