While waiting to check in at Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, we wandered over to Brannigans Bar for lunch. Just a 3-minute walk away.
One of my top reasons for wanting to visit Dublin? Experiencing a traditional Irish pub for beer and hearty pub fare. Irish pubs hold a special place in my heart since my hubby and I changed our relationship status from friends to more-than-friends at one in Singapore. Sounds cringey when I think about it now, but yeah, whenever we visit an Irish pub, I just tease him over it. Haha!
The Brannigans Bar Experience
Thought it wouldn’t be busy at lunch time. Boy, I was wrong. Full house. Tourists with suitcases. Locals chilling with beer and watching EPL. Welcoming and lively vibes. Friendly staff who made us feel right at home.
Someone left just as we arrived and a table opened up. Lucky timing. There’s more seating upstairs too, apparently.
Browse the full Brannigans Bar menu here: https://brannigansbar.ie/menu/
What We Ordered at Brannigans Bar
Guinness (€6.50)
Read online that you can’t visit Ireland without trying Guinness because it tastes best here. Had to get one. I’m not a fan back home in Singapore because I find it really bitter, but this one at Brannigans Bar? Really balanced.
That thick foam on top makes it more rich and creamy. Maybe it’s fresher since it doesn’t travel abroad. Perhaps the technique in dispensing makes the difference too. Interestingly, I can say I actually like the Guinness in Dublin.
Seafood Chowder (€12.50) – The Star of the Show
Medley of fresh fish, smoked fish and shellfish in a creamy broth served with Irish brown soda bread.
Of all dishes ordered, I love this best. Salty but full of flavour. The chowder is so thick, so creamy, packed with ingredients. Spotted salmon, white fish, mussels, small shrimps. I’m a seafood person so this is my kind of thing.
The bread seems like old stale bread but spread butter all over, break into small pieces and soak them into the chowder. Absorbs the liquid beautifully. So hearty and comforting.
Scampi and Chips (No Longer on Menu – Why?!)
Golden crumbed whole tail scampi served with handcut chips, lemon caper dip and dressed salad.
Both the scampi and chips are nicely fried. Chips may seem thick and chunky but outside crispy and inside stayed soft. Scampi nuggets are moist. Shame this isn’t on the current menu anymore.
Traditional Irish Lamb Stew (€17.95)
Tender Wicklow lamb with carrots, leeks, onions and rosemary. Slow cooked in a herb broth with creamy mash potatoes.
So homey and healthy tasting. Like Grandma’s cooking. A little on the bland side if comparing with the seafood chowder. The lamb meat is not gamey at all, cooked till so tender, effortless to chew.
The Extras
Sachets of mayonnaise, ketchup and English mustard provided on the side. Pair the chips with whichever you fancy.
Final Thoughts on Brannigans Bar
All in all, enjoyed our lunch at Brannigans Bar. Hearty Irish pub fare with a good glass of Guinness. What’s not to like? If you’re near Dublin City Centre and craving traditional pub food, Brannigans delivers. The seafood chowder alone is worth the visit. 😉