Because Irish culture is synonymous with pub culture, it’s unsurprising that Dubai would feature numerous world-class Irish pubs for patrons to enjoy traditional folk music, live sport, Irish cuisine, and an ice-cold Guinness on a sweltering summer’s day!
Although many Irish pubs in Dubai are franchises, this is a clear indication of the love for Irish pubs and the quality of these pubs, given their ability to thrive in Dubai’s bar/restaurant scene. Therefore, I would consider most of these Irish pubs to be as good, if not better, than some of the top-ranked pubs in Ireland itself!
The following seven Irish pubs are an illustration of some of the best on offer and the variety of Irish pubs for patrons to experience:
1. Fibber McGee’s
Termed “Dubai’s Best Kept Secret” and situated in Saeed Tower 1. Fibber McGee’s is Dubai’s oldest Irish pub, meaning that its menu, décor, theme, and homely feel have been painstakingly replicated to mirror real Irish pubs.
Some menu favorites include traditional Irish stew, cottage pie, the “Pig Out Platter,” and Fibber’s apple crumble. However, the menu also includes heart pub fair from other cuisines with an Irish twist, such as McDonnell’s Irish curry and/or McDonnell’s curry chips.
There is also an all-day breakfast on offer, which includes an Irish breakfast and an Irish breakfast platter for added variety and quantity for early morning live sports!
Along with an extensive drinks menu, including the bold statement of featuring the “best Guinness in town,” Fibber McGee’s often plays host to live music, both contemporary and Irish/folk-influenced. Thus making Fibber McGees a great hangout spot for fans of all genres of live music!
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to posts on their website and social media pages to stay abreast of any/all promotions and events that may be happening throughout the week!
Important information:
- Address: Saeed Tower 1 – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 1
- Opening hours: 8 am – 3 am every day
- Website: http://www.fibbersdubai.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 332 2400
2. McCafferty’s Irish Pub
McCafferty’s Irish Pub is a global franchise that started in The Diamond in Donegal Town in Ireland in 2016, whereafter it expanded its operations to the UK, Spain, and the UAE. Consequently, unlike some Irish pubs that have artificial Irish theming, McCafferty’s global success comes from the replication of genuine Irish pubs!
Although McCafferty’s is an excellent pub, it does sit lower compared to Fibber Magee’s on the basis that McCafferty’s is a franchise, meaning the pub doesn’t quite have the same feel/authenticity as Dubai’s oldest pub.
That being said, all McCafferty’s three locations across Dubai come highly rated, as their global presence denotes a level of service, food quality, drinks quality, and entertainment to please any fans of Irish hospitality!
Along with traditional live Irish music throughout the week, McCafferty’s have daily happy hour specials to keep the good times rolling (12 pm – 8 pm on Sunday to Thursday, 3 pm – 8 pm on Friday, and 11 am – 8 pm Sunday.)
Other weekly events include unlimited drinks on Ladies Night, Irish Chipper Brunch, and Saturday Brunch between 1 pm and 4 pm.
While McCafferty’s has an extensive al la carte menu (for both kids and adults!), they also host brunch every Saturday between 1 pm and 4 pm, which includes signature roasts of beef, chicken, turkey, and an Impossible vegan option!
Finally, their drinks menu has all the most popular whiskey brands on offer, such as Jameson and Johnnie Walker, as well as a vast beer selection from Ireland, England, Belgium, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, Singapore, Mexico, and the Netherlands!
Important information:
- Address: JVC – Jumeirah Village
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 2 am (Sunday to Thursday), and 11 am – 2 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://mccaffertysjvc.com/
- Phone number: +971 55 784 9220
3. McGettigan’s JBR
Situated along The Walk along the Dubai Marina, McGettigan’s JBR strikes a unique combination between the navel/dock traditions associated with Irish pubs with the modernity, service quality, and food/drink quality expected of bars and restaurants; in one of Dubai’s most popular neighborhoods!
An illustration of McGettigan’s embrace of modernity is not only is it a successful franchise across Dubai, but it also has its own app for free download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store! While the app keeps customers abreast of any events, notifications, etc., it also offers membership discounts and specials for loyal McGettigan patrons. Thus allowing both new and old patrons to keep abreast of all events while on the go!
At McGettigan’s JBR, entertainment is a key selling point. Fortunately, they are fully equipped to show various live sporting events, along with a resident DJ every Friday and Saturday night to keep the party going after the final whistle has gone!
Other weekly events include:
- Happy hour: 4 pm – 7 pm every day,
- Quiz night: 7:30 pm every Thursday,
- SOS breakfast special: 10 am – 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday,
- Traditional roasts: 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm Friday to Sunday.
Outside of set menus/events, McGettigan’s JBR’s al la carte menu runs the gambit from standard pub food, Asian cuisine, and traditional Irish dishes. Highlights include wagyu beef chili nachos, Irish stew, and the supremely decadent Kahlua Mudslide Cheesecake!
In terms of drinks, there are numerous Irish favorites such as Kilkenny on tap, Irish coffee, Bailey’s coffee, and baby Guinness shooters!
With multiple outlets in five different countries, it’s no wonder McGettigan’s is a firm favorite Irish pub in Dubai!
Important information:
- Address: Lobby Level – The Walk – Dubai Marina
- Opening hours: 12:30 pm – 3 am (Monday to Friday), and 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
- Website: https://www.mcgettigans.com/hilton-jbr-dubai.html
- Phone number: +971 4 318 2580
4. The Dubliner’s
Named after the iconic Irish city of Dublin, The Dubliner’s at Le Meridien Dubai prides itself on being an authentic Irish pub where patrons can kick back and enjoy some traditional Irish food, drink, and entertainment at affordable prices.
