Drinking With Our Forefathers at The Brazen Head
Yes, Dublin has an abundance of pubs. Whether you’re looking for an intimate setting or a rowdy crowd, there’s definitely a pub for you in Dublin. But, truthfully, there’s only one pub that has been in Dublin since its inception: The Brazen Head.
I was sceptical about visiting The Brazen Head, seeing as it looked like any other pub in Dublin. And I know this might sound exaggerated, but I was shocked by the history of the pub and the stories I heard from the locals and the bartenders.
So, come with us as we explore one of Dublin’s oldest pubs. Whether you fancy yourself a nice pint of Guinness or some lovely pub food, we’re sure that you’ll learn more about Dublin and what pubs meant to the Dublin of old.
What is The Brazen Head Known for?
The Brazen Head is located on Bridge Street and was where the area that is now known as Dublin was founded. Having been with the city since its inception, the pub has had a long history of serving Dublin’s citizens.
Best Time to Go to The Brazen Head
The best time to head to The Brazen Head is around the afternoon, just before dusk settles, as you can easily find a great seat inside the pub. If you’re looking to arrive a little later, we suggest no later than 7:00 PM, as it tends to get quite full.
Things to Know About The Brazen Head
Address: The Brazen Head is located at 20 Lower Bridge Street, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland. It is conveniently located near other popular tourist attractions, including Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, Dublin Castle, Dublin City Hall, and Temple Bar.
Operating Hours: The Brazen Head is open from Monday to Sunday, with hours of operation from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
Parking: There is some street parking available at the pub itself, but we’d suggest that you find parking elsewhere, such as at Thomas Street Car Park, Q-Park Four Courts, or Q-Park Christchurch.
Contact Information: You can contact the pub through the pub’s mobile number at +353 1 679 5186 or through the pub’s email address at [email protected]. You can also contact them through their website.
Pets: The Brazen Head is one of the few pubs that welcomes pets into its premises. We do have to advise that you keep your pets on a leash, as pets are required to be leashed at all times when in public spaces in Dublin.
Accessibility at The Brazen Head
Semi-Accessible Pub: The Brazen Head is somewhat accessible for wheelchair users. While it may be a tight fit, you can still easily enter the pub and move around freely. The bathrooms may require you to ask for help from a friend, as they aren’t very accessible.
How to Get to The Brazen Head
Car: The Brazen Head is located on Bridge Street and can be accessed via Oliver Bond Street, St. Augustine Street, Cook Street, and the R108 Road.
Dublin Bus: There are several bus routes that travel near the Brazen Head. Here are the specific bus routes that do and the stops to look out for.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 4 | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 13 | Francis Street Junction Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 26 | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:45 AM – 11:25 PM Saturday: 6:15 AM – 11:25 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:25 PM |
| Route 37 | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:35 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 39 | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Friday: 6:22 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:45 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:47 AM – 11:02 PM |
| Route 39A | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Sunday: 4:00 AM – 3:30 AM |
| Route 51D | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Route 52 | Merchant’s Quay Stop | Monday to Friday: 4:55 AM – 10:50 PM Saturday: 6:05 AM – 10:50 PM Sunday: 8:05 AM – 10:50 PM |
| Route 123 | Francis Street Junction Stop | Monday to Friday: 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 8:20 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route G1 | Francis Street Junction Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM – 4:25 AM Saturday: 5:24 AM – 4:25 AM Sunday: 5:26 AM – 4:26 AM |
Bike: You can easily bike to The Brazen Head through the same street we suggested previously. As for parking, to be on the safe side, we suggest parking at the car parks in the designated area or at Dublin City Hall.
As for Dublin Bikes, there are three different Dublin Bikes Stations near The Brazen Head. One is located at St. Audoen’s Park, the other at John Street West, and the last one at Oliver Bond Street.
LUAS Tram System: There are two different LUAS Tram Stops located near the Brazen Head. These are the Smithfield and the Four Courts Luas stops, which are both on the Red Line. If you are on the Green Line, the closest stop is Trinity Luas.
Taxi: You can easily head to The Brazen Head by taxi, especially if you’re coming from the outer limits of Dublin City. If coming from anywhere near Dublin City Centre, we suggest taking public transport or walking, as this is often the most cost-effective option.
Important History of The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head has a long history of being in Dublin. Starting from 1198 to its current iteration, here’s a breakdown of each of the significant events that shaped the Brazen Head.
Origins
The Brazen Head and its surrounding areas were where Dublin was founded. Recent excavations in the area have revealed that the Brazen Head site has been in use since at least the 13th century. It gained its license to sell alcohol in 1661.
