#mcdaids

The Dublin Pub Crawl

This is a map of the best pubs that Dublin has to offer. The pubs have been selected based on reviews of multiple websites that rank the best traditional Irish pubs in Dublin.

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McDaids Irish Pub and Restaurant brings a fun flair to Hillsborough St.

Some returners to campus this fall may be nostalgic for the old Porter’s on Hillsborough, but McDaid’s has stepped in as a new hot spot on the street that is most definitely worth trying. McDaid’s brings a unique atmosphere that embodies Irish culture. McDaids owners are Irishmen and the pub is based on one of Ireland’s most famous pubs, also named McDaids. The furniture in the restaurant is all Irish made and imported, the Irish craftsmanship is apparent in the signage, tiles, mirrors etc.

The menu is a mix of Irish fare as well as “home town favorites,” for those who may not be quite as adventurous with authentic Irish food. Incorporated into their menu are touches of 2 Gingers Irish whiskey and Guinness for flavoring and Irish incorporation.

As an appetizer Live it Up! interns decided to try the 2 Gingers Whiskey Wings to get a taste of their signature whiskey sauce. Rather than being fried, McDaid’s wings are smoked giving them a unique flavor.

Kathryn, a Live it Up! Intern, decided to try the pimiento and bacon grilled cheese. It was a great twist on the classic grilled cheese; the  pimiento cheese was delicious and the bacon was crisp & thick. She also decided to branch out and order a side of the brussel sprouts.

Lindsey, another intern, chose to try an Irish pub classic in the fish n chips. The perfectly fried cod was thick and flavorful, and was matched well with McDaids homemade fries and slaw.

After all of these savory tastes, the Guinness chocolate cake was the perfect sweet finish. It was moist and had a thick consistency similar to a brownie, plated with raspberry syrup.

Across the way from Bruxelles is a very small pub McDaids, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. McDaids is a ridiculously old pub and the décor is full of history from old liquor bottles to old books lining shelves on the walls along to old photos up and down the walls. The backsplash of the bar is made of custom decorative tile and the windows display stained glass art.  It marks a time in history and that history is preserved within the 4 walls of the pub. Walking into McDaids, takes you back in time and it is a very comforting feeling.

  The pub was very busy, but the barmen were still chatting it up with the regulars having a good ole time.  All of the small tables, booths, and bar stools were taken and yet while the pub was packed it did not feel overly claustrophobic.  Perhaps it was the overall welcoming feeling of the pub or the difference in the clientele who were a bit more laidback just out to relax and have a pint.