The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head
4.5
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
About
Dublin's oldest pub is still kicking: a fun, friendly bar with lots of atmosphere.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Smithfield • 4 min walk
- Four Courts • 4 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Ray WAshburn, Virginia154 contributionsThe oldest pub in Dublin was worth the visitWe were in Dublin on vacation this summer and in researching pubs to visit, we found The Brazen Head. We were interested in visiting after reading the history and seeing some photos and were not disappointed. The pub was a short walk from our hotel and was not overly crowded once we arrived. While there were a few cozy rooms to sit down and enjoy a pint, we opted for the outside beer garden as the weather was so nice. The service was great and the bartenders and waitress were all friendly. We visited during the day so there was no live music but it was a great place to sit back and relax after walking around Dublin all day. We enjoyed our visit and would definitely return, but maybe when we can listen to some live music.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 September 2023
- Lois AFredericksburg, Virginia187 contributionsCool PlaceIt is cool to say we ate here. SO many tourists, that if you want to eat, you are taken back to a dining room that doesn't even feel like a pub. I can't imagine it would be easy to get a seat in the old pub section.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- FauconbergLeeds, United Kingdom425 contributionsQuirky & cosy, definitely worth popping in!Really loved this place with its unique combination of quirky and cosy. We sat outside enjoying the late afternoon sun and had a great view of a billowing but unpredictable Irish tricolour. Exceptionally busy and popular with overseas tourists from Europe and America, there was a real cosmopolitan vibe plus it purports to be Ireland’s oldest pub too! Definitely worth popping in for a pint!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 October 2023
- okie56Rockford, Illinois355 contributionsYhe Brazen HeadOur meal was okay. Service was friendly & fast. The bar was loud & lively. The restaurant in back was pleasantly festive. Nothing really special though, for all its claim to being the oldest pub. I’ve been to pubs that felt much more quaint & old.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 February 2024
- Scott AAustin, Texas98 contributionsHistory, Atmosphere and Great FoodFor the history alone, this is a must visit. In operation since 1098, this place is mind blowing to an American. The bartender told me I was sitting in the "new addition", built in 1805, 30 years after the American Revolution! It doesn't stop there, however, the food is great. Great fish and chips, and my wife raved about the burger!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- Pat MBaltimore, Maryland377 contributionsHistoric and FriendlyWe were nearing the end of our holiday in Dublin and had been told by many people to check out Brazen Head, so we walked there after Mass on Easter to get a pint. The decor includes many dollar bills signed and stapled to the walls, as well as patches from first responder uniforms from all over the world. Hence, it was plain to see people come and have a great time here. We were able to get two stools inside at the bar and enjoyed our conversation with the bartender. This place should be on every pub crawler’s list.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
- LouBedfordshire, United Kingdom70 contributionsJust Wow!We were recommended this pub from a tour guide on a boat cruise. We were so glad we visited and was welcomed by friendly staff and served up home cooked food of the highest standard. The pub had a lovely atmosphere and was really buzzing with lots of customers and staff. We’re so glad we visited and will recommend to anyone visiting Dublin. Thank you.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 April 2024
- Robyn H17 contributionsNice lunch spot after Guinness tour!Great lunch but even better pub feel! We arrived 20 minutes prior to opening and by the time of opening there was a line outside! Quickly filled up so I recommend arriving early. We had cheeseburgers which were absolutely delicious! Quick and delicious!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 April 2024
- Julie P3 contributionsGreat music, decent foodWent here for dinner and then later for live music. The food I would say was good, but not over the top. We had better food at other pubs in Ireland. Again not bad, but nothing special. The best was when we went back later for live music. The band was fantastic, and they really got the crowd engaged and involved. Went back more than once for the music.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2024
- Danielle L17 contributionsAmazing Irish musicOur favourite experience in Ireland. We took a sister’s trip to Ireland and we wanted to experience the music and pubs more than anything. Brazen Head did not disappoint! It’s the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1198. The music was phenomenal!! The most fun I think I’ve ever had, can’t help but stomp your feet and clap along! This place is a gem and we are so happy we got to experience it! Thank you Ireland for everything!!Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,494 reviews
Excellent
901
Very good
399
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104
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Terrible
48
Taylor S
17 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
It looked like such a cool spot and there were good overall ratings online, so we decided to go here for dinner. As we walked in, we were excited by the overall aesthetic but that’s where the good comments end. DO NOT GO HERE. You will leave angry and frustrated.
