The Brazen Head in Dublin

I visited this pub during a trip to Ireland from Japan. It was advertised as the oldest Irish pub, so I was a little apprehensive, wondering what kind of grumpy bartender would be waiting behind the old counter, but that was just my imagination. On the first day, it was Sunday evening and it was already full, so I gave up, but when I visited the next day at lunchtime, there were still a fair number of people, but it was empty enough that I could choose any seat I liked. As I was hesitating at the counter, a friendly-looking old man greeted me and took my order. I told him I wanted a Guinness and a traditional stew, and he explained that food orders were taken elsewhere and kindly guided me there. At a table on the second floor, I ordered the stew and, in the end, the pub's red ale instead of Guinness, while my wife ordered an Irish coffee. The atmosphere, service, and food were all wonderful, and we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves. Incidentally, although I like alcohol, I don't like coffee, so I had never drunk Irish coffee anywhere before, but I took a sip of my wife's Irish coffee. I was surprised at how delicious it was. It was the best experience of all, to drink it for the first time in its homeland and find it delicious.

A must-try when in Dublin, the food is really great :)

We visited this place as soon as we arrived in Dublin. Everyone's first stop in Dublin is Temple Bar, but this place is older than Temple Bar and is at the top of many travelers' lists. It has a history dating back to 1200 and is Dublin's oldest pub. We've been here many times. Although it seems far from the center, it's not; it's a 10-minute walk. I think it's the most iconic place. There's a shared garden area at the entrance. There's usually a queue for food, and if you go in the late afternoon, you might have to wait quite a while, as you can see from the photos. When we first arrived, we mentioned that we could also eat at the bar, and we actually sat in a place where we could observe this medieval pub very well. (The bar front, the second door from the right at the main entrance) On the first day, we tried Beef Stew, fries, and lager beers (harp, rockshore, and brazen) in that order. All the lager beers were very good. If you have time, I recommend trying them all. Yes, Dublin is the capital of Guinness beer, but we love lagers and we adored these beers. Guinness also produces harp beer, for example. Their own special braised craft beer was also fantastic. At first, we couldn't see the meat for the main course, which surprised us, but we later realized all the meat was under the potatoes. We paid a total of 59 euros. The potatoes were good and the portion was sufficient. On our second visit, we sat in one of the rooms inside, four of us. Yes, the room with the bar is the nicest, but this one was also fine. You absolutely must visit this place. And before you go, read a brief history to enjoy it even more. Generally, the staff are helpful. However, they can be a little grumpy during busy evenings, but that's normal (the blonde woman with glasses who directs people waiting in line inside). We recommend it, you absolutely must visit. And several times! 🙏

A welcoming and quaint pub, it's a city institution and one of the oldest in the country. Excellent beers and food, with an exquisite staff. A must-see if you're visiting Dublin—it's not every day you get to enjoy a pint where a Viking might once have had one!

Cozy. Mostly tourists but it’s still a good stop!

Very cool to visit such an old pub! You have to queue if dining - don’t be discouraged by a long line as they have a lot of seating and turn over tables quickly. Just your average pub fare and drinks, but super cool atmosphere!

We would definitely go back! Food was amazing, staff were very attentive and the atmosphere was awesome, many choices of sit, stand or live music! Great experience!

An authentic pub with efficient service and typical pub food, well cooked. The beef stew is amazing.

Had to visit when in Dublin for 9 days. Had the beef stew first day which was delicious, and green just enjoyed beers outside a couple days later. The atmosphere and people were awesome.

I know this is on many lists yet there’s a reason for that. I didn’t try the food which is why it’s not rated. The atmosphere, and bartenders are reason enough to make a stop.