Residential House
It was once a residential house owned by Richard and Elinor Fagan, located in a messuage dating back to 1613. It then became a residential home for merchants, with notable guests including Sir Winston Churchill and the Marquess of Antrim.
Coaching Inn
In 1754, it was renovated into a coaching inn. It was also leased by the merchants who owned it to a variety of shops, such as textile merchants, while the upper floors were used as a residential area by the merchants themselves.
Modern Times
In the 20th century, the pub was mentioned by James Joyce in his novel Ulysses. The pub also appeared in the 1969 book Irish Pubs of Character, where Roy Bulson describes the pub as having “old world charm” and having “antique pieces of interest”.
Pub Food Highlights
While the various selections of spirits, ale, and alcohol are what draw you to The Brazen Head, what makes you stay is the wonderful pub food. Here are some of the dishes that truly caught our attention during our stay at the Brazen Head.
Fish and Chips
Media Credit: The Brazen Head Instagram
Truly a banger! The fish and chips at The Brazen Head are an ode to a pub classic, and it delivers tenfold. The fish, which was cod, was flaky, fresh, was cooked to perfection. The fish flaked when I cut it and practically melted in my mouth.
The chips were perfectly seasoned, neither too salty nor just salty enough to pair well with the other flavours. The tartar sauce was the star of the show, as it elevated the entire dish and added the creaminess that pairs well with a pint of Guinness.
Traditional Brazen Beef Stew
Media Credit: The Brazen Head Instagram
The traditional Brazen beef stew is a hearty dish that echoes a few flavours that might remind you of your childhood. Made with prime Irish beef, the meat retained a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, unlike corned beef.
The broth itself is extremely flavorful, with notes of thyme, rosemary, caraway seeds, and sage. It also has a hint of mushrooms and is incredibly rich. It also comes with some mash, which is a nice additional texture to the beef and root vegetables.
Brazen Beef Burger
Media Credit: The Brazen Head Instagram
If you want something practical, there’s nothing wrong with going for the Brazen beef burger. While it may look like a normal burger, it’s anything but ordinary. The beef is what you’d expect it to be, which is good because there’s no need to innovate on that.
What’s lovely is the fresh lettuce that they use, which is crisp and not soggy. The burger also features a nice garlic sauce that’s simply divine and complements the slight fatiness of the patty well. You can also add cheese or bacon to it, but it works well on its own.
Seafood Chowder
Media Credit: The Brazen Head Instagram
There’s nothing better to pair with a nice beer than a bowl of Irish pub seafood chowder. The Brazen Head makes some of the best seafood chowder in town, and might we say even better than the ones we’d find in Howth or Malahide.
The chowder has salmon, cod, and smoked coley, each adding a nice texture and flavour to the overall dish. There are also a few vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, that add simplicity to the dish and keep it from being too heavy.
Bangers and Mash
Media Credit: The Brazen Head Instagram
I can bet there’s nothing better than Bangers and Mash and a good Lager. The Brazen Head delivers on this delightful dish with a few additions that you probably wouldn’t find in your typical bangers and mash.
The sausages are made of pork and leeks, and might I say, they are larger than most pubs around. It’s served with a root veg puree that adds a nice hint of freshness to the dish, and of course, the mash is perfectly creamy and smooth. Such a delight this one!
Important Historical Sites near The Brazen Head
Since we’re already learning about Dublin history, might as well recommend a few more historical sites near the pub for you to visit before having a nice pint at The Brazen Head.
Dublin Castle
Media Credit: Dublin Castle Instagram
Website: https://dublincastle.ie
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 46 942 2213
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Dublin Castle is a fantastic place to head to when wanting to learn about Dublin’s past. Within the Castle grounds, a stunning Chapel Royal in Gothic Revival style, designed by Francis Johnston and opened in 1814, stands.
What’s really cool is that underneath the Lower Castle Yard, there’s a Viking Excavation. You can see old city walls, a defence bank, and a double archway that were part of the Norman fortification.
Dublin City Hall
Media Credit: Dublin City Hall Instagram
Website: https://www.dublincity.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityhalldublin
Address: Dame St, Dublin, D02 DF20, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 222 2204
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday:10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Dublin City Hall offers a more artistic retelling of Dublin’s history. Here you’ll learn about the many artistic talents that contributed to the beautiful historic monument that is Dublin City Hall. You’ll also learn about Dublin’s history from the 9th century to the modern era.
The entrance hall—the Rotunda—is so fancy. It’s supported by 12 towering columns, each 32 feet tall under a copper-green dome.
