Rody Bolands

You'll find yourself settling into Rody Bolands for far longer than planned, which is exactly what this Rathmines institution does best. The kind of pub where locals prop up the bar on weekday evenings and weekend crowds spill onto the pavement, it strikes that perfect balance between neighbourhood local and destination spot. The Guinness is spot-on, the staff actually remember your order, and there's none of that forced craic you get in touristy spots. The food here goes well beyond typical pub fare without losing its soul. You're looking at proper comfort dishes that pair brilliantly with a pint, served by people who clearly give a damn. Whether you're popping in for a quick one after work or settling in for a proper session, Rody Bolands delivers that increasingly rare thing: a pub that feels like it belongs to its community rather than trying to impress strangers.