My friends and I usually see each other once every month, catching up on each other’s lives. To shake off all the bad vibes in our lives, we used to end up partying and drinking all night long!
Well, that was before we had our own families. Now, we’re just enjoying drinking and pubs while playing some pool—and be back to our responsibilities right before midnight!
So if you’re also looking for some chill activity with your friends, continue reading this blog and check out Dublin’s best pubs with pool tables.
1. The Bernard Shaw
Media credit: @cheesenolan
Website: http://www.thebernardshaw.com/
Address: Cross Guns Bridge, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 XW44
Contact Details: +353 1 906 0218
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
One of the city’s best pubs with a pool table is The Bernard Shaw. This pub is commonly referred to as a hipster joint, and it’s larger than what it looks like outside!
Here, you can secure a good table and enjoy the pub’s favorite comfort foods such as pizza, burgers, and fries. You’ll also love that this pub serves great cocktails, perfect for a night out with friends.
Once you have your drinks, you can go straight to the smoking area to find a single pool table. If you wish to stay in this area, there are a few seats near the pool table for you.
You’ll also love that this pub has a large beer garden, perfect for those who want to enjoy the night breeze. This is also closer to the pool table, allowing you to play from time to time.
Aside from playing billiards, you can also expect to catch some local artists and bands serenading the crowd. Moreover, there’s also a karaoke room where you can sing your heart out without worrying about an audience.
Pro tip: Consider visiting The Bernard Shaw during brunch time to get a chance to meet some local drag queens. They even have an outdoor food market, allowing you to grab food that is not part of their main menu.
2. Fibber Magees
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Website: http://www.frankryanspizza.ie/
Address: 5 Queen St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 T227
Contact Details: +353 89 217 3073
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
For those of you who don’t mind visiting a pub with relatively loud music, then Fibbers is for you. Yes, it really gets too loud as this pub is home to some metal rock and hard guitar music.
You’ll love that this pub has an interesting layout—it even connects you to other bars at the back, allowing you to literally bar-hop throughout the night.
If you want to be entertained by playing games, you’ll love that there are two pool tables inside the pub, perfect if you have a large group of friends. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy some arcade games after playing some billiards.
There are also TV monitors placed all over the bar, allowing you to catch the latest sports games with your fellow enthusiasts.
Pro tip: Consider attending Fibber Magees’ open mic nights. This pub is known to be a big supporter of original music, allowing you to showcase your talent in a warm and supportive environment.
3. Frank Ryan’s
Media credit: @frankryansbar
Website: http://www.frankryanspizza.ie/
Address: 5 Queen St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 T227
Contact Details: +353 89 217 3073
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
For those of you who want to play some billiards while catching their favorite TV sports then Frank Ryan’s is the best pub for you! Once you’re inside, you’ll be surrounded by vintage fixtures and music memorabilia, adding to the pub’s nostalgic ambiance.
It’s also relatively dark inside so manage your expectations! Moreover, to remind you of the good old days, you can also enjoy a game of pool while you’re here.
You’ll love that this pub has been known to be relatively cozy and is far from being loud, allowing you to have nice conversations with your friends. They even have a resident dog that also welcomes pub guests.
This pub is also home to one of the best wood-fired pizzas and Guinness in town, making it a perfect place for you to recharge and unwind.
You’ll also love that this pub hosts live entertainment music, great for those who want to watch local rock and blues bands. You can also get a chance to hear some traditional Irish instruments in this pub.
Pro tip: Frank Ryan’s only serves pizza so if you prefer to eat other comforting dishes, it might be best to fuel up in another restaurant before heading to this pub.
4. Generator Dublin Bar
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Website: https://staygenerator.com/hostels/
Address: Chimney Viewing Tower, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 F2VF
Contact Details: +353 1 901 0222
Generator Dublin Bar is located in a hostel, complete with social spaces, a cafe, and a pool table. When you’re here, you’ll be surrounded by different nationalities that are spending a few days exploring Dublin.
While they serve some Guinness, you also need to try their lineup of Whiskey drinks and local craft beers.
Unlike the other pubs where live music is an everyday thing, this pub keeps a youthful vibe by inviting DJs that will keep the party going all night long.
Meanwhile, there’s also an in-house cinema, perfect for those who want to catch up on some movie flicks while staying at the lounge or playing pool.
Pro tip: If you want to play some classic games, don’t forget to stop by Generator Dublin Bar’s arcade room.