Christ Church Cathedral
Media Credit: Christ Church Cathedral Instagram
Website: https://christchurchcathedral.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cccdub
Address: Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin, D08 TF98, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 8099
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most important religious sites. The home of both the Anglican and Catholic Church, it combines the practices of both religions and teaches the importance of both in shaping the country we know today.
The cathedral’s belfry holds 19 bells, the largest number of full-circle ringing bells in the world.
Where to Stay When Going to The Brazen Head
Seeing as the Brazen Head is located near Dublin City Centre, you can easily find great accommodation at a reasonable cost. Whether you’d want to settle for a hotel or hostel, we’ve got a good selection for you to choose from.
Hyatt Centric Dublin
Media Credit: Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin Instagram
Website: https://www.hyatt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyatt
Address: Dean St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 W3X7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 708 1999
Price Range: Starts at €255
The Hyatt Centric Dublin is a beloved hotel that pairs warm colours with wood furnishings. The rooms here are comfortable, featuring large beds and soft linens, and most of the furniture is made from lovely wood that feels both quaint and incredibly elegant.
You’re greeted by a crew called the “Savvy Explorers”, not your typical hotel staff. They help you soak in the local history through the sights, smells, and tastes—all of it.
Generator Dublin
Media Credit: Generator Dublin Instagram
Website: https://staygenerator.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayGENERATOR
Address: Smithfield, Dublin, D07 F2VF, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 901 0222
Price Range: Starts at €66
Generator Dublin is a contemporary hostel that offers funky aesthetics with unique industrial decor. Many of the rooms will remind you of modernist aesthetics, with plain, monochrome colours, yet still provide a homey experience.
It also brings that “poshtel” energy. There’s a cinema room, an event and meeting space, laundry services, and female-only dorms.
Hampton By Hilton
Media Credit: Hampton By Hilton Dublin Instagram
Website: https://www.hilton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamptonByHiltonDublinCityCentre
Address: 25 Chancery St, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 KX21, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 658 2355
Price Range: Starts at €129
The Hampton by Hilton is for frequent travellers across the world. Hilton Hotels are known for their exceptional service and numerous perks for Hilton Honours guests. It offers many modern amenities that you won’t find anywhere else.
The rooms are modern and cosy, with comfy beds, blackout curtains, and soundproofing.
The Chancery Hotel
Media Credit: The Chancery Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.thechanceryhotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechanceryhoteldublin
Address: 21 Ship Street, Great, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D08 AFY9, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 554 2900
Price Range: Starts at €445
The Chancery Hotel offers a classy experience that combines Dublin’s hospitality with a contemporary hotel experience. You’ll find yourself in simple, yet stylish rooms with a beautiful terrace that’ll give you a wonderful view of Dublin Castle.
This hotel also proudly holds LEED Gold certification and operates entirely without fossil fuels, making it one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in the UK and Ireland.
Leonardo Hotel Dublin
Media Credit: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch Instagram
Website: https://www.leonardo-hotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeonardoHotelsUKIRE/
Address: Christchurch Pl, Dublin, D08 REK7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 454 0000
Price Range: Starts at €160
The Leonardo Hotel is a modern hotel that prioritises efficiency and reliability for its guests. Rooms feature all the modern amenities you may need, and upgraded rooms offer additional extras, such as minibars and safes.
The hotel also makes everyday convenience feel indulgent, offering an all-day bar and grill, as well as a Lavazza coffee bar.
Tips When Visiting The Brazen Head
Before you charge into The Brazen Head and sing jolly songs with its patrons, might we suggest a few tips that might make your visit to Dublin’s oldest pub a memorable and fulfilling one?
Go For a Pub Tour
There are certain pub tours available that will take you through most of the notable tourist spots in Dublin City before bringing you to The Brazen Head for a round of drinks. For a fuller experience, we suggest doing just that.
Visit Other Heritage Sites
Before you head to The Brazen Head, even if you’re not going on a pub tour, we’d still suggest visiting other historical and heritage sites in Dublin City. Many of the most well-known ones are within walking distance of the pub.
Check Out the Memorabilia
The Brazen Head has many antiques hung on its walls. As one of the oldest pubs in Dublin, you’ll find quite a few memorabilia that date back to the early 20th century. Some of the bartenders can even tell you more about certain antiques if you ask.
Go For Outside Seating
If the weather is fair and the air isn’t too chilly, outside seating at The Brazen Head is a lovely experience. You’ll get to breathe in the nice breeze from the River Liffey while talking to locals about the wonderful stories they have about the place.