The Brazen Head

The Brazen HeadThe Brazen Head
The Brazen HeadThe Brazen Head
Bar, Eatery

20 Lower Bridge St
Dublin, 8
Ireland

+353 1 677 9549 | map
brazenhead.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.85
Reviews:
14
Ratings:
25
pDev:
8.83%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jgasparine:
Photo of jgasparine
Reviewed by jgasparine from Maryland

3.19/5  rDev -17.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3
This relic is a must-see just for it's history and atmosphere. Certainly not a mecca for beer geeks; maybe one-drink-and-done for most; but as soon as you walk through the portal into the courtyard, you feel like you're being transported back in time. As long as you catch it at a time when it's not packed with tourists, this place has an incredible atmosphere.

The quality and selection of beer here is no more impressive than your average pub in Dublin. Service is about the same you'd get at your average pub as well.

Bottom line- come here to drink the history moreso than the beer.
Mar 26, 2010
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.69 by charrel from Texas

Sep 28, 2019
 
Rated: 3.68 by grahuba from Connecticut

Aug 06, 2019
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Rated by justme from Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3.5
Stopped by for a sandwich and a pint. This is a fantastic place. Atmosphere to spare. The kinda space I imagined an old pub would be like.
Nov 04, 2018
Photo of tigg924
Reviewed by tigg924 from Massachusetts

3.99/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Atmosphere wise, this is one of the coolest places I have had a pint. Several interesting rooms, interesting decor, nice open air area in the middle of the building. This place oozes history. I believe they have ten different drafts on tap. Guinness is well represented but so is McGargles. Excellent place to people watch. This will be a regular stop when I return to Dublin.
Aug 29, 2018
 
Rated: 3.63 by StoutSnob40 from California

Jun 07, 2018
 
Rated: 4.29 by HopBelT from Belgium

Nov 11, 2016
 
Rated: 3.9 by beergorrilla from Michigan

Sep 25, 2016
Photo of mwckiltedsavage
Reviewed by mwckiltedsavage from Virginia

4.65/5  rDev +20.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Very nice ambiance and great brew. Feels historic because it is...opened in the year 1198. Must experience when in Ireland. Sat inside at a table with a pint and wrote postcards to family and friends.
Sep 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by Will_Rivera from New York

Jul 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by soulcougher from Pennsylvania

Jun 04, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Hayley_86 from Netherlands

Apr 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by fisherbray from Florida

Mar 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by TaborTime from Oregon

Jan 25, 2014
Photo of IrishGermanAmerican
Reviewed by IrishGermanAmerican from Texas

4.75/5  rDev +23.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
A must go for anyone in Dublin. The Brazen Head is the Oldest pub in Ireland going back to 1198.

They had great food (Irish Stew,Guinness Stew), great music, great story telling. The story telling is great to do with the kids. My wife and 10 year old daughter loved it, worth the price!

I made it to many historic pubs while in Ireland but this was the best by far considering all they have to offer.

You should also check out O'Neills for food and a drink, The Long Hall, The Stag's Head, The Long Stone, Mulligan's and many others. And that's just in Dublin, Ireland is just amazing for checking out old historic pubs.

If going to Dublin buy the PBS dvd Historic Pubs Of Dublin it was a great help.
Apr 14, 2012
Photo of spdyfire83
Reviewed by spdyfire83 from Ireland

3.75/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 5
I stopped at The Brazen Head recently to entertain a guest visiting us in Dublin and I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of this pub. Coined "Dublin's Oldest Pub" is was definitely on my places to visit before my time here is up, but I'm glad we found this gem sooner than later.

The atmosphere is quite relaxing and super chill. We sat in the "money room" - each of the four rooms of the pub has a different theme. The "money room" had paper bills glued to the wall which was fun to see.

The selection is what you would expect for a typical Irish pub - Guinness, Smithwick's, and Harp - but you shouldn't visit here because of the selection. The history is rich and they usually have a quality Irish band playing some folk music which is always fun.

