The Oldest Pub in Dublin: Which Is It? — Craic Map

The sign outside The Brazen Head reads "Ireland's Oldest Pub — Established 1198." It's one of the most famous claims in Dublin — and one of the most debated.

So what is the oldest pub in Dublin?

There isn't a single answer. The oldest pub in Dublin depends on what you mean by "oldest" — whether that's the oldest site, the longest continuous licence, the longest family ownership, or the pub that has changed the least over time.

Four pubs dominate the conversation: The Brazen Head (1198), The Bleeding Horse (1649), The Swan Bar (1661), and Mulligan's (1782). Each has a strong claim — depending on how you define "oldest pub."

Here's how those claims compare, and which pub actually comes out on top under each definition.

The Brazen Head (1198): Oldest pub site in Dublin

The Brazen Head is widely known as the oldest pub in Dublin, thanks to its 1198 founding date — but that date refers to the site, not the current building.

Most architectural surveys date the present structure to the 17th or early 18th century, with later Georgian changes. Records tracing Dublin pub licences suggest the pub under its current name dates from the mid-1700s.

What likely existed here in 1198 was an inn or hostelry. The site sits just outside the medieval city walls, on a main route to the River Liffey — a natural stopping point for travellers.

The Brazen Head is best understood as the oldest pub site in Dublin, not the oldest surviving pub building.

The Bleeding Horse (1649): Oldest continuous licence in Dublin

The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street, Dublin — licensed continuously since 1649 and named in James Joyce's Ulysses. — The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street — licensed continuously since 1649, and a Dublin landmark by the time Joyce wrote it into *Ulysses*.

The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street has one of the strongest historical claims to being the oldest pub in Dublin based on documentation.

Records show a pub licence on this site from around 1649, making it one of the earliest continuously traceable pubs in the city. While the current building is largely Victorian, the name, location and licence appear to have continued without interruption.

The pub is also mentioned in Ulysses, set in 1904, indicating it was already a well-established Dublin landmark by the early 20th century.

The Bleeding Horse is often considered the oldest continuously licensed pub in Dublin.

The Swan Bar (1661): Oldest family-run pub in Dublin

The Swan Bar on York Street, Dublin — run by the Lynch family since 1661, the longest documented family ownership in Dublin. — The Swan Bar on York Street — run by the Lynch family since 1661, the longest documented family ownership in the city.

The Swan Bar offers a different kind of claim: long-term family ownership.

The Lynch family has operated the pub for generations, with that lineage documented through Dublin licence records. While the current building is largely 19th century, the continuity of ownership is unusually strong.

The Swan Bar is a leading contender for the oldest family-run pub in Dublin.

Mulligan's (1782): Oldest traditional pub still operating as it always has

Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street, Dublin — pouring pints since 1782 and widely cited as the city's most-unchanged traditional pub. — Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street — operating since 1782, and widely cited as the most-unchanged traditional pub in Dublin.

Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street dates from 1782 and is often cited as the most unchanged traditional pub in Dublin.

The building was refitted in the 19th century, but the licence, name and character have remained consistent. It still operates as a classic Dublin pub: focused on pints, conversation and continuity rather than reinvention.

Mulligan's is widely seen as the oldest Dublin pub still operating in its traditional form.

What is the oldest pub in Dublin? (Simple answer)

If you're looking for a single answer:

The Brazen Head (1198) — oldest pub site
The Bleeding Horse (1649) — oldest continuous licence
The Swan Bar (1661) — oldest family-run pub
Mulligan's (1782) — oldest traditional pub still operating as it always has

The "oldest pub in Dublin" depends entirely on which definition you use.

Where to visit the oldest pubs in Dublin

All four pubs are within walking distance and can be visited in a single afternoon:

Mulligan's (start mid-afternoon for a quieter pint)
The Swan Bar (early evening)
The Brazen Head (busier evening atmosphere)
The Bleeding Horse (later evening, longer opening hours)

This route gives you a practical way to experience Dublin's oldest pubs across all definitions.

FAQs about the oldest pub in Dublin

What is the oldest pub in Dublin?

There is no single answer. The Brazen Head is the oldest site (1198), The Bleeding Horse has one of the oldest continuous licences (1649), The Swan Bar has long family ownership (1661), and Mulligan's is the most unchanged traditional pub (1782).

Is The Brazen Head really the oldest pub in Dublin?

It is the oldest pub site in Dublin, with a history dating to 1198. However, the current building dates from the 17th–18th century.

What is the oldest pub building in Dublin?

There is no clear single answer. Most historic Dublin pubs have been rebuilt or altered. Parts of The Brazen Head and The Swan Bar are among the oldest surviving structures still in use as pubs.

Browse all of Dublin's historic pubs on the Craic Map Dublin page, or read our guide to the best pubs in Dublin to plan your visit.

Pub details verified against Royal Irish Academy references, directory listings and historical sources as of April 2026. Dating claims involve interpretation and may reflect site, licence or ownership continuity.