Two servers were helping our section and neither seemed to pay attention to when people were sitting down and wanted to order. One of them was Elena and she had zero warmth or personality.
We both ordered Bangers & Mash - it came out quickly but it was absolutely lacklustre. The vegetables were underdone, not much gravy, potatoes were a bit bland and sausages were mediocre.
Elena came to take away one plate, then the other server came to take the other and we informed him we would not be getting anything else and were just looking for the bill. Neither of the servers came back with our bill but we saw them go to other tables for bills/payment. We put our coats on to try to signal to them but still nothing. At our wits end we walked up to a server and said we wanted to pay - he got the machine for us and asked what we’d like to tip so he could put it into the machine. It felt like an extremely forward assumption to make since it’s not customary in Ireland to tip and they barely gave us service so why would we want to??
This was the worst restaurant experience we’ve had in Dublin. I repeat, DO NOT GO HERE.
Two servers were helping our section and neither seemed to pay attention to when people were sitting down and wanted to order. One of them was Elena and she had zero warmth or personality.
We both ordered Bangers & Mash - it came out quickly but it was absolutely lacklustre. The vegetables were underdone, not much gravy, potatoes were a bit bland and sausages were mediocre.
Elena came to take away one plate, then the other server came to take the other and we informed him we would not be getting anything else and were just looking for the bill. Neither of the servers came back with our bill but we saw them go to other tables for bills/payment. We put our coats on to try to signal to them but still nothing. At our wits end we walked up to a server and said we wanted to pay - he got the machine for us and asked what we’d like to tip so he could put it into the machine. It felt like an extremely forward assumption to make since it’s not customary in Ireland to tip and they barely gave us service so why would we want to??
This was the worst restaurant experience we’ve had in Dublin. I repeat, DO NOT GO HERE.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire g
Donabate, Ireland12 contributions
May 2022
We went into this pub the previous day in person to book a table for 6 adults and 6 children for dinner the following day and were told they don't take bookings and they would look after us when we arrived. Great! We arrived and sat down at the only available table in the outdoor section. The waitress that came to us for our order had absolutely no english and did not understand a very basic order, (fanta orange, lucozade, 7-up, Guinness). We had to point to pictures on a page to order or to the bottles/bar tap for the staff to understand what we wanted. Very very poor service in general. The staff seen uninterested to be efficient. Then we were told we could not have food in the outdoor space and then asked could we have a table inside, only to be asked if we had a booking. The person who asked was the same person we spoke to the previous day who told us we didn't need a booking. We were provided with a table after pointing out he said he would look after us. We were given menus. No kids menus. They wouldn't even do half portions for the children. We had to order adult portions and split them between 2 children ourselves. We even had to ask for extra plates. It was pure hassle. Please provide childrens menus or at the very least, provide half portions for children. If you can't do that, do not accept families. You are just ripping off people. An absolute joke. Its a tourist trap and really is disappointing. The food was nice but at this stage we just didn't enjoy it. We were too busy scraping mash potato from one plate to another and cutting burgers in half to feed our children. We went there because it was convenient for family members who were staying in a nearby hotel. As a Dublin person, I would not visit again. Sadly it was very underwhelming. The staff could have been so much more accommodating.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inna K
Kyiv, Ukraine8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
We arrived at Brazen Head in Dublin on a dreadful weather night looking to warm up with some hot Irish coffee. However, we were greeted very unfriendly. When we asked if there was somewhere to dry and hang our clothes, the response was a rude "no." We ordered drinks and apple crumble - the soggy mess with two soggy crumbs had nothing to do with a classic crumble. Irish coffee was listed on the menu at 7 euros each, but we were charged 21 euros for two. When we questioned the outrageously rude waitress about the discrepancy, she rudely pointed at the menu and said that alcohol prices were not included as they are constantly increasing. This seemed like a scam to us! Why not just charge 100 euros for coffee instead of the menu price then? There were no apologies or explanations given. We ended up paying 40 euros for two completely inedible desserts and two very mediocre Irish coffees. The staff was extremely brazen and unfriendly, simply rude. The ambiance was unwelcoming. If you seek delicious food and pleasant service, head over to Old Mill instead. Brazen Head is a terrible place, just PR and marketing, tasteless, expensive, and with appalling service. My rating - 0 out of 10, I do not recommend it to anyone.