The food here is top-notch based on my experience with Irish pub grub. I enjoyed the Brazen Bangers & Mash and it was delicious. Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a hearty meal to enjoy a pint or two of Guinness.
Jan 16, 2012
Photo of CuriousMonk
Reviewed by CuriousMonk from District of Columbia

3.7/5  rDev -3.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 3
I stopped by the Brazen Head in Dublin Ireland, "the Oldest Pub in Ireland" during my backpacking excursion in Ireland one summer of 2001.

"History: Standing on the site of the original 12th century tavern, the present Brazen Head is an old coaching inn dating back to about 1688.The Brazen Head can trace its history back to the 12th century well before the country's first Licensing Laws were enacted in 1635. So Dubliners were enjoying drinks on the site of the present pub a few hundred years before Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. The present building is over 300 years old."

This place was old, charmy, and had a ton of character. Tourist trap too. I cannot tell you what beers they had other than Guinness, delightfully poured and just about every other one on the house. They wheeled out some steam tables, and served a meat and two veg to the locals. The portions were huge, and looked and were delicious. History, good beer and good people. Stop here when you are in Dublin and have a good ol' pint o' Guinness!
Feb 17, 2011
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Reviewed by wordemupg from Canada (AB)

3.85/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
On a trip to Dublin with my girlfriend we came here after being told this was the oldest pub in the world and the Guinness Book Of Records plaque on the wall backed up the story. Had a pint of Guinness and an awesome stuffed chicken breast to go with it. I pinned a Canadian 5 to the wall to go along with all the American 1's and random countries bills up there, pretty neat. I think it was pricey but Ireland cost a fortune compared to where I live in Alberta so take that with a grain of salt. worth a stop when in the area
Jun 18, 2010
Photo of MillRat
Reviewed by MillRat from Illinois

3.23/5  rDev -16.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
OK, it's the oldest pub in Dublin and all, but history can only carry you so far. In late March we're a bit off of the tourist season, but that's not really an excuse for not knowing when you'll be open, when the dining room will be open, and for having less than prompt table service. Llike some brewery at St. James Gate, it's a visit to check off your to-go list and then spend your time and money more rewardingly supporting the establishments that really do care about craft beer. Let the tour bus flocks keep this place going.

Beer selection is about average for a Dublin pub, though turnover will keep it a good as it was when it left the brewery. Food is of good quality on an Irish pub-grub scale. Certainly a nice atmosphere about the place, but there's more to being a beer-centric establishment than that. Use beerfly and make up your own mind about the best places to go.
Apr 12, 2009
Photo of Otterburn
Reviewed by Otterburn from Canada (QC)

4/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Yeah it is not everyday you have the chance to
sit down in the oldest pub in Ireland and sip a Guinness. The vibe is pretty cool.

The beer is fresh, made just on the other side of the town,where they are making a couple of millions of pints a day.

Its nice to see these people work behind the bar,
you see they actually care for serving the precious brevage. It's done in 2 steps. First they filled half the pint. Then wait for five minutes or so..and then filled up the pint. This is how they do the nice head of the Guinness.
In Ireland everything is expensive, except for the beer wich the price is reasonable everywhere you go in the country. One thing is sure, Irish like to go to the pub,and enjoyed a beer.

So it was nice to visit this pub, because of is historical status, where everything begans

This place is a must for the atmosphere of the pub and the fresh Guinness on tap.

