For the Halls population, Alli Dixon outlines the best spots within a walking distance of home

So, you went out seven nights in a row during re-freshers and now you’re too afraid to show your face in a club ever again? Or maybe you’ve decided that rainy January nights are not the time to trek ten drunk minutes to the luas? Perhaps you spent all of your Christmas cash on taxis back from Tramline? Fear not Halls’ residents, because February is prime time to explore the robust pub scene that Rathmines has to offer. From six nations to flat night out, this is your guide to the what and where of Rathmines pubs. 

1. Murphy’s

The first pub on your pilgrimage to Big Tesco, Murphy’s is not your typical student pint stop but, if you get there before 7pm grab a slice of apple pie. Chill at the bar next to your man called Finbar who’s been coming in every day for the last 25 years. Murphy’s certainly is not the place for a course night out, but a pint here will do the trick if you’re in the mood to sob over the loss of your first halls love away from the judgmental eyes (and ears) of your flatmates.

2. Blackbird

So you’re American and you haven’t tried Guinness yet because you are ‘more of a cocktails person’. Well, grab your ten closest friends and make a booking at Blackbird! Located on Lower Rathmines Road just a few stops away on Dublin Bus 140. Play a few board games and max out your Bank of Ireland (BOI) card on a round of tequila shots. Then, stumble your way back to an afters in the depths of building 86. All jokes aside, Blackbird has a great atmosphere and is an excellent spot for a low key birthday party or maybe just some drinks and gossip with the girls.

3. Graces

Keep walking past Big Tesco and cross the road to find the definitive Old Man’s spot of Rathmines. Go to Graces if you relish a 4.90 pint of beamish and banter with some geezers who make your grandad look young. Despite being a place for the elder generation, Graces is an underrated spot to catch a match. There’s always tables and you’ll never worry about anyone judging you for having a Heineken at 1pm.  

4. Slattery’s

If your aunty lives in Dublin there’s a 90% chance she used to go to Slattery’s when she was 25 and still tells you every Christmas she’d love to meet you there for a pint – if you’re around during term. At Slattery’s the trad is buzzing and you’ll probably end up dancing with thirty something locals having the time of your life. Slattery’s is the perfect pub for those nights that you said you weren’t going to go out but then ended up having the best night ever.

5. Mother Riley’s

Last but certainly not least, the unofficial watering hole of Halls’ residents. You probably spent the first nights of freshers getting polluted in the Mother Riley’s beer garden. I’m here to tell you – it’s time to return. An unbeatable spot to catch every six nations match; grab your flat and maybe the one next door too, walk 5 minutes down Rathmines Road and you’re sorted. Mother Riley’s is basically the Jerusalem of the Halls’ social scene, open mic nights, flat night out at bingo, and maybe even your first Halls’ date. Mother Riley’s is the place for it all. 

Michealmas was for clubs; you came you saw, you shifted. But now you’ve grown and matured, and it’s time to fully embrace the pub scene your Dublin suburb has to offer — sláinte!