True to its name, The Dubliner’s may have the best Irish decor and theming of any Irish pub on this list, including but not limited to a hardwood bar counter, a classic blue Ford at the entrance of the pub, dart boards, pool tables, and multiple nooks and crannies to gather with friends after a long day of work.
Like other pubs on this list, The Dubliner’s plays host to numerous events and weekly activities:
- Sunday roast brunch: 1 pm – 4 pm every Sunday
- Happy hour: 12 pm – 7:30 pm and 12:30 am to 2:30 am every day
- Ladies night: 7 pm – 11 pm every Monday
- Quiz night: 8 pm – 11 pm every Tuesday,
- Double up Dublin: 7 pm – 11 pm every Wednesday (double spirits for the price of one)
- Thirsty Thursdays: 6 pm – 11 pm every Thursday (unlimited house beverages with a three-course set meal)
- Bottle up the week: 5 pm – 11 pm every Friday (house pouring bottles including two starters)
- Blow the whistle: 10-minute flash promotions during football games on Saturdays.
Food highlights include seafood chowder, the signature Dubliner’s burger, chicken boxty, Irish beef stew, and various sharing platters and homemade pies.
Although the drinks menu is somewhat limited compared to other pubs on this list, The Dubliner’s has Magners cider on tap and uniquely themed Irish cocktails/shooters like shamrocks, car bombs, and Irish flags.
Important information:
- Address: Airport Rd – Garhoud
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 3am every day
- Website: https://www.thedubliners-dubai.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 702 2508
5. The Irish Village
More than just a pub, the Irish Village is recognized as a celebration of Irish culture and the importance of festive gatherings with friends and family.
Voted best Irish pub at the Irish Pubs Global Awards, the Irish Village features a large indoor pub, a wide-open hops garden, various screens, and a large stage for live music/events. Consequently, there is arguably no better place in Dubai to celebrate large events such as St Patrick’s Day!
Along with resident musicians and guest acts which always bring a party atmosphere to the pub, the Irish Village is also a great spot to visit if you’re in the mood for a casual drink or a quick bite to eat outdoors.
Nearly all their food options include an Irish influence, either through the use of Irish products when preparing their dishes (such as Kerry Gold Butter or Mallon’s Sausages) or the method of preparation/side dishes served.
For example, all their bread is freshly made in the style of Irish soda bread, while various meals include side dishes of traditional mushy peas and gravy. Therefore, newcomers are encouraged to try their traditional fish n’ chips, Irish cheese and soda bread platter, and their traditional Irish stew.
Fortunately, there are some vegan options on the menu with a notable Asian influence, such as broccoli and cashew nut stir fry, dhal curry, and cauliflower Manchurian,
Naturally, any of the above dishes should be paired with your favorite wine or beer; however, we would recommend trying a few of their cocktails, as The Irish Village sports one of the largest cocktail menus on this list, with approximately twenty-five beverages to choose from!
Important information:
- Address: Dubai Studio City
- Opening hours: 11 am – 1 am (Sunday to Thursday), and 11 am – 2 am (Friday to Saturday)
- Website: https://www.theirishvillage.com/
- Phone number: +971 4 241 8444
6. The Dock’s Pub
Although the Dock’s Pub is considered a more “catch-all” Irish/British pub, there’s no denying that its nautical theming and location speak to an inherent link between Irish culture and sailor culture that typically merges in pub environments.
It is this unique hybrid that makes the Dock’s Pub a popular hangout for ex-pats while pushing its ranking a bit lower on this list due to its non-committal to being a distinctly “Irish pub.”
However, while The Dock’s Pub may have a loose grasp on its theming and menu, there’s no denying the friendly atmosphere that speaks to Irish hospitality while also showcasing a level of customer service unmatched by most pubs in Dubai!
Although valued for their showing of live international sport and hosting various musicians, their food options are hearty and affordable pub fare that is bound to please all patrons.
Particular menu highlights include Docks’ fries, Docks’ sharing platter, Irish beef stew, and warm goat cheese salad. Furthermore, they have an extensive whisky menu that allows for the purchase of whisky via glass or bottle.
Some whisky highlights include The Glenlivet 18 YO, Glenfiddich 18 YO, Dalmore 15 YO, The Macallan 15 YO, and Amrut Indian single malt.
Important information:
- Address: Ramada Jumeirah Hotel – Al Mina St
- Opening hours: 3 pm – 3 am every day
- Website: https://cdn.flowcode.com/prodassets/The_Docks_Menu_A3.pdf
- Phone number: +971 4 702 7050
7. The Notorious
Despite its intimidating name, there’s nothing really nefarious or notorious about this no-frills local sports pub. Advertising itself as Dubai’s only 100% p.i.g menu, The Notorious has pork as the centerpiece of all their dishes (even the desserts!)
While this may not be to everyone’s liking, some menu highlights include all-day bacon breakfasts, the Notorious burger BLT, pork vindaloo, and maple bacon cheesecake.
Complimenting their rather eclectic menu, The Notorious hosts some equally unique weekly events:
- Getting Piggy With It: 6 pm to 10 pm every Tuesday (four hours of unlimited pork ribs)
- 4-4-2 Weekends: 3 pm – 10 pm every Saturday and Sunday (four drinks for the price of two)
- B.I.G Roast Dinner: 3 pm – 10 pm every Sunday (full roast dinner with house beverages)
In contrast to their unique food menu, the drinks menu is fairly standard, featuring a wide variety of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. However, a clear highlight is the option to buy nearly any spirit via the bottle, meaning you can host larger parties/events with ease!
Important information:
- Address: 1st floor at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, The Walk
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 12 am (Monday to Thursday), 12 pm – 1 am (Friday), and 10 am – 1 am (Saturday and Sunday)
- Website: https://thenotorious.xyz/
- Phone number: +971 56 949 7435