8 Breweries Not to Miss in Dublin: Complete Guide to Irish Beer Tourism
We know that Amsterdam and the Netherlands are not just Heineken, and often pints and mugs are not the first indulgences that come to mind when you land at Schiphol. Today, however, we talk about Dublin, which for too many of us is still just Guinness: certainly among the big industrial beer players, it has the most fascinating history, and the St. James Gate museum is worth a visit, but inside and outside the Temple Bar district, the city offers much more exciting drinks.
Dublin has undergone a true craft beer revolution in the last 15 years, moving from Guinness's monopoly to a landscape rich with innovative craft breweries, welcoming brewpubs, and modern taprooms. This guide takes you to discover the 8 breweries not to miss in the Irish capital, with practical information, beers to try, and tips for a perfect Dublin beer tour.
Dublin and Beer: A Centuries-Old Love Story
Guinness: The Global Icon
You can't talk about Dublin without mentioning Guinness. Founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, the St. James's Gate Brewery has become the symbol of Irish beer worldwide. Guinness Stout – dark, creamy, with notes of roasted coffee – is served in every Irish pub and represents the country's beer identity.
The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin's top tourist attraction (over 1.7 million visitors annually), with 7 floors dedicated to the history, production, and culture of Guinness. The Gravity Bar on the seventh floor offers a free pint with a 360° panoramic view of the city.
The Irish Craft Beer Revolution
Until the 2000s, the Irish beer landscape was dominated by a few large companies (Guinness, Murphy's, Beamish). But from 2010 onwards, Dublin has experienced a craft brewery explosion bringing innovation, variety, and quality.
Today Dublin has over 20 craft breweries, with styles ranging from American IPAs to traditional Stouts, Belgian Sours to German Lagers. The Dublin craft scene is young, dynamic, and constantly evolving.
The 8 Breweries Not to Miss in Dublin
1. The Porterhouse Brewing Company
Founded: 1996
Area: Temple Bar (and other locations)
Style: Pioneer Brewpub
The Porterhouse was the first modern brewpub in Dublin, opened in 1996 when the Irish craft scene was practically non-existent. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, the city's most touristy and lively neighborhood, the Porterhouse challenged Guinness's monopoly by offering innovative craft beers.
Beers to try:
- Oyster Stout: Stout brewed with fresh oysters, creamy and salty
- Plain Porter: Traditional Irish Porter, toasted and easy-drinking
- Wrasslers XXXX Stout: Powerful Imperial Stout (10% ABV)
- Temple Brau Lager: Light and refreshing Lager
Atmosphere: Traditional Irish pub on 3 floors, with dark wood, live music, and a friendly vibe. Always busy, especially on weekends.
Why visit: History, central location, variety of beers, and authenticity. It’s the perfect place to start your Dublin beer tour.
Practical info:
📍 16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar
🕐 Open daily 12:00-23:30
💶 Pint: €6-7
2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Founded: 2015 (as an experimental taproom)
Area: St. James's Gate
Style: Guinness experimental brewery
Next to the historic St. James's Gate Brewery, Guinness opened the Open Gate Brewery in 2015, an experimental brewery where brewers create innovative and limited edition beers you won’t find anywhere else.
Beers to try:
- Guinness IPA: Yes, Guinness also makes IPA! Hoppy and surprising
- Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee: Stout with cold brew coffee
- Seasonal beers: Change regularly (Sour, Barrel-Aged, etc.)
- Guinness Draught (very fresh): Just a few meters from the brewery
Atmosphere: Modern, industrial, with brewery views. Spacious taproom with communal tables and a relaxed vibe.
Why visit: Discover Guinness’s innovative side, try exclusive beers, and see where Guinness is made.
Practical info:
📍 St. James's Gate, The Liberties
🕐 Thu-Sun 12:00-20:00
💶 Pint: €6-8
🎟️ Free entry (no Storehouse tour)
3. Rascals Brewing Company
Founded: 2014
Area: Inchicore
Style: Modern craft brewery
Rascals is one of Dublin’s most respected craft breweries, known for consistent quality and an innovative approach. Founded by Emma Devlin and Cathal O'Donoghue, Rascals produces modern beers with an Irish touch.
