Dublin’s leading sports bars

The 51 Bar is a well loved, reliable sports bar that screens both large and small sporting events. There are 11 HD TV screens spread across the pub, and in 2014 it even won the Best Sporting Pub in the National Hospitality Awards! It’s also home to one of the largest collections of whiskey in the city and offers a crowd pleasing food menu that’s reasonably priced. Highlights include the homemade fish and chips, the duck stir-fry and the roast dinner, which is available every Sunday. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed: a great spot to watch the game with friends. 

The premier venue for watching live sporting events in Dublin city centre, Sinnott’s Bar boasts 14 large screens showing various sporting events throughout the bar. A traditional Irish pub serving delicious local food made using the freshest, best-quality local ingredients, you can expect nothing short of fantastic food and drinks here. Come match days, the atmosphere here is electric.

Inviting GAA, football, and rugby fans from all across the city and further afield for big match days, you can enjoy delicious and traditional Irish fare while catching the game and having the craic with pals. With a historic feel dating back to the 18th-century and friendly local vibe welcoming people of all ages and from all walks of life, you’re certain to feel right at home here as soon as you walk through the door.

Located in the heart of the city centre on the historic Merrion Row, Foley’s Bar is among the best places to catch live sporting events in Dublin. With three floors and four distinct areas where you can enjoy delicious Irish food and a wide selection of beers, ciders, and spirits, Foley’s is one of the best live music and late night bars the city has to offer.

If you’re hoping to catch the game, you’re in luck here as they offer state-of-the-art giant screens showing the latest fixtures on two floors. Whether you’re a rugby, GAA, or football fan, you’ll be welcomed inside with open arms to grab a seat and enjoy the match. Boasting comfortable, vibrant surroundings and a true local and friendly feel, you can relax back, chat with the locals, and enjoy a fun-filled evening here.

A contemporary bar, lounge, and restaurant located on the historic Merrion Road close to the city centre, The Merrion Inn is a great place to relax with some delicious food and drinks as you catch the latest sporting fixtures. A favourite of Dubliners for decades, this spot offers a great range of global and local beers alongside some delicious food made using the very freshest local produce.

A family-run establishment for three generations, The Merrion Inn was first opened in 1941, therefore cementing its place as a firm part of the fabric of Dublin City. With a big screen that is perfect for watching the latest games, The Merrion Inn welcomes locals from all over the city on match days. With top-class Irish hospitality, a great pint of Guinness, and traditional Irish gastropub fare, there’s really nothing more you could want to ensure you enjoy the perfect matchday experience.

Located in Ranelagh, McSorley’s is a lively and fun family-run bar. Opened in 1991, it’s popular with both locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and sports fans will be pleased to hear that there’s a total of three large screens and 13 TVs across the pub. Offering bar food seven days a week (comprised of comforting pub classics like korma, sliders and steak), and a huge range of drinks (including its famous espresso martini), it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy your favourite sporting event. Word from the wise: save room for the decadent chocolate sundae, you won’t regret it!

A two-floor pub and restaurant, The Dropping Well is the perfect spot for all occasions. Downstairs, you can relax with a pint in the traditional pub where there are large screen LCD TVs for you to catch the games while upstairs boasts a contemporary gastropub restaurant serving a delicious menu of traditional yet creative Irish fare. A historic pub located on the scenic banks of the River Dodder, The Dropping Well is beloved among Milltown locals looking for the perfect place to catch up with friends, enjoy some delicious food, or catch the game or some live music.

A landmark pub offering breathtaking views of the River Dodder, you can soak up the atmosphere here during a rare sunny day in the city, enjoying a delicious menu of everything from a full Irish breakfast in the morning to a classic and flavourful slow-braised beef and Guinness casserole served with creamy mash in the evening. 

Located just outside of the city centre in the quiet Dublin suburb of Dundrum, The Goat Bar and Grill is the perfect place to catch the match without having to navigate the crowds of the busy city centre. Serving fine food and drink, this landmark pub is well-known and loved among South Dublin locals. A traditional pub with beautifully designed lounges and function rooms, The Goat Bar and Grill has undergone renovation throughout the years to keep it modern and functional while still maintaining its classic, historic, and traditional feel.

Boasting exceptional facilities, a fantastic and lively beer garden area, and state of the art, high definition LCD TV screens showing all the major sporting fixtures, including 6 Nations Rugby, Premier League Football, golf, boxing, athletics, GAA, and more, this is the perfect place to head on match day. Believe it or not, this spot was actually the first major Dublin pub to screen all of the sporting events for patrons, making this a must-visit for any sporting fans visiting the city.

Known as Europe’s longest pub, Dublin’s Hole in the Wall is idyllically located in the beautiful Phoenix Park. Combining the merits of a cosmopolitan pub with the tranquil surrounds of Phoenix Park, patrons truly can enjoy the very best of both worlds here. Serving classic Irish fare and a delightful range of craft beers in stunning surroundings defined by exposed brick and beams, this is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of a truly traditional Irish pub.

Dating back all the way to 1651, this spot has a long and varied history that oozes out of every corner of the traditional bar area. They also host a wide variety of events including live music, book signings, and live sport showings of all major sporting events across their 11 large LCD screens. Whether you’re a rugby, football, or GAA fan, this is the perfect place to gather to catch the match. They even offer special match day deals, whereby you can enjoy a delicious beef or chicken burger and a pint of beer for just €15 – what a bargain! 

Another fantastic spot located just outside of the main city centre, The Paddocks in Clonee has gained notoriety on social media for their creative and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails. With a huge menu offering something for everyone, including fantastic vegan and gluten-free options, dining here is a must if you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience. Open and spacious with an airy dining room featuring colourful wood-panelled walls and comfortable seats and stools, you can truly relax and enjoy an afternoon with friends here.

Having recently been awarded the Best Dublin Night Out at the 2024 Best of Dublin awards, this truly is an unmissable spot for a great night close to the city. Serving up creamy pints of Guinness and creative dishes that take inspiration from both traditional Irish and global fare, this is the ultimate place to be on match day. With 18 screens and three big screens, this is the perfect place for sports lovers to relax and witness the game. 

Located in the heart of the city on Clarendon Street, Bar Rua is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub that offers everything you could need for a great night out in Ireland’s capital city. Serving up a tasty bar food menu of comfort food classics alongside a wide selection of Irish and international craft beers, Bar Rua is unsurprisingly one of the most-beloved spots in the city. It was also one of the first Dublin pubs to offer outdoor seating, making it a great spot to hang out on those rare sunny days.

Part of the fantastic Galway Bay Brewery hospitality group, there’s no denying the gang know what they’re doing when it comes to a great Irish pub experience. With frequent live music and large screens showing major sporting events, there’s always something going on here. So, if you’re looking for the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the city with a pint in hand on match day, then you need to add Bar Rua to your Dublin bucket list.