5. The Living Room
Media credit: @thelivingroomdublin
Website: http://www.thelivingroom.ie/
Address: Cathal Brugha St, Rotunda, Dublin 1
Contact Details: +353 1 872 7169
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
If you’re looking for a pub and a sports bar in one in then you should visit The Living Room. There are several giant TV screens across the pub, making it really interesting to watch your favorite sports here—especially champion leagues!
There’s also a dedicated backyard where you can continue watching your favorite sports, making it really convenient for you anywhere you wish to lounge around.
Aside from watching sports games on their giant screens, you can also enjoy playing some pool inside this pub. Don’t worry about securing seats as there are a lot of seats near the pool tables.
At night, you’ll love to catch DJs spinning some good music, great for a night out with friends.
Meanwhile, you’ll also love that they have huge servings, perfect for sharing especially for large groups.
Additionally, this pub is located at the center, making it accessible to bus stops.
Pro tip: Make sure to put a coin down so the others know you’re queuing to play some pool. There’s also a charge of €2.00 per game.
6. Buskers on the Ball
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Website: http://www.buskersontheball.com/
Address: 13-17 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 WD51
Contact Details: +353 1 677 3333
Buskers on the Ball in Dublin is a pub and sports bar in one. Here, you can play some pool, beer pong, foosball, and even table tennis!
You can also enjoy watching your favorite sports here as TV screens can be found in almost all corners of this pub. And if you’re coming here during championship leagues, big screens are even strategically placed inside the bar for a more festive vibe.
You’ll also love to catch the DJs as they spin some great music while you play your favorite interactive games.
Meanwhile, if you’re coming with a big group, you can also opt to book their VIP areas where you can enjoy their cream-gold leather seats.
When it comes to food, don’t forget to try their buttermilk chicken tenders and loaded nachos. And for the booze, you’ll never go wrong with a pint of Guinness, or maybe try their local beer too!
Pro tip: If you want to listen to some live music, head to Buskers on the Ball’s second floor. They usually have live bands playing until 2 in the morning.
7. Hacienda Bar
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Hacienda-Bar-Dublin-116745118384871/
Address: 15 Mary Street Little, North City, Dublin 7, D07 AK73
Contact Details: +353 1 873 0535
For those who want to visit a pub that has historical memorabilia all over the place then Hacienda Bar is for you. To blend with its interiors, you’ll love that the pub plays music from the 80s, transporting you back in time.
There’s also a large pool table, perfect for those who want to play while chatting with friends.
Additionally, you’ll love that the owner will constantly check up on you, ensuring that all your orders are served on time and that you’re having a great time.
When you’re inside, you’ll instantly feel like you just went to your friend’s birthday party. Almost everyone is trying to interact with each other!
Don’t forget to order a pint of Guinness as you enjoy your time playing some pool!
Pro tip: Hacienda Bar lives us to its old vibe—even when it comes to payments! Yes, cards and mobile payment methods are not accepted here, so make sure to bring enough cash when you visit this pub.
8. The Black Sheep
Media credit: @theblacksheepdub
Website: http://galwaybaybrewery.com/blacksheep/
Address: 61 Capel St, Rotunda, Dublin
Contact Details: +353 83 036 7359
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Another pub in Dublin that you can visit if you want to play some pool is The Black Sheep. Aside from billiards, you can also borrow some board games so you can play with your group on your table.
Once you’re inside, you’ll immediately be surrounded by lively music. Nonetheless, it’s still manageable to have conversations with friends while you’re in the pub.
This pub serves a wide variety of craft beers, making it ideal for those who are looking for a different taste apart from the usual pint of Guinness. Even better, you can enjoy a gluten-free draft beer here!
When it comes to food, make sure to order their BBQ wings and jalapeño cheese fries!
Pro tip: If you’re still undecided about what type of beer to order, you may consider getting their tasty board. This will allow you to get 4 different beers in smaller quantities.
9. The Hideout
Media credit: @thehideoutpool
Website: http://thehideout.ie/
Address: 49 William St S, Dublin, D02 FP49
Contact Details: +353 1 537 5767
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
For those of you who are into a bring-your-own-booze kinda pub then The Hideout is the perfect one for you! Here, you can play both American and UK pool tables at €15 per hour from Monday to Wednesday, and €20 per hour from Thursday to Sunday.
To bring your own drinks, you just have to pay an extra €5 per person!
When it comes to food, you can only grab some pizza, so make sure to fuel up elsewhere before heading to this pub! Nevertheless, The Hideout is an awesome hideaway!
Pro tip: The Hideout stairs are inaccessible for people in wheelchairs. It’s also worth noting that the bathroom is located downstairs, so plan your trip accordingly!