Royal Oak

In the inconspicuous area of Kilmainham, down an inconspicuous lane, sits one of Dublin’s most inconspicuous, authentic pubs. The Royal Oak’s sign swings above an unmarked doorway, and first-time visitors may feel a sense of apprehension as they nudge their way inside. But they needn’t. On weekends the tiny front room is filled with a real mix of folk, and with no jukebox, the only soundtrack is the pleasant cacophony of idle chatter. The Guinness is good, and the more mature patrons who occupy the snug are not averse to an old sing-song as the evening draws on. - Gareth Thornton