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg V.
6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Worst experience of my entire trip to Ireland. Came here at the recommendation of a friend. I will rethink that relationship another time. First night in Dublin, went to The Brazen Head around 8 PM Thursday night during the tail end of their dinner rush. Waited patiently in line and got seated by the hostess who told us that they will open the back room and the waitress will be with us in 5 min. Other couples were seated as well. A waitress who was new takes our order. My family of 4 ordered 2 soups (for my wife and I) and 4 entrees and drinks (of course). Drinks come after about 10 min. Then bread for the 2 soups, but no soup. Drinks get finished. Still no food. I Justified the delay that it was busy and that the waitress was new. After 45 minutes the soup and all 4 entrees come out in one shot and get placed on the table over crowding it to the point my wife and I were holding plates. This food was brought out by a completely different waitress. We tried to make it work. The butternut squash soup was warm indicating to me that it's been sitting a while. When I called the waitress over, our hostess came and asked what we needed. I told her the situation, I said I would like to return the soup as it's cold. She asked if I wanted another to which I declined and told her even if you brought out another one, there's no place for it. Her response was that because we didn't specifically order the soup separately from the main course, and because there's no separation of the food items, their policy is to bring everything out in one shot. And when asked where our waitress went, we were told she was on a break.So I could have hot soup, or a hot meal, but not both. So just to paint a picture for you, if 6 dishes crowded the table, and instead we ordered 4 soups, 4 salads and 4 dinners we would have had 12 dishes sitting in front of us in our hands and on the floor, maybe other people's tables? I have a high threshold for BS. I can accept it's busy. I can accept that the waitress was new. But what I will not accept is to be victim blamed that I needed to preface my order with a disclaimer to ask for my food to come out at certain times. Absolutely ridiculous. We didn't have dessert, coffee or buy a t-shirt as I had intended. Just paid the bill and left.
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bea H
Hartford, CT139 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Granted, we were here during a busy weekend for the Sunday afternoon music session. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but you have to go inside the tiny bar to hear the music. The bar was so crowded and there didn’t seem to be control of how many came in. The musicians were top notch and I would have loved to stay longer but it was really uncomfortable due to the overcrowding.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shelley b
Kingston, Canada18 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Visited on a Sunday afternoon. Didn't eat but the food looked fantastic. Instead we were there for the Sunday afternoon 3:30 Irish music. It did not disappoint! The place was packed with locals who know each other and the songs...it was a blast. The music is only in the oldest part of the pub a small parlor to the right as you come in....highly recommend !!!
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky C
31 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We visited on a Thursday afternoon and were lucky to be seated immediately even though it was quite busy. Staff was great, beer was cold, food was surprisingly very good! Cesar salad with chicken and bangers and mash both tasted good. Great old bar with many little rooms to it- fun to explore.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiagovinagre97
Aveiro, Portugal27 contributions
Aug 2022
Great beef & Guiness stew, we recommend it! The staff is nice and the service is very fast. The irish coffee is also great. 2 Beef&Guiness stews, one pint, one coke and one irish coffee cost 55€.
