McCaffertys at the Barge

You'll find this spot right on the canal in Ranelagh, and it's exactly what you want from a Dublin pub that doesn't take itself too seriously. The outdoor seating along Charlemont Street fills up fast when the sun's out, and the inside has that lived-in feel that makes you want to settle in for the long haul. The weekend crowd here is brilliant – a mix of locals and twenty-somethings who aren't ready to call it a night at midnight. Those 2:30am closing times on weekends aren't just for show; this place genuinely comes alive after the early birds head home. The pints are solid, the atmosphere is proper Dublin, and you're guaranteed good craic whether you're popping in for one or staying until they turn the lights on.