O'Donoghues

Address: 15 Merrion Row, (nr St Stephen's Green), Dublin, County Dublin, 2, Ireland (Eire)
Tel: +353 (0)1 660 7194
Website: view O'Donoghues’ website
Door: Go early
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

O'Donoghues sits at the St. Stephen's Green end of what locals refer to as the 'Royal Mile' of traditional Dublin pubs. It is famous for the live traditional Irish music enjoyed here seven nights a week.

The Dubliners started their career here and were regular performers in the cramped space just inside the front window. Other famous groups to occupy the same hallowed spot include Christy Moore, The Fureys and Phil Lynott.

The building dates back to 1789 and was originally a grocery store until purchased and converted by the O'Donoghue family in 1934. The narrow frontage makes this appear a small pub and even when you enter the wonderfully gloomy front bar, the deception continues. Don't be fooled, this place stretches right back and then there's the side alley. The pub and its patrons have literally spilled over into Golden Lane which is now partially covered and heated.

Photographs of the famous musicians who have played here plaster the walls. You could find yourself watching the next group to be added to the wall.