A clear Dublin sports bars guide for fans and groups
Find the best sports bars in Dublin, from cosy, centuries-old pubs to high-capacity venues with multiple screens. Get quick picks for match nights, practical tips on where to watch live sports in Dublin, and advice on seating, food and group-friendly spots. Head out for big games in busy bars, or relax in smaller venues for a more authentic pub atmosphere. Each pick focuses on location, value and the essentials that make good match viewing: clear screens, good sound and a solid drinks list. Use this Dublin sports bars guide to plan your evening, book ahead if needed, and make the most of the match.
Mulligan's
Image / Tripadvisor
Step into Mulligan's: an old Dublin pub where honest pints and stories are always on tap.
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What to expect
Expect a time-capsule pub, all timber, muted light and a backbar that has seen generations of Dubliners. Conversation ranges from friendly local banter to literary asides, reflecting the pub’s long history. Drinks are classic and served with a straight-up approach, by staff who know the regulars. No flashy frills, just character: cosy corners for a quiet pint and a lively crowd in the evenings, when standing room can be the norm.
Plan your visit
Drop in mid-afternoon for a quieter seat, or head out early evening for a livelier scene. Seating can be limited, so standing at the bar is part of the experience. Pair the visit with a short wander of the nearby streets, and follow local chat for the best stories.
The Back Page
Image / Tagvenue
Neighbourhood bar with big-screen sport, buzzing arcade corners, and a friendly, easygoing buzz.
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What to expect
Find a bar that feels like a local meeting place, with zones for watching sport, playing arcade and table games, or settling upstairs for a quieter chat. The décor is characterful, the atmosphere energetic on match nights, and relaxed at quieter times. Staff are generally welcoming, and the place attracts a mix of locals and visitors. Ideal for groups, solo stop-ins, and family evenings, with occasional tournaments and community nights announced online.
Plan your visit
Head out for an afternoon match or an evening with friends, arrive early on big match days to secure a good spot, and pick the upstairs for a quieter table. Perfect for groups who want games and screens in one place. Check the venue’s social channels for special game nights or tournaments before setting off.
The Wool Shed
Image / www.pointahotels.com
Big screens, loud cheers and friendly staff, the perfect spot for match nights and late-night fun.
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What to expect
Enter a multi-level bar where screens dominate and the atmosphere is immediate. Multiple bars and roomy seating suit groups or solo fans, while sound and sightlines are tuned for sport. Staff move quickly on busy nights, and the mood shifts from relaxed afternoons to rowdy evenings. Regular entertainment adds extra noise and warmth, making it more than just a place to watch a match.
Plan your visit
Head out early on big match nights to claim the best vantage point, or drop in any evening for lively company and a casual bar menu. Check the venue’s social channels for nightly highlights, bring friends for a larger table, and dress for comfort, not formality.
Murray’s Bar
Image / Mr. Shah
A cosy slice of Dublin, warm interiors and live music to lift the night.
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What to expect
Find warm wood panelling, snug booths and a bustling bar, all set in a characterful interior. Live bands add energy without drowning out conversation, and multiple spaces let visitors pick a quieter corner or a front-row spot for the music. Staff are welcoming and efficient, making it simple to settle in for a relaxed drink or a relaxed meal in good company.
Plan your visit
Head there for an evening of live music or a calm morning coffee. Book ahead for busy nights, or arrive early to secure a seat near the band. Pair the visit with a short walk through the surrounding streets to round out a city-centre evening, and check the venue website for menus and reservations.
Meaghers O’Connell Bridge
Image / Meaghers O’Connell Bridge
Classic Dublin pub charm, central spot, warm welcome and a proper local buzz by the Liffey.
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What to expect
Step into a richly detailed interior, with a carved wood bar, stained glass and a tin ceiling that set a characterful scene. Service is friendly and efficient, the atmosphere is upbeat without being overpowering, and the room suits both quiet conversations and small groups. Expect well-presented food and thoughtfully mixed drinks, local chatter and a steady stream of visitors, all in a compact, easygoing setting.
Plan your visit
Find Meaghers as part of a central loop, pair a stop here with a walk across O'Connell Bridge and riverside views. Head out afterwards into Temple Bar for galleries and street life, or linger at the bar for a relaxed pause between sightseeing and an evening on the town.
The Wild Duck Dublin
Image / Brian Gillespie
Quirky Temple Bar pub, model ships overhead, a roofed patio and lively live music.
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What to expect
Expect a low-lit, intimate interior decorated with model ships and warm garlands, the kind of charm that reveals itself as eyes adjust. Find high bar tables, a handful of dining tables and a small, varied food menu. Live music ranges from local bands to traditional sets, creating a lively backdrop. Staff are welcoming and helpful, and TVs show local sport for match nights. Good for solo travellers, couples and groups looking for honest pub atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Head there in the evening for the liveliest lineup, or call ahead for larger groups. Arrive early at busy times to grab a patio seat or a high table by the bar. Ask staff for local tips and the best spot to watch the music. Easy to combine with a walking route around Temple Bar's sights.