Dublin Bars & Restaurants You Should Visit This Christmas

As you probably know, Dublin attracts millions of tourists each year and is also home to a population of 1.2 million.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or are a local planning a big celebratory meal, the city has numerous bars and restaurants that are well worth a visit in the lead up to Christmas.

Wondering where to dine in Dublin? Read on for our recommendations of where to eat and drink in the Irish capital this December.

McGowans of Phibsboro

Whether you’re planning a weekend away with friends and family, or a trip away with work, you can book a festive Christmas Party at McGowans of Phibsboro. This popular pub was voted Dublin’s best in 2024.

McGowans is based in the north of the city and offers exceptional hospitality with affordable food and drink; a finger platter will set you back just €12.50.

They accommodate different sized parties with various options available. For a smaller gathering of between 20-70 people, the cocktail lounge could be your best bet. If you’ve got a group of up to 150, the ground floor offers more space.

For those who want to dance the night away, the rock & roll area can hold around 100, while the upstairs area is your go to for really big gatherings, holding up to 250 people.

Depending on the option you choose, you can book out a non-private area free of charge, with the higher end private parties priced at €25 per person.

• Address: 18 Phibsborough Rd, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 A562, Ireland

Fire Steakhouse & Bar

The official residence of Dublin’s Lord Mayor, this establishment offers brilliant Christmas meals and is an excellent spot for locals looking for somewhere new, and first time visitors to the city.

This restaurant is world-renowned, scooping the World Luxury Restaurant Awards’ Global Luxury Steakhouse of the Year award three years in a row between 2020-2022.

With a maximum capacity of 300 people, it is ideal for both large gatherings and a quiet meal for two, Christmas lunch starts at €55, and dinner at €75, both of which boast an impressive menu.

• Address: The Mansion House, Dawson St, Dublin 2, Ireland

Hole in the Wall

The self-proclaimed most Christmassy Dublin pub, the Hole in the Wall puts up their decorations in November and doesn’t take them down till January!

A friendly pub with a strong Irish identity, this is a great spot for a festive drink with family and friends with an array of wine, beer and whiskey, and is also a strong option for a celebration with a larger bunch.

Larger groups of over 30 can take advantage of corporate bookings for an enjoyable Christmas party.

€20 deposits are required per person for priority and regular Christmas bookings at the longest pub in Europe!

• Address: Blackhorse Ave, Phoenix Park, Castleknock (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 7, D07 V663, Ireland

The Boxty House

Famous for their Boxty, this is a brilliant spot for a winter’s drink, or a Christmas meal.

The Boxty House has developed a good reputation in Dublin since its 1988 opening.

The festive set menu offers turkey & ham wellington, lamb stew, and many more mouthwatering options.

You can even pop in for your Christmas lunch to save doing the cooking and washing the dishes until next year.

• Address: 20-21, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 ET66, Ireland

The Cat & Cage

Initially licensed way back in 1690, this is one of Dublin’s oldest pubs.

Steeped in history, Sean O’Casey wrote about an eventful evening he experienced in the Cat & Cage in the 1890s.

It is a great place for gatherings, with party bookings available for small groups of 15, all the way up to large groups of 200.

Stocked with famous Irish alcohol, such as Guinness and Five Lamps Lager, this is a fantastic place to get in the Christmas spirit.

Chefs are happy to cater for any special dietary requirements, should you or someone in your party need them.

• Address: 74 Drumcondra Rd Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin, D09 X620, Ireland

Final Thoughts

So, there are our Dublin-based recommendations for Christmas parties, food, and drinks!

With Dublin being such a famous and lively city, you will be spoilt for options when it comes to finding a bar or restaurant and there are far more options than the five we have mentioned here.

We hope that natives and first time visitors alike enjoy the festive season in Ireland’s capital this year.