About The Bleeding Horse
One of Dublin's most storied haunts, The Bleeding Horse on Camden Street Lower sits at the edge of Portobello, immortalised in James Joyce's Ulysses and boasting claims to being Ireland's oldest pub since 1747. In the heart of Portobello's pub scene, this traditional Irish pub in Portobello oozes history with its horse-themed facade, low-beamed ceilings, and flickering fireplaces. The air smells of aged whiskey and roasting meats, transporting you to 18th-century Dublin amid the neighbourhood's modern buzz.
What to Expect
Inside, snugs and a lively public bar serve flawless pints, Irish whiskeys, and comfort food like steak and Guinness pie or shepherd's pie. Live sports on big screens mix with occasional trad music, while the rear patio offers al fresco sipping. It's a proper Dublin local, packed with Portobello characters from nearby Rathmines and the canal docks. Portions are generous, prices fair, and the welcome warm, pure Dubliner hospitality.
Insider Tips
Visit midweek for quieter chats with barmen who've stories for days about Joyce and hauntings. Order the 'Bleeding Horse platter' for sharing, sausages, black pudding, and champ that hits the spot after