Just off O’Connell street on Cathedral Street you will find one of Dublin’s true gems. As expected from it’s location they do well on passing tourist trade but it is definitely not one of those Paddywhackery city centre pubs! This is a place that takes its beer, food and the authentic Irish pub experience seriously, in that it is one of the most down to earth, welcoming and friendly bars you will find.

As expected the establishment is as old as the hills, but the McCormack brothers took over in 1999, changing the name to Brannigan’s after Lugs Brannigan – an infamous Dublin Rascal! A Garda and keen amateur boxer, his outspokenness, strength and fearlessness drew a lot of attention, his personal notoriety growing over the years. An interesting character who was both fiercely feared and fiercely respected!

It was in the early 1930’s when that other Rascal, Tommy Moore was the proprietor of what was then known as ‘The Moore House’! This was when a long love affair with the GAA began and although generally frequented by Cork and Kerry fans on Match days, of course anyone is welcome!

I would describe the bar as “Handsome”! The inside has beautiful 19th Century Irish church-style arches through the middle and a lovely tall ceiling, allowing a sometimes boisterous pub atmosphere to float right above your head, while also adding breathing room in an otherwise cosy space. The outside is painted a traditional shiny black with dusty navy and gold, which comes to life through lighting at night! Traditional looking, however the crowd are anything but, drawing in all sorts from local residents, office workers, tourists and some real Dublin characters! Pictures of Irish heroes, from Luke Kelly, Brendan Behan to Conor McGregor*, line the walls, which Paul tells us are for sale by a local artist going by “Paintings by Peelo”
*Just a note that the Conor McGregor painting is now sold but Behan is on display.

Food and drink are central to the pub, serving hardy, tasty cold-weather foods like soup, a lunch time Carvery and an evening menu! Their Lamb stew is absolutely RAVED about in online reviews, as well as the Beef & Guinness Casserole! But what we REALLY want to know about it WHY CRAFT BEER? He tells us that craft sales are “improving all the time!”. He definitely notices sales are steadily increasing and people are more and more interested in seeing more IRISH Craft beer!

We have our Yankee White IPA on tap and it is selling great so thanks for giving us the opportunity of bringing our beers to a really wide and diverse audience! Great to think that people are settling in for an evening in such a great pub sinking our own Craft Pints!

But don’t take our word for it! We will hold a Tasting night here on the LAST FRIDAY – 29th SEPTEMBER from 6PM so perfect opportunity to come and check the place out for yourself!