The Palace Bar Fleet Street

Welcome to The Palace Bar, a gem in the heart of Dublin that remains unspoilt and unmodernised. Established in 1823, this small and unpretentious pub has a fame vastly out of proportion to its size, making it one of Dublin’s oldest and most cherished pubs..

A Historical Haven
The Beautiful Snug
Step into the beautiful snug at the front, a quaint space where many a historic meeting has taken place. This snug, with an old telephone box feel, can hold up to five people and is said to have hosted meetings during the War of Independence by Michael Collins himself.

The Backroom
Explore the backroom with its high ceiling and ornate stained glass, where literary figures like Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien, and Harry Kernoff used to gather. This room still echoes with the conversations of the literary greats, making it internationally famous and one of Dublin’s great literary pubs.

Sporting Connections
The Palace Bar has a long history of sporting connections, whether it is hurling, football, rugby, or horse racing. The upstairs bar, open from Wednesday to Sunday, is adorned with photos, jerseys, and drawings, including one of the famous sports journalist Con Houlihan. The Tipperary hurling teams and their supporters have long regarded The Palace as their unofficial headquarters, earning it the nickname “The Tipperary Pub.”

Rugby Enthusiasts
The French and Welsh Rugby Squads have always been fascinated by the unique ambience of The Palace, making it their premier “watering hole” during international rugby games. While singing is generally not allowed as it is a ‘conversation pub’, exceptions are made for the Welsh choir during the Welsh versus Ireland rugby matches, creating magical moments as their voices fill the air.

Diverse Clientele
During the week, The Palace Bar attracts a diverse mix of patrons, including lecturers and students from nearby Trinity College, business people from the surrounding offices, tourists, and regulars from all walks of life. This diversity adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the pub.

Victorian Architecture
The Palace Bar is a perfect example of Victorian architecture. Its natural ambience and character are best experienced in the early morning when sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, illuminating the old mahogany back bar and high vaulted ceiling. The Victorian back bar, with its Romanesque arches and clever use of mirrors, is a marvel to behold.
The Palace Bar has teamed up with Cooley Distillery to launch its own whiskey brand, the first pub in Ireland to do so since the mid-70s. This new offering includes a hand-picked 9 Year-Old single cask single malt, chosen by a panel of faithful customers. The bottle’s label pays homage to The Palace Bar’s literary past and depicts the exterior of the pub.

Conclusion
The Palace Bar is more than just a pub; it’s a living piece of Dublin’s history. With its rich literary connections, sporting heritage, and Victorian charm, it offers a unique experience that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re here for the history, the atmosphere, or the whiskey, The Palace Bar is a must-visit destination in Dublin.

Hours:
Thursday 12–11:30 p.m.
Friday 12 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
Saturday 12 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
Sunday 12–11:30 p.m.
Monday 12–11:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12–11:30 p.m.
Wednesday 12–11:30 p.m.