What's a REAL Irish pub like in the evening? Check out the madness at 'Donoghue's Pub, Dublin.

We're in Merrion Row in South Dublin at one of the liveliest pubs in the city. Brace yourself for a very, very busy bar experience. If you don’t like craic verging on the point of rowdiness, then this isn’t the place for you.
A lot of work goes into these videos. You can now buy me a pint as a means of appreciation for my work on Naked Ireland, no obligation, obviously - only if you can afford it... I appreciate it. Cheers.
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O’Donoghue’s is one of Dublin’s famous pubs. For those watching outside Ireland who are accustomed to “Irish Pubs” as they are defined abroad - this is the real thing. An Irish pub that has been packing them in for years.
We’re going to start by visiting the beer garden and then we’ll get into the main public house. It’s actually not so much a beer garden as you can see as it’s roofed, but this does have the feel of an outside space. Bear in mind that this is April, and not summertime.
I’ve made quite a few films about various Irish Pubs and often I shoot the film during the day, so that you can actually see the space, the furniture etc. But this film is to give viewers, especially foreign viewers, an idea of what to expect from a pub in an Irish city after dark. It can get a bit mad.
Having said that, this part of the pub is a little quieter - this seems to be the place where the couples come for a quieter pint.
Anyway, into the main bar. As you can see there’s not a lot of room here - chances are you’ll end up standing if you get here late. But, this is where it all happens - where Dublin’s socialising is done. Admittedly it has its fair share of tourists these days, but by and large we’ve a lot of locals in tonight. A good atmosphere.
This is actually quite a famous music bar - well known on Dublin’s traditional music scene. In fact the Irish folk group The Dubliners is alleged to have been formed here, and the pub has hosted many other big names in Irish music over the years - many of whom adorn the walls in these portraits that you see.
Like all Dublin bars it prides itself in selling a good pint of Guinness. That’s central to the Dublin pub experience.
Just look at these people flirting and having craic as we say here. This is what drinking in an Irish bar is all about and I’ve never encountered this atmosphere in a so-called Irish bar abroad. And, as I mentioned, music is what this bar is famous for and tonight is no exception. These guys are watched over by the musical icons on the walls.
So, I push my way into the back bar, as you can see it too is adorned with photos that allude to the pubs illustrious past. You can see the ceiling fans going. As I said it’s April and not particularly warm, but there’s just so many people. You really do have to push your way through the crowd to get to the toilets and getting served at the bar on a busy night like this can be difficult if you’re not assertive. But this is what it’s about - lots of people sharing the same space and enjoying themselves. The poor bar staff have a nightmare of a job on nights like these. Everyone wants served and everyone’s a priority.
And so for me the night’s over - though the revelry continues inside. We’re a long way from last orders and they’re just warming up.

[@Marc443]

The pub, where the Dublines have met for the first time and started their 50years on going great career.😊

[@dubcindub15]

I dropped into Donoghues a couple of weeks ago, during the weird September heatwave of 2023 that was warmer than it normally is when the kids go back to school. I was on the bike, on the way to the far side of the city to see the lady. After walking too far with the bike because town was packed, I decided to stop for a pint. If it was good enough for the Dubliners, it's good enough for me. One of the very sound staff took care of my bike and let me put it in their shed, and I enjoyed literally the most beautiful pint of Guinness I have ever had in my 40 and a bit years of life. The phrase "There's eating and drinking in them" was made for that pint, t'was the finest I have e'er seen in many a long day. I was 3 hours late to the lady for dinner. Was it worth it? 100%

[@nakedireland]

What a truly positive account of your detour to Donoghue’s. Thanks for sharing that.

[@liamoconlocha3264]

Hardly a tree in many of the towns, they must be afraid of getting their ars dirty

[@tylerdunnahoo9756]

THANK YOU for these great videos. My wife and I are planning a trip to Ireland in 2025 and plan to do a good portion of the country and not just Dublin. We want to go to O'Donoghue's, however, as my ancestors had something to do in the investment of the pub years and years ago (I'm an American and my last name is Dunnahoo). Anyway, thanks again, these are perfect for giving us an idea of what the feel of the country is like. Cheers from Santa Fe!

[@nakedireland]

So glad to hear the videos are of use to you. There’s lots more to come (filming in the stunning west of Ireland as I write) so please keep watching and feel free to share with your Irish friends!

[@jacquicaffrey6607]

A pub full of history and definitely a lot of the Irish craic

[@nakedireland]

Packed full of the craic!

[@RuePhoto]

Thanks Greg ☺ Yet another pub I've driven past countless times & have never set foot in! Have a great weekend my friend 🤗

[@nakedireland]

Cheers Rue, thanks for watching.

[@scotth9857]

Was just in O’Donoghue’s this evening (Aug 9, 2024).. what a great place!!

[@nakedireland]

I’m envious! Thanks for watching.