Nonetheless, if you do not have a reservation, you will need to fight for a table, as there is no organized waitlist, it's everyone on their one trying to take the table of someone getting up to leave. An important note is that we did have to "fight" for our table and we've arrived by 18h30!
Nonetheless, if you do not have a reservation, you will need to fight for a table, as there is no organized waitlist, it's everyone on their one trying to take the table of someone getting up to leave. An important note is that we did have to "fight" for our table and we've arrived by 18h30!
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb W
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Business
I took a group of 23 women traveling together from the United States to Brazenhead for dinner one night while in Dublin. We arrived there around 6:30, (probably their peak time) and surprised them with 23 of us. Tony, the gentleman seating people, went above and beyond the call of duty. I had told them we would happily break down into any combination of tables, whenever they became available. We did not necessarily have to be seated together, but we all wanted to eventually experience the oldest pub in Ireland while we were here. At first he was taken aback by the large group, but very quickly pulled things together and provided us with our own private small room in less than 15 minutes! Our server, Alejandra, was absolutely amazing also! She was friendly, helpful, and very quickly had all our orders taken and delivered to the kitchen in no time. Our food was timely coming out to the tables, and was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend the Brazenhead to anyone visiting Dublin! Fabulous, helpful , doting servers and staff, delicious food, an historic pub, great drinks, and the perfect way to spend an evening in Dublin! A special thanks to Tony and Alejandra! For taking such good care of us!
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaw
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Couples
It was busy for a Monday night
Waited a long time long for our food and unfortunately it was not worth the wait. Bangers and mashed were served with boiled carrots and peas my husband only ate the meat I had a burger that was not great for $20!
The fries were flavorless and burger was bland we were
Very disappointed and wished we had gone somewhere else. The nice family we shared our table with were also very disappointed too. Won’t return or recommend
Waited a long time long for our food and unfortunately it was not worth the wait. Bangers and mashed were served with boiled carrots and peas my husband only ate the meat I had a burger that was not great for $20!
The fries were flavorless and burger was bland we were
Very disappointed and wished we had gone somewhere else. The nice family we shared our table with were also very disappointed too. Won’t return or recommend
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a recommended hotel in walking distance to The Brazen Head? What is the name of it? Is it in a safe area?
Written 5 September 2018
We stayed at the Academy Plaza Hotel and took a taxi to the Brazen Head. It was worth the taxi fare
Written 7 September 2018
Vorrei sapere il prezzo di una pinta di Guinness in questo locale, grazie!
Written 8 May 2018
Is there anywhere to park near the pub
Written 26 March 2018
As others have said, if you can avoid driving/parking there it would be a better option. Although there maybe some parking available in the general area, you need to be very careful and selective about where you leave your car.
Q-park Christchurch car park is about a 10 minute walk away and is open 24 hours.
Written 27 March 2018
No need to make a reservation but if you don't you might have a little wait. Depends on the day I guess.
Written 24 October 2017
I would recommend it if you want a table where you can watch the music. Otherwise, no, you don't need one.
Written 3 October 2017
Does the storyteller, Alayna Bryn still come there as she did in 2015? I'd like to recommend your place to friends planning a trip to Ireland.
Thanks,
Danna
Written 24 August 2017
When we went the story teller was a chap, and very good he was. Well worth a visit as great atmosphere and good local dishes.
Written 25 August 2017
Coming all the way from South Dakota. Will be in Dublin Sat night. Can you tell me time your music starts? And is nightly dinner served. We were thinking of coming around 4 pm?
Written 12 May 2017
Hi dinner served up until ten pm. Music times vary. Pub across the road. I sheas merchant has music all the time
Written 12 May 2017
We will be taveling with our 3 teenagers, is there an age limit to enter and eat in the Pub?
Written 24 February 2017
No, seems open to all. I'd imagine a family group would be welcomed. However, for comfort, warmth, good food and great evening live music, I would recommend an alternative - Darkey Kelly's on Fishamble Street. Only a short walk from the Brazenhead. I know which one I prefer! 😉
Written 26 February 2017
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