The Old Orchard Inn: Dublin Pub Guide & Comparison

Dublin has no shortage of pubs with character — but finding one that feels like a genuine local while still delivering great food and a proper beer garden? That’s rarer than you’d think. The Old Orchard Inn in Rathfarnham pulls it off, and this guide lays out exactly what makes it tick, how it stacks up against Dublin’s most legendary pubs, and what you should (and shouldn’t) order when you visit.

Location: Rathfarnham, Dublin · Cuisine: Irish pub grub · Beer Garden: Large heated outdoor area · Live Music: Every Friday and Saturday

The pattern here is clear: each card covers a distinct angle — the venue itself, celebrity connections, historical records, and cultural norms.

Six details that define The Old Orchard Inn, straight from verified sources:

What pub does Conor McGregor own in Dublin?

Conor McGregor bought The Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh in 2022, reportedly paying around €2 million for the renovated pub (Wikipedia). It’s become a destination for fans, with memorabilia and a sleek interior, but it sits a world away from the laid‑back vibe of suburban Rathfarnham.

Bono’s favorite pub in Dublin

• Bono has regularly named The Stag’s Head on Dame Lane as his go‑to Dublin pub — a Victorian gem known for its carved oak interior and snug bars (IrishCentral).

Bruce Springsteen’s favorite pub in Dublin

• During his 2023 tour, Springsteen visited The Stag’s Head and called it his “local”, endearing it to fans forever (RTE Lifestyle).

The implication: celebrity‑spotted pubs like The Stag’s Head rely on name recognition and central location. The Old Orchard Inn, by contrast, earns its reputation through consistent pub grub and a community‑first approach — no star power required.

What is the oldest pub in Dublin?

The Brazen Head on Bridge Street claims the title, dating back to 1198. Its cobblestone courtyard and traditional Irish fare draw tourists from around the world (Wikipedia).

Oldest pub in Donaghadee, Ireland

• Across the border, Grace Neill’s in Donaghadee, County Down, has been serving since 1611. It bills itself as the oldest bar in Ireland and is still a family‑run establishment (Ireland Before You Die).

Who owns Grace Neills in Donaghadee?

• For decades the pub has been run by the Neill family; current ownership remains within the family, preserving its historical character (Ireland Before You Die).

Why this matters: historic pubs trade on lineage and tourism. The Old Orchard Inn, while not ancient, claims a different kind of heritage — local loyalty. It’s been a Rathfarnham fixture long enough to earn repeat custom without relying on a medieval foundation date.

Where is the world’s oldest bar in Ireland?

Sean’s Bar in Athlone, County Westmeath, holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest surviving bar, with licensed premises dating from 900 AD (Wikipedia). Its walls contain wattle‑and‑daub fragments from the Viking era, making it a living museum.

The pattern: you can’t compete with 1,100 years of history. What you can do is own your niche — which is exactly what The Old Orchard Inn does with its heated outdoor space and locally sourced menu.

What is the best pub in Ireland?

“Best” depends on what you value. Foodies point to The Old Orchard Inn; history buffs choose Sean’s Bar or The Brazen Head; celebrity followers flock to The Black Forge Inn. One pub often tops the food‑and‑atmosphere lists in South Dublin: The Old Orchard Inn.

The Old Orchard Inn menu

The Old Orchard Inn serves Irish pub grub daily, with a menu that covers everything from full Irish breakfast (served 9:30–11:45am) to evening dinners until 8:30pm. Popular choices include Guinness stew, fish and chips, and the carvery roast (DesignMyNight).

The most expensive pub in Ireland

The title of most expensive pint often changes with Dublin rents. In 2024, spots in Temple Bar — where a pint of stout can exceed €7 — regularly claim the crown (IrishCentral).

The highest Irish-owned bar in the world

McSorley’s Old Ale House in New York City, founded in 1854 by John McSorley, is often cited as the highest‑profile Irish‑owned bar globally, though it’s not in Ireland (Wikipedia).

The catch: “best” is subjective, but The Old Orchard Inn consistently wins on TripAdvisor for its food, atmosphere, and heated beer garden — a rare combo in Dublin’s pub scene.

What not to order in an Irish pub?

There’s one drink that locals will raise an eyebrow at: the so‑called Irish Car Bomb. It’s considered offensive because of the Troubles and is widely discouraged (IrishCentral). Stick to a pint of stout, a Guinness stew, or simply ask the barman for a recommendation.

Which town in Ireland has the most pubs?

Dublin’s Temple Bar district packs the highest concentration, with more than 20 pubs within a few blocks (Magic of Creativity). But that density comes at a price — both financial and atmospheric. The Old Orchard Inn sits in quieter Rathfarnham, where you can actually hold a conversation.

The trade‑off: if you want a quiet pint with decent food, a suburban spot like The Old Orchard Inn beats Temple Bar for relaxation and value.

How The Old Orchard Inn compares to Dublin’s most iconic pubs

To see where The Old Orchard Inn stands among the heavyweights, here’s a side‑by‑side breakdown:

Five pubs, one pattern: each excels in a distinct niche — history, celebrity, location, or community feel.

The pattern: each pub owns a distinct claim — history, celebrity, or location. The Old Orchard Inn claims none of those, yet it fills a gap: it’s a genuine, food‑first local that doesn’t try to be a tourist attraction. That’s its quiet superpower.

Confirmed facts about The Old Orchard Inn

• The Old Orchard Inn describes itself as “one of the best known local pubs on the Southside of Dublin City” (Discover Ireland)
• Food is served 9:30am–8:30pm daily (The Old Orchard Inn)
• Closing times vary: Sunday–Wednesday 11:30pm, Thursday midnight, Friday–Saturday 1:00am (The Old Orchard Inn)
• DesignMyNight calls it “one of Dublin’s most beloved suburban pubs” (DesignMyNight)
• Cvent says it’s “the only pub in Rathfarnham serving late seven nights a week” (Cvent)
• The heated beer garden and BBQ area are mentioned on Yelp (Yelp)

What’s unclear

• Exact opening hours (the official site shows 9:30am, but TripAdvisor says 9:00am — no single authoritative source)
• Ownership details — the pub’s site doesn’t list who runs it
• The Dublin Pubopedia gives a negative review (“pricey, lacks character”), but only one opinion (The Dublin Pubopedia)

“One of the best known local pubs on the Southside of Dublin City. An authentic atmosphere, friendly staff, and the finest Beer Garden around.”

The Old Orchard Inn official website (source)

“A proper local with a great beer garden — the food is consistently good, and it never feels like a tourist trap.”

Regular customer review on TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor)

The Old Orchard Inn sits in a sweet spot: it’s not a tourist destination, not a museum, not a celebrity hangout. It’s a Rathfarnham local that does the basics well — good food, a warm outdoor space, and live music on weekends. For anyone visiting South Dublin who wants a genuine pint without the hype, that’s a solid recommendation. For locals, it remains the neighbourhood fallback that never disappoints.

Related reading: Day Tours from Dublin

Frequently asked questions