[@kristy77a]

I’ll be darned! I thought I was watching a video of a place I was unfamiliar with. And then the dim bulb in my recollection started to gain power and brighten up. I have been here! Was 2007 with a buddy of mine, we were doing a little pub crawl. Indeed, it was busy as all heck - but it was a weekend for the rugby World Cup finals!

[@nakedireland]

Glad I could bring it all back to you. It’s a great place.

[@celticanglotx313]

I hope to go one day. Never been to Ireland but my ancestors were from all over that beautiful island. I feel her callin me.😢 Thanks for the video.

[@nakedireland]

Ireland is waiting for you. Hoping you can make it over some time.

[@lulutileguy]

lucky me no ancestors to stop me from visiting not Dublin the other places quieter play golf buy souvenirs not one for crowds take in the scenery can find crowd anywhere scenery not so much

[@nakedireland]

Many thanks for watching and commenting.

[@eddiestaunton514]

Shamrocks, Shileleys (whatever they are anyways) and shenanigans

[@nakedireland]

In abundance!

[@andreasrothmund9147]

First time I've been to O'Donoghue's was in the mid-70s of the last century. Since then I am addicted to this place and give it a visit and myself some pints of Guinness whenever I have the chance to come to Dublin.

[@nakedireland]

It’s a brilliant place as you’ve discovered Andreas. Glad you feel the need to keep returning. Thanks for watching.

[@mikemulrennan7948]

I love Donoghues.. I went a few times when I Dublin.

[@nakedireland]

It’s a great wee pub Mike, thanks for watching.

[@calador1918]

My parents met here in the '70`s, there's still pictures of several members of my family on the wall from when my uncles used to play here back when the Dubliners were starting out

[@nakedireland]

Brilliant, stories like this just bring these places to life! Thanks for sharing that.

[@sentimentaloldme]

Been going to O'D's since the time Maureen & Paddy O'Donoghue owned the pub. Not so much nowdays. Back then if you didn't shut up and listen to the singer there was a good chance you wouldn't be served your next drink..Nowdays its a free for all...I remember a few years back the barmen actually standing on the counter harrassing the yanks as they entered the pub to buy a drink..A place not for the faint hearted.. .

[@nakedireland]

Not for the faint hearted at all!

[@calador1918]

My uncles used to play there (McKenna brothers) I remember my mam saying exactly the same thing about the respect for the musicians

[@tonydeleo3642]

you mentioned crack in the intro, what is that?

[@nakedireland]

I mentioned Craic, not crack! Craic is an Irish word meaning fun.

[@Peterkearney76]

That was a quiet evening in Donoghues

[@nakedireland]

Looks pretty busy to me 😰

[@desmcharris]

Have a pint or two for me will ya!!! This is the one that’s really made me Home sick!!

[@nakedireland]

Aww sorry about that, but so glad it’s been of interest.

[@heybrouy18]

what an awesome video

[@nakedireland]

Thank you so much.

[@kathleenlynch5763]

Six years ago I sat right underneath the picture of the late great Luke Kelly.never been to a friendlier pub anywhere.then we made our way to Raglan Road my favourite song.then to Kilmainham Jail.and lastly to Lukes grave to pay my respects.wish I was sitting there now.

[@nakedireland]

You had a busy day Kathleen, thanks for watching.

[@joelcrawford28]

Loved this as I sit drinking a Guinness down under in OZ enjoying that smooth black drink as I just watched this😊🍻.

[@nakedireland]

You enjoy Joel! You’re prob sitting in the sun too? Thanks for watching.

[@WelshRob1964]

Definitely not a place for me, I much prefer at home where its not far to me bed 😂 I see you were getting a few looks as you filmed 😆.

[@nakedireland]

Yes, a nice night in’s good too Rob! But I have loads of them.

[@WelshRob1964]

@@nakedireland can't remember last time I was in a pub 😂 I do miss a good meal in and irish pub though washed down with a pint 🍻 not Guinness though 😂 😂

[@nakedireland]

yes, as you can see Rob, I’m way to fond of a good pub.

[@WelshRob1964]

@@nakedireland I had noticed 😁🤣🤣

[@nakedireland]

Don’t judge me Rob : )

[@eileeninzerilli1654]

Visited Ireland for the first time this past October and can't wait to go back. Fortunately Donoghue's was one of the pubs we visited on a Sunday afternoon. Great crowd, love the sing alongs and keeping the music and culture alive. Also, can't help but notice in this video much like when we were there, people are not standing around staring at a rectangular box in front of their face. They are all talking, laughing and engaging with each other. Love it and love the Irish people!!

[@nakedireland]

We love you right back Eileen!

[@EugeneHallinan]

yes sunday sessions are very good.never any trouble..music in laneway excellant

[@stevo728822]

Looks like a greast boozer.

[@nakedireland]

One of the best in Dublin perhaps.

[@tonydeleo3642]

Are the pubs full of tobacco smoke?

[@nakedireland]

No, smoking has been banned in Irish pubs for many years now.