Featured Curated Crawl
This heritage pub is a highlighted stop on: The Classic Heritage Crawl • The Historic Liberties & Dublin 8
The Brazen Head
20 Lower Bridge St, Merchants Quay, D08 WC64
Stout Score Breakdown
- Pour Technique 119.5s Two-Stage
- Cellar Temp 5.8°C (Optimal)
- Head Retention Velvety Domed Cap
- Line Hygiene High Rotation Fresh
- Recommended Order: Pint of Guinness & Irish Stew
Verified Opening Hours
*Hours conform to standard Dublin licensing laws. Subject to bank holiday adjustments.
Heritage Lore & Pub Highlights
Ireland's oldest pub (1198). Robert Emmet & James Joyce drank here.
Pub Features & Atmosphere
Visiting The Brazen Head on a Dublin Pub Crawl
Whether you are stepping into The Brazen Head for an afternoon quiet pint in a snug or making it a core stop along your evening walking route, remember that counter seating operates on a traditional first-come, first-served basis. Order at the bar, allow the bartender the full two-stage pour to let the stout settle, and enjoy the conversation.
The Brazen Head — The Liberties / Christchurch Heritage & Walking Guide
Founded in 1198 (828 years of continuous Dublin hospitality), The Brazen Head predates both the Guinness brewery lease at St. James's Gate (1759) and the Georgian Wide Streets Commission, placing it among the oldest licensed premises in The Liberties / Christchurch.
Located at 20 Lower Bridge St, Merchants Quay, D08 WC64 (exact GPS coordinates 53.34484, -6.27581), The Brazen Head is known for its Historic & Rebel Lore atmosphere and signature features including Oldest in Ireland, Trad Music, Courtyard. Patrons visiting for a pint of plain or the house specialty (Pint of Guinness & Irish Stew) rate the cellar quality at 9.3/10 on the Guinness Stout Score™ index.
When building a self-guided walking route through The Liberties / Christchurch, the three closest neighbouring stops are The Thomas House (209m away, ⭐ 9.1), Tom Kennedy's Bar (256m away, ⭐ 9.3), and Dudley's (320m away, ⭐ 9.3).
Walking Distance from The Brazen Head to Dublin Landmarks
- Trinity College Front Gate1117 m (~14 min walk)
- St. Stephen's Green (Fusiliers' Arch)1132 m (~15 min walk)
- Ha'penny Bridge (River Liffey)859 m (~11 min walk)
- Guinness Storehouse (St. James's Gate)793 m (~10 min walk)
- Connolly / Pearse DART Hub1.83 km (~23 min walk)
Nearby Historic Pubs
Closest authentic taverns within easy walking distance
The Thomas House
⭐ 9.1The Liberties / Christchurch · Est. 1900
Dublin legendary alternative bar with vinyl punk/ska nights, pinball, exceptional craft beer selection, and rebel atmosphere.
Tom Kennedy's Bar
⭐ 9.3The Liberties / Christchurch · Est. 1890
Authentic Liberties taproom with deep working-class roots, warm banter, live weekend sessions, and great stout.
Dudley's
⭐ 9.3The Liberties / Christchurch · Est. 2022
Named after 18th-century Liberties eccentric Dudley Bradstreet, blending heritage tavern decor with premium modern taps and Guinness.
5-Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions · The Brazen Head
Verified InfoWhat is the Guinness Stout Score™ rating at The Brazen Head? ▾
The Brazen Head holds a verified Guinness Stout Score™ of 9.3/10 based on 335 independent pint evaluations across cellar temperature (6–8°C), line hygiene, 119.5-second two-part surge, glassware cleanliness, and dome creaminess.
Where is The Brazen Head located in Dublin? ▾
The Brazen Head is located at 20 Lower Bridge St, Merchants Quay, D08 WC64, Dublin (GPS: 53.344845, -6.275815). You can use our interactive walking map or click 'Directions' on this page for step-by-step walking navigation.
What are the opening hours for The Brazen Head? ▾
The Brazen Head is open Monday–Thursday from 10:30 to 23:30, Friday–Saturday from 10:30 to 00:30, and Sunday from 12:30 to 23:00 (hours may vary on Irish bank holidays).
What makes The Brazen Head famous on a Dublin pub crawl? ▾
Ireland's oldest pub (1198). Robert Emmet & James Joyce drank here. It is one of the 118 curated historic heritage taverns featured in the Dublin Pub Crawl Directory.
More Dublin Pubs in the Dublin Pub Crawl Directory
The Thomas House • Tom Kennedy's Bar • Dudley's • Frank Ryan's • The Long Hall • Mulligan's