A must for any travellers around Dublin.
Feb 01, 2009
Photo of DrinkbythePond
Reviewed by DrinkbythePond from Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
My wife and I went to the Brazen Head for an early dinner on our 2nd night in Dublin. It was a nice evening so we sat outside in the very busy garden area. All of the tables and seats seem low, but it was quite comfortable. There seemed to be a good blend of locals and those of us visiting. Being so early in our vacation, Guiness was our choice and it was quickly delivered and quite tasty. I didn't see anything on the beer list to warrant not choosing Guiness. I opted for Bangers and Mash and food quality was excellent and the quantity ample. I don;t think my wife was as satisified with her dinner sized salad. The environment and atmosphere of the outdoor garden made this place a 'must' to return.
Aug 05, 2008
Photo of HochFliegen
Reviewed by HochFliegen from Oregon

3.86/5  rDev +0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
A stop in the oldest pub in Ireland is a must. To sip a Guinness in the food steps of people such as Yeats, Joyce, Wilde and Shaw and who knows how many others. Very cool. Its a great place with a nice outside sitting area. Didnt get any food. Just sat next to a couple from the UK who locked their keys in the auto and was waiting for help with a pint. I had a Guinness and it was great. It was the 3rd day in Dublin and about 2 weeks into my travels in Ireland. The beer came quick and with a smile. Had a great time. A must go!
May 26, 2006
Photo of granger10
Reviewed by granger10 from Wisconsin

3.59/5  rDev -6.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
I was surprised to see this in Beerfly, but with that being said, anybody who is into history should definitely visit the "oldest pub in Ireland". This place has a nice beer garden right out front and three rooms on the lower level. An upstairs has more of a nice dining area to it. Real casual atmosphere with what appeared to be mostly locals sitting and sipping and shooting the craic. Selection is about like every other place in Dublin (Guinness, Carlsberg, Heineken, Bulmer's, Smithwicks, etc) but what would you expect from a historic landmark? A must for a pint of Guinness if you want to drink in some history.
Mar 15, 2006
Photo of CharlesRiver
Reviewed by CharlesRiver from Connecticut

3.65/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
The wife and I just got back from a week in Ireland. Dublin was the first stop and we spent one afternoon (Sunday) at the Brazen Head. A short 5-10 min walk from the Christchurch area where we were staying. Sunday afternoons are a very popular time to visit here. They have a good long session of trad music and the place is very busy.

As you walk in you are greeted with a good size outdoor beer garden. Some of the seats have overhangs to shelter you from the elements. To the right and straight aheah (inside the building) you have the choice of three bars. There may have been more that I missed as this place is good size. The first bar on the right was where the music was coming from. You could not fit another person in here if you tried.

The second bar was more for conversation but still had a good atmosphere. The final bar which was straight ahead, didn't open until 5ish but you were still more than welcome to get a beer and drink in there. Plenty of options for everyone.

The beer was what I would call "Standard Dublin". (I mean no offense to anyone when I say that.) Plenty of Guinness, Carlsberg, Heiny, Smithwicks, Bud, maybe Murphy's and maybe Kilkenny. They also had some bottles. I remember a couple of German beers but forget the names.

Go here for the atmosphere. A fun place with a good mix of locals and tourists. We had great fun and would go back anytime. Side Note: (We hit this place up on the way back from the Guinness experience. Also, the reasonable rating above is relevant to Dublin)
Oct 22, 2005
Photo of jackndan
Reviewed by jackndan from Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4.5
The Brazen Head in Dublin Ireland: The mind boggles that I’m the first to review what is claimed to be the Oldest Pub in Ireland, and one at which I spent a terrific afternoon. I’m stealing lots of this review (background anyway) from their web site:

“History: Standing on the site of the original 12th century tavern, the present Brazen Head is an old coaching inn dating back to about 1688.The Brazen Head can trace its history back to the 12th century well before the country's first Licensing Laws were enacted in 1635. So Dubliners were enjoying drinks on the site of the present pub a few hundred years before Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. The present building is over 300 years old.”

We spent a lot of time in the crooked front bar, after I mashed my brain bucket on the lintel over the door (I told you the place was old). I cannot tell you what beers they had other than Guinness, delightfully poured and just about every other one on the house. They wheeled out some steam tables, and served a meat and two veg to the locals. The portions were huge, and looked and were delicious. Haute cuisine? Hell no, but wonderful and filling comfort food.

History, good beer and good people. Stop here when you are in Dublin.
Jan 10, 2004
The Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland
Place rating: 3.85 out of 5 with 25 ratings