Beers to try:
- Rascals Lager: Clean and easy-drinking Lager, perfect for any occasion
- Rascals IPA: American IPA hopped with Citra and Mosaic
- Rascals Pale Ale: Balanced and aromatic
- Seasonal beers: Sour, NEIPA, Stout
Atmosphere: Modern and welcoming taproom, with fresh beers straight from the tanks. Often hosts events and tastings.
Why visit: Craft quality, innovation, and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those looking for well-made modern beers.
Practical info:
📍 Unit 1, Kylemore Park N, Inchicore
🕐 Fri-Sun (variable hours, check website)
💶 Pint: €6-7
4. Whiplash Beer
Founded: 2016
Area: Liberties
Style: Gypsy brewery (nomadic brewery)
Whiplash is Dublin’s most "hype" brewery, known for its bold, modern, and Instagram-friendly beers. Founded by Alex Lawes and Louise McGuane, Whiplash started as a gypsy brewery (brewing at other breweries) before opening its own taproom.
Beers to try:
- Whiplash Lager: Modern and refreshing Lager
- Scaldy Hop: Drinkable Session IPA
- Rollover: Hazy and fruity NEIPA
- Experimental beers: Sour, Pastry Stout, collaborations
Atmosphere: Hipster, young, colorful. Small but lively taproom with artistic labels and informal vibe.
Why visit: To try the most innovative and "cool" beers in Dublin. Perfect for millennials and modern craft beer enthusiasts.
Practical info:
📍 Unit 2B, Parnell St
🕐 Fri-Sun (variable hours)
💶 Pint: €6-8
5. Trouble Brewing
Founded: 2009
Area: Kimmage
Style: Traditional craft brewery
Trouble Brewing is one of the pioneers of the Dublin craft scene, founded by Paul O'Connor in 2009. The ironic name ("Trouble") reflects the rebellious and independent spirit of the brewery.
Beers to try:
- Dark Arts Porter: Dark and roasted Porter with chocolate notes
- Sabotage IPA: Hoppy American IPA
- Deception Golden Ale: Light and drinkable Golden Ale
- Seasonal beers: Stout, Pale Ale, Sour
Atmosphere: Informal and welcoming taproom with a "garage brewery" vibe. Frequent events and tap takeovers.
Why visit: Authenticity, history of the Dublin craft scene, and solid beers. Perfect for those seeking a true craft soul.
Practical info:
📍 Unit 7, Kimmage Industrial Estate
🕐 Fri-Sat (variable hours)
💶 Pint: €5-6
6. YellowBelly Beer
Founded: 2016
Area: Wexford (with taproom in Dublin)
Style: Irish craft brewery
YellowBelly is a brewery from Wexford (southeast Ireland) that opened a taproom in Dublin, bringing its innovative beers to the capital. The name comes from the nickname of Wexford locals.
Beers to try:
- YellowBelly Lager: Clean and refreshing Lager
- Belly Flop IPA: Hoppy and aromatic IPA
- Stout: Creamy Irish-style Stout
- Seasonal beers: Sour, NEIPA, collaborations
Atmosphere: Modern and spacious taproom with industrial design and relaxed vibe.
Why visit: Quality beers, modern atmosphere, and representation of the Irish craft scene beyond Dublin.
Practical info:
📍 Various locations (check website)
🕐 Variable
💶 Pint: €6-7
7. The Black Sheep
Founded: 2013
Area: Sandyford
Style: Craft brewpub
The Black Sheep is a brewpub located in Sandyford (south Dublin), known for its traditional Irish beers and welcoming atmosphere. The name "Black Sheep" reflects the brewery's independent spirit.
Beers to try:
- Black Sheep Stout: Creamy and toasted Stout
- Red Ale: Malted and caramel Irish Red Ale
- Pale Ale: Balanced and easy to drink
- Seasonal beers: Porter, IPA, Lager
Atmosphere: Traditional Irish pub with visible brewery. Family-friendly and relaxed vibe.
Why visit: Authenticity, traditional Irish beers, and local pub atmosphere.
Practical info:
📍 Sandyford
🕐 Mon-Sun 12:00-11:00 PM
💶 Pint: €5-6
8. Hopfully Brewing
Founded: 2018
Area: Blanchardstown
Style: Modern craft brewery
Hopfully is one of Dublin's newest breweries, founded by passionate homebrewers who turned their hobby into a profession. The name is a play on words between "hopefully" and "hop."
Beers to try:
- Hopfully IPA: Hoppy IPA with American hops
- Pale Ale: Balanced and aromatic
- Stout: Creamy and toasted
- Experimental beers: NEIPA, Sour, collaborations
Atmosphere: Modern and informal taproom, with a friendly and welcoming vibe.
Why visit: Discover new talents in Dublin's craft scene and try fresh, innovative beers.
Practical info:
📍 Blanchardstown
🕐 Fri-Sun (variable hours)
💶 Pint: €6-7
How to organize your beer tour in Dublin
Recommended itinerary (1 day)
Morning (10:00 AM-1:00 PM):
- Guinness Storehouse - Full tour (2-3 hours) with a pint at the Gravity Bar
- Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Experimental beers (1 hour)
Afternoon (2:00-6:00 PM):
- Lunch at Temple Bar - Fish & chips or Irish stew
- The Porterhouse - Pint and traditional atmosphere (1-2 hours)
- Whiplash Beer - Modern and innovative beers (1 hour)
Evening (7:00-11:00 PM):
- Rascals Brewing - Modern taproom (1-2 hours)
- Dinner in a traditional pub - Guinness Stew or Shepherd's Pie
- Live music at Temple Bar - Perfect ending
Practical tips
Transport:
- Dublin is compact and walkable - many breweries are reachable on foot
- Use public transport (DART, Luas, bus) for breweries outside the center
- Avoid driving - Ireland has strict alcohol limits
Budget:
- Average pint: €6-7
- Guinness Storehouse tour: €25-30
- Lunch/dinner: €15-25
- Daily budget: €80-120
When to go:
- Spring/Summer (May-Sep): Better weather, more crowded
- Autumn/Winter (Oct-Apr): Fewer tourists, more authentic atmosphere
- St. Patrick's Day (March 17): National holiday, city in frenzy
Beyond Breweries: The Best Pubs in Dublin
Historic Traditional Pubs
The Brazen Head (1198): Ireland’s oldest pub, authentic atmosphere
The Stag's Head (1770): Magnificent Victorian interiors, perfect Guinness
Kehoe's (1803): Traditional pub with local vibe
The Long Hall (1766): Mirrors, dark wood, vintage atmosphere
Pubs with Craft Selection
The Brew Dock: 30+ taps with Irish and international craft beers
Against The Grain: Modern craft beer bar with rotating selection
57 The Headline: Craft beers and cocktails
The Irish Pub Culture
How to Order a Pint
- Approach the bar (don’t wait for the waiter)
- Make eye contact with the bartender
- Order: "A pint of Guinness, please"
- Wait patiently – a perfect Guinness takes 119.5 seconds (poured in two stages)
- Pay immediately or open a tab
Pub Etiquette
- Rounds: In Ireland, it’s customary to do "rounds" – everyone buys a round for the group
- Tip: Not mandatory, but appreciated (10%)
- Conversation: The Irish are sociable – don’t be surprised if strangers talk to you
- Live music: Often free, but tip the musicians
Irish Beers to Try Beyond Guinness
Stout and Porter
- Murphy's Irish Stout: Sweeter and creamier than Guinness
- Beamish Stout: Toasted and chocolaty
- O'Hara's Irish Stout: Craft, complex
Red Ale
- Smithwick's Irish Red Ale: Malty, caramelized, easy to drink
- Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale: Creamy and sweet
Irish Craft Beer
- Galway Bay Brewery: Innovative IPA, Pale Ale, Stout
- O'Hara's: Full range of traditional and modern styles
- Franciscan Well: Cork brewery with excellent IPA
Conclusion: Dublin, Capital of Irish Craft Beer
Dublin is not just Guinness. The Irish capital has experienced a craft beer revolution that has transformed it into one of the most interesting beer destinations in Europe. From pioneering breweries like The Porterhouse to new talents like Whiplash, and the innovation of Guinness Open Gate, Dublin offers a rich, varied, and authentic beer tourism experience.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Stout or modern IPA, Dublin has the perfect beer for you. And after a day of tastings, there is nothing better than relaxing in a historic pub with live music, a perfect pint, and warm Irish hospitality.
Sláinte! (Cheers in Irish Gaelic) 🍺🇮🇪
On Maltese you find a selection of Irish craft beers to bring the taste of Dublin home. Discover our collection and plan your next Irish beer tour!
