The Brazen Head in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland | Pub

The Brazen Head is Dublin’s (possibly Ireland’s) oldest Pub which was built on the site of a tavern dating back to the 12th century,  and it’s still going strong. Full of genuine character, The Brazen Head, is a friendly, well-run Pub has lots of different levels and dark corners.
The Brazen Head offers food  that is wholesome and middle-of-the-road at reasonable prices,  visitors will be pleased to find traditional favourites like beef & Guinness stew and Irish stew, but there are also more contemporary dishes like stuffed breast of chicken with sage & sausage meat, wrapped in bacon  and a lot of seafood.
Well, this place would have to be the epitome of Irish Pubs. It’s a squillion years old, has great craic and character, serves great food, and has traditional music playing seven nights a week.
Located on Bridge St. on the south side of Dublin, The Brazen Head is the oldest Pub in all of Ireland. A Pub of some kind has stood on this site since 1198, long before liquor-licensing laws were enacted (1635). It was located on the junction of four ancient transport routes, so would have always been a popular watering hole. The present building is an old 1688 coaching inn complete with a cobble stone courtyard that is now a great little beer garden in summer. We managed quite a few lazy Guinness whilst enjoying the long summer hours and warm temps.
The Brazen Head has long had a traditional local crowd that frequent. However, more and more professional workers from the nearby legal buildings have changed that recently. The decor inside adds to the comforting feel of a great traditional Pub. Everything is still wooden with memorabilia and old posters adorning the walls. There are low-hanging beams on the ceiling, small cozy rooms, fireplaces, and huge wooden barrels out in the courtyard used as drinks tables.
Music is played at The Brazen Head every night in the two bars, one for traditional Irish music (live) and the other for more contemporary/modern style. There is also a Sunday afternoon session that attracts a few tourists.  Many famous musicians have played here over the years, including Van Morrison and the Hothouse Flowers.
The Brazen Head also offers great food options. You can order sandwiches, soups, mains and stews from a bar menu.   Alternatively, you can dine in the more formal courtyard restaurant, which is simple but very nice.