O'Connells
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O'Connell's Howth

4.5
·2k reviews·Dublin, Ireland

A charming, traditional Dublin pub in Howth offering delicious, well-seasoned Irish cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, often with live music.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday lunch

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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O'Connells

O'Connell's Howth

Best Time

Weekday lunch

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, traditional Dublin pub in Howth offering delicious, well-seasoned Irish cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, often with live music.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"This was my favorite restaurant during my trip to Dublin. The food was amazing and the service was the best we’ve had."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Combine with Howth Hike

Work up an appetite with a scenic cliff walk before enjoying a rewarding meal at O'Connell's. :hiking_boot:

🎶 Check for Live Music

Ask about live music schedules; it's an unexpected bonus that enhances the experience. :musical_note:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Dublin Pub Atmosphere

Authentic Dublin Pub Atmosphere

Experience a cozy, traditional pub with pleasant lighting and a welcoming vibe. Perfect for a relaxed meal or drinks.

Delicious Irish Cuisine

Delicious Irish Cuisine

Savor well-seasoned dishes like the East Pier chowder or Beef and Guinness pie. Prawn tacos are also a hit!

Live Music & Entertainment

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy unexpected and awesome live music from local musicians, adding a special touch to your dining experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to O'Connell's

Plan your visit to O'Connell's Howth to avoid peak times. Weekends, especially Sundays, can get busy with locals and day-trippers. Consider a weekday lunch for a more relaxed atmosphere. Live music often starts later in the day, so check their schedule if that's a priority.

Embrace the Howth Experience

O'Connell's is perfectly situated after a hike along the Howth cliffs. Many visitors combine a scenic walk with a hearty pub meal. Arrive hungry and ready to enjoy the authentic Dublin pub vibe, complete with friendly service and potentially live music.

Best Times

When
Weekday lunch
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoon
Why
Live music & local vibe
Crowd
High
When
Evening
Why
Cozy atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗢’𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝘀 ✨ Start your weekend right with lunch & cocktails from 12–5pm 🥂🍴 Perfect for a catch-up, work lunch or a little Friday treat! 🍂 September Deal 🍂 Get a FREE starter or dessert with every main meal – go on, you’ve earned it 👏 ✅ Walk-ins welcome 📧 info@ocsbar.co.uk 📱 DM to book 💻 oconnellsbar.co.uk
@oconnellskdy
10 likes • 992 views

🎯 Combine with Howth Hike

Work up an appetite with a scenic cliff walk before enjoying a rewarding meal at O'Connell's. :hiking_boot:

🎶 Check for Live Music

Ask about live music schedules; it's an unexpected bonus that enhances the experience. :musical_note:

This is why I love Norman — fun, food, and real campus vibes 🌙🔥 @Jaser Kings #NormanOK #OUCampusCorner #OConnellsIrishPub #KaraokeNight #burgernight
@bigliuenergy
251 likes • 7.2K views
reddit.com

Best pubs for a *quiet* pint?

👍 Friendly & Attentive Staff

Expect great service where staff work together to ensure a pleasant dining experience. :peopleholdinghands:

💰 Fair Pricing

Enjoy delicious food and drinks at very fair prices, offering great value. :moneywithwings:

reddit.com

Portobello pub recommendations.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combine with Howth Hike

Work up an appetite with a scenic cliff walk before enjoying a rewarding meal at O'Connell's. :hiking_boot:

🎶 Check for Live Music

Ask about live music schedules; it's an unexpected bonus that enhances the experience. :musical_note:

👍 Friendly & Attentive Staff

Expect great service where staff work together to ensure a pleasant dining experience. :peopleholdinghands:

💰 Fair Pricing

Enjoy delicious food and drinks at very fair prices, offering great value. :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Walk-ins Welcome

No need to book for lunch; walk-ins are welcome, making it easy to drop in. :door:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

O'Connell's Howth is a highly recommended pub and restaurant, praised for its exceptional food, friendly service, and authentic atmosphere. Visitors consistently highlight the delicious, well-seasoned dishes and the welcoming vibe, often enhanced by live music. It's considered a perfect stop after exploring Howth's natural beauty.

"This was my favorite restaurant during my trip to Dublin. We spent half a day in Howth hiking and working up an appetite. We found this cute pub that actually had soccer on the big screen. The atmosphere inside was perfect: not too loud, not too quiet, pleasant lighting. The service was the best we’ve had. All of the waiters and waitresses worked together and were very attentive. The special of the day was chicken wrapped in bacon with grilled leek, mashed potatoes and a creamy leek sauce. The sauce was amazing!!! Everything was amazing and they were the best mashed potatoes that I had during my trip. Everything was actually seasoned well unlike a lot of places in the city that were bland and dull. My husband got the prawn tacos which were also amazing. Pricing was very fair and I definitely want to return to this place if we return to Ireland in the future. The locals were in the restaurant and I now know why."

T Thomas

"We had a great time! The food was excellent, the staff super friendly, and there was live music going on while we’re enjoying our food 🤩 This pub was the perfect stop to our Howth day trip !"

Ilhem Badja

"We stopped for lunch and were thoroughly impressed. The food was exceptionally well-prepared, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service was attentive and professional, making for an overall outstanding dining experience."

David C

What People Like

Exceptional food quality
Friendly and attentive staff
Authentic pub atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach O'Connell's Howth easily by taking the DART train from Dublin city center directly to Howth station. The pub is conveniently located near the pier. Many visitors combine their trip with a hike along the Howth cliffs before heading to the pub for a meal. TikTok

While O'Connell's is close to the pier, parking in Howth can be challenging, especially on weekends. The DART is a highly recommended and stress-free option for reaching the pub. Reddit

The DART train is the most popular and convenient way to get to Howth from Dublin. It offers scenic coastal views and drops you right in the heart of the village, close to O'Connell's. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For lunch, walk-ins are generally welcome, making it easy to visit spontaneously. For dinner or larger groups, booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends. TikTok

O'Connell's typically opens around lunchtime, with specific hours varying slightly. They often have lunch specials and are open through the evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours. TikTok

No, there is no entrance fee to enter O'Connell's Howth. It operates as a pub and restaurant, so you only pay for food and drinks. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Visitors rave about the East Pier chowder, O'Connell's Beef and Guinness pie, and the prawn tacos. The chicken wrapped in bacon with leek sauce and mashed potatoes is also highly recommended for its amazing flavor. Reddit

While specific vegetarian and vegan options aren't always highlighted, the menu often features fresh ingredients that can be adapted. It's advisable to inquire with the staff about current offerings. Reddit

Absolutely! O'Connell's is praised for its excellent food, friendly service, and pleasant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a casual and delicious lunch after exploring Howth. Reddit

You can expect a good selection of drinks, including Guinness, which is noted as being cold and excellent. They also offer cocktails, especially during their weekend specials. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the cozy interior with its pleasant lighting and traditional pub decor. If you're lucky enough to catch live music, that's a great moment to photograph. The exterior shots near the pier also offer a lovely backdrop. Instagram

Yes, the pub's warm and inviting lighting creates a cozy ambiance that translates well into evening photos, showcasing its traditional charm. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

O'Connell's Howth can be a great spot for families, especially during lunchtime. The atmosphere is described as pleasant and not overly loud, making it comfortable for children. The food is generally well-received, with options that can appeal to various tastes. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid potential crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

Combining a visit with a walk along the Howth cliffs or exploring the harbor can be a fun activity for kids before or after their meal. The friendly staff are attentive, which can be a plus when dining with younger ones. While not a dedicated children's play area, the welcoming pub environment and tasty food make it a solid choice for a family meal in Howth. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers from Dublin

For those taking a day trip from Dublin, O'Connell's Howth is a must-visit. It's perfectly located near the DART station and the pier, making it an easy and logical stop after exploring the cliffs or the village. Many reviewers highlight it as the perfect end to their Howth adventure. Reddit

Enjoy a delicious lunch or early dinner here to refuel before heading back to the city. The fair pricing and excellent food make it a great value for day-trippers looking for an authentic Irish culinary experience without breaking the bank. Don't miss out on the chance to experience their renowned chowder or pie! Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

O'Connell's Howth offers excellent value for money, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. The pricing is described as very fair, especially considering the quality and portion sizes of the food. Reddit

Look out for lunch specials, which can offer even more savings. Combining a visit with a free activity like hiking the Howth cliffs means your main expense is your meal, and at O'Connell's, you get a lot of deliciousness for your euro. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The O'Connell's Howth Dining Experience

O'Connell's Howth is celebrated for its exceptional food, with many visitors calling it a highlight of their Dublin trip. The menu features well-seasoned dishes that stand out from more bland city offerings. Standout items include the East Pier chowder, a rich and flavorful seafood soup, and the hearty O'Connell's Beef and Guinness pie. For those seeking something different, the prawn tacos have also received high praise. The chicken wrapped in bacon with grilled leek and a creamy leek sauce is another dish that has impressed diners, with the sauce being a particular highlight. Even simple sides like the mashed potatoes are noted as being among the best experienced during trips to Ireland. Reddit

The pub also offers a fantastic atmosphere for dining. It's described as having a perfect balance – not too loud, not too quiet, with pleasant lighting that creates a cozy and inviting environment. This makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or a more intimate dinner. The service at O'Connell's is consistently lauded as being among the best, with staff working collaboratively and being very attentive to guests' needs. This combination of delicious, well-prepared food and outstanding service contributes to an overall memorable dining experience. Reddit

Beyond the food and service, O'Connell's often surprises guests with live music. This unexpected entertainment adds a vibrant layer to the pub's already charming ambiance. Local musicians playing their favorite tunes create a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, making a meal at O'Connell's a truly special occasion. The fair pricing further enhances the value, ensuring that visitors feel they are getting an excellent experience for their money. TikTokReddit

Combining O'Connell's with Howth's Natural Beauty

O'Connell's Howth is ideally situated for visitors looking to combine a taste of authentic Irish pub culture with the stunning natural landscapes of Howth. Many travelers plan their visit to coincide with a hike along the Howth cliffs. These scenic walks offer breathtaking views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea, providing a perfect opportunity to work up an appetite before heading to the pub. The proximity of O'Connell's to the pier and the cliff paths makes it a convenient and rewarding stop after a morning or afternoon of exploration. Reddit

The pub's location near the pier also means it's easily accessible after exploring the charming fishing village of Howth itself. Visitors can wander through the colorful harbor, watch the boats, and soak in the local atmosphere before settling in for a meal. The pub's traditional, old-style Dublin pub feel resonates well with the historic charm of Howth, creating a cohesive and authentic Irish experience. Reddit

This synergy between outdoor activity and culinary enjoyment is a key reason why O'Connell's is a favorite among both locals and tourists. It offers a complete Howth experience, from invigorating coastal walks to delicious, hearty food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Reddit