Where will you be watching this weekend?Getty Images
Are you planning on watching the rugby this weekend in a pub but not sure where to go? We have a list to help you out.
The 2019 Guinness Six Nations starts this evening and tomorrow is Ireland's premier game of the championship as they face England. A pub is such a fun place to watch the game and immerse yourself in the atmosphere, so here's our list of 10 of Dublin's best for game watching and eating, because let's face it, watching rugby is hungry work. COYBIG!
The Square Ball, 45 Hogan Place, Dublin 2
This is not you’re run of the mill pub, they over 500 games to keep you entertained as you wait for the match to start. Fowl Play provides the food inside the pub, a menu of fab chicken, cooked using sustainable, natural lump wood charcoal and wild cherry wood on their Texas wood-fired smoker and rotisserie. The smoky barbecue smells coming from the kitchen is unbeatable, much like their chicken burger and Louisianan wings – we think they're the best in town.
The Back Page, 199 Phibsborough, Dublin 7
This local pub is located just a 15-minute walk away from Dublin's city center. Here the pizzas are named after sports stars such as the Sonia O'Sullivan (tomato sauce, Cork buffalo Mozzarella, fresh basil & oregano) or the Michelle Smith (a white pizza with avocado, roasted potato, garlic oil, rosemary, smoked pancetta, Cork buffalo Mozzarella & fresh herb oil).
With a large projector and several TVs dotted around the pub, you are guaranteed to get a good spot to watch the match if you get there on time. The Back Page have a pizza and a pint deal on between 5-7pm, a winning combination for just €11. If you are looking for good craic and great atmosphere, you will find it here.
Read more: Game Day Recipes for the Weekend
Lucky's, 78 Meath Street, Dublin 8
In the last few years, The Liberties in Dublin 8 has begun transforming into a trendy pocket in the city to live and eat in. Lucky's is one such newer addition and in their backyard, there is a pizzeria by Coke Lane Pizza, where they make delicious Neapolitan-style pizza. Their pizzas are that perfect balance of crispy edge and chewy center. The staff in Lucky's know their cocktails, so one of those and a pizza is definitely worth pairing!
O’Connell’s, 4 Main Street, East Pier, Howth
Whether you’re in Dublin for just the weekend or you’re a native, Howth has one of the best views Dublin has to offer. Just 35 minutes journey on the Dart from Landsdowne Road to Howth, this picturesque place is definitely worth a visit. O'Connell's offers a great choice of beers on tap along with tasty food. A unique and stunning bar to visit to watch the match.
Fagan’s, 146 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9
Fagan's, located just north of the city center, has been a watering-hole for over 90 years. It has a fantastic atmosphere and great food. It is said to be arguably one of the finest pints of Guinness in Dublin, but we guess, you can figure that one out on your own!
Fagan's is submerged both in history and character, the bar is everything you envision a perfect 'Irish Pub' to be – lovely staff who know their stuff about food and drinks and are as accommodating as possible. This pub is an iconic spot and is definitely worth a visit to.
Read more: Best Irish bars in North America to watch the Superbowl
Wigwam, 54 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1
Wigwam is located in the heart of the city and we love it because it has it all – incredible coffee from Vice, live music, great cocktails, table tennis, karaoke and even a barber located downstairs!
Chef Pedro Ferraz, who was born and raised in Brazil, is bringing both his Irish and Brazilian influences into the kitchen. The menu is a collaboration of brunch staples like eggs benedict but also has a Minerinho, a São Paulo sandwich. This place is one of a kind in Dublin and opens until late on the weekend with a club downstairs. Once the match is over you can go to the basement for a bop!
No Name, 3 Fade Street, Dublin 2
Fade Street is one of our favorite streets in Dublin, with six brilliant bars on one tiny street and a buzzing atmosphere on the weekends. What's not to love?
No Name Bar (or Snail Bar, as it is sometimes is referred to) can be hard to find for first-time goers. There is a Snail sign hanging over the door that leads you in and upstairs you'll find a chic bar with a circus-style outdoor area to boot.
The cocktails here are definitely worth a try. However, for match day food, we're thinking about their brunch offering, which is only on the weekends between 12-3pm, and the food comes directly from L’Gueuleton bistro below it, a much-loved local favorite, serving stunning French cuisine from Chef Aoife Barker. So if you are around the city get in here for a pre-game bite to eat.
The Glimmer Man –14 Stoneybatter, Arran Quay, Dublin 7
A staple pub in Stoneybatter that is home to a hidden food gem in the back – Vietnom, a Vietnamese Street Food stall. Until St. Patrick's Day, The Glimmer Man will be serving Coke Lane pizza instead of its usual Vietnamese fare, which is good news for sports fans as pizza goes so well with a pint and the match! Coke Lane will be taking over the beloved converted horseshoe box until March, serving up daily specials like mouth-watering cashew ricotta and courgette pizza. The Glimmer Man is bursting with character and an ideal spot to eat while you watch the match.
Searsons of Baggot Street- 42 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 2
One of Dublin's most historic pubs in Dublin, Searsons has been a match day haven for thousands of people over the years. There is a great atmosphere in this Baggot Street Pub, which is just a 15-minute walk to the Aviva Stadium. Searsons serves old-time favorites like Sunday roast with all the trimmings, as well as breakfast and lunch, so you'll definitely be fuelled up for a long day of sports.
The Old Spot-14 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4
This is one of our favorite spots for both food and watching the match. Here they take ‘pub grub’ to the highest possible standard. The Old Spot is a 5-minute walk to the stadium and if you weren't lucky enough to have nabbed yourself a ticket to the rugby, you'll definitely soak up the atmosphere here. The Old Spot has some of the best service in Dublin, with friendly staff and great food, what else would you need?