O'Donoghue's Pub

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O'Donoghue's frontage onto Merrion Row

O’Donoghue’s Pub is a historically significant drinking establishment located near St. Stephen's Green on Dublin’s south side. Built in 1789 as a grocery store, in 1934 it began operating full-time as a pub when purchased by the O’Donoghue family.

The Pub is closely associated with Irish Traditional Music and was where the popular Irish folk group, The Dubliners, began performing in the early 60’s. Many other notable Irish musicians (including Christy Moore, The Fureys, Seamus Ennis, Joe Heaney and Phil Lynott) have played at O’Donoghue’s and their photographs line the walls from top to bottom. The most striking artwork are the portraits of the Dubliners (Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, John Sheahan and Barney McKenna as well as later members Eamonn Campbell and Sean Cannon) that hang to the right of the entrance near the spot where the nightly sessions are played.

The main bar stretches from the entrance to the rear snug. Its floors are Liscannor flagstone atop of which rests a wooden bar divided by large Mahogany panels. The rear snug has benches and the ubiquitous squat bar stools found all over Ireland. This dimly lit pub attracts both tourists and locals alike. In 1988 O’Donoghue’s was purchased by well known Publican, Oliver Barden, who has allowed the pub to continue the musical traditions that has made it one of the most popular pubs in a city with no shortage of great places to drink.