The Brazen Head is a Dublin institution as well as the city’s oldest pub. Its history dates back to 1198 as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike for centuries and if the walls could talk, they’d have plenty of tales to tell. One of the most famous stories linked to The Brazen Head is that of Irish nationalist Robert Emmet who is said to have plotted his doomed 1803 rebellion here. Emmet’s uprising was ultimately unsuccessful, and he met a tragic end just mere steps away, executed on September 20th, 1803, outside St. Catherine’s Church. The legend goes that Emmet’s spirit still lingers close to the pub.

Known lovingly as “The Gravediggers”, John Kavanagh’s pub is located next to Ireland’s largest cemetery, Glasnevin Cemetery. This pub historically served as a drinking spot for the grave diggers who worked nearby. After long, laborious shifts, these gravediggers would unwind with a pint here, making it a natural extension of the cemetery and as a result many believe that the boundary between life and death blurs inside this pub. Do spirits cross over from the cemetery into the pub? Are the supernatural presences reported real? Step inside and find out. Either way, you’ll find John Kavanagh’s remains a steadfast tribute to old Dublin, its history preserved in every corner, from its unpretentious decor to its stories.

Brogan’s Bar is another historic gem in Dublin’s pub scene. Positioned right next to the Olympia Theatre, it’s perfectly situated for theatergoers and history buffs alike. The pub is also rumored to have a secret passage that once led to Dublin Castle, adding an air of mystery to its already unique character. Stepping inside, you’re met with walls adorned with Guinness memorabilia, a tribute to the iconic Irish stout and a reminder of Dublin’s brewing heritage. Perhaps it’s the connection to the castle, or the countless visitors who have passed through its doors over the years, but there’s an undeniable sense of old-world Dublin within these walls.

Dakey Kelly’s, named after one of Dublin’s most infamous figures, has darker origins than most pubs. The establishment gets its name from a woman whose life is shrouded in folklore and mystery who met a horrific end when she was burned at the stake for witchcraft. After her death, a shocking discovery of bodies buried beneath the floorboards of a brothel she once ran led many to believe she may have been something far more sinister than a witch - a possible serial killer. This macabre history has only added to the pub’s legend, and today, Dakey Kelly’s stands as a reminder of Dublin’s darker past.

Each of these establishments has a story to tell, from rebellion to witchcraft. Visiting these pubs means stepping into Dublin’s history, where the line between reality and legend often blurs. So, grab a pint, settle in, and listen carefully. You never know what you’ll see or hear…