Featured Curated Crawl
This heritage pub is a highlighted stop on: Capel Street & North City Trail
The Oval Bar
78 Middle Abbey St, North City, D01 T858
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: Guinness & Beef Stew
Verified Opening Hours
*Hours conform to standard Dublin licensing laws. Subject to bank holiday adjustments.
Heritage Lore & Pub Highlights
Rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1916 Rising. Famous oval stained-glass dome and warm fireplace.
Pub Features & Atmosphere
Visiting The Oval Bar on a Dublin Pub Crawl
Whether you are stepping into The Oval Bar 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 Oval Bar — Trinity / Fleet St Heritage & Walking Guide
Established in 1820 (206 years ago) during Dublin's late-Georgian and early-Emancipation era, The Oval Bar has anchored the streetscape of Trinity / Fleet St for nearly two centuries of literary, political, and neighbourhood pub life.
Located at 78 Middle Abbey St, North City, D01 T858 (exact GPS coordinates 53.34845, -6.26034), The Oval Bar is known for its 1916 Rising History & Stained Glass atmosphere and signature features including 1916 Rising, Middle Abbey St, Victorian Glaze. Patrons visiting for a pint of plain or the house specialty (Guinness & Beef Stew) rate the cellar quality at 9.4/10 on the Guinness Stout Score™ index.
When building a self-guided walking route through Trinity / Fleet St, the three closest neighbouring stops are The Neptune Bar (156m away, ⭐ 9.3), The Piper's Corner (172m away, ⭐ 9.6), and Briodys (191m away, ⭐ 9.6).
Walking Distance from The Oval Bar to Dublin Landmarks
- Trinity College Front Gate459 m (~6 min walk)
- St. Stephen's Green (Fusiliers' Arch)975 m (~12 min walk)
- Ha'penny Bridge (River Liffey)302 m (~4 min walk)
- Guinness Storehouse (St. James's Gate)1.90 km (~24 min walk)
- Connolly / Pearse DART Hub978 m (~13 min walk)
Nearby Historic Pubs
Closest authentic taverns within easy walking distance
The Neptune Bar
⭐ 9.3Capel St & North City · Est. 1890
Beloved Northside haunt steeped in theatre district lore, revered for its Thursday night authentic traditional music sessions and cold stout.
The Piper's Corner
⭐ 9.6Capel St & North City · Est. 2017
Founded by renowned uilleann piper Seán Potts, this is a sacred spot for unamplified traditional music sessions and fluent Gaeilge.
Briodys
⭐ 9.6Capel St & North City · Est. 1930
A quiet, reverent sanctuary for pint purists right in the heart of Dublin 1. Widely acclaimed for its velvety Guinness dome.
5-Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions · The Oval Bar
Verified InfoWhat is the Guinness Stout Score™ rating at The Oval Bar? ▾
The Oval Bar holds a verified Guinness Stout Score™ of 9.4/10 based on 320 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 Oval Bar located in Dublin? ▾
The Oval Bar is located at 78 Middle Abbey St, North City, D01 T858, Dublin (GPS: 53.348453, -6.260339). 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 Oval Bar? ▾
The Oval Bar 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 Oval Bar famous on a Dublin pub crawl? ▾
Rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1916 Rising. Famous oval stained-glass dome and warm fireplace. 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 Neptune Bar • The Piper's Corner • Briodys • The Flowing Tide • Caribou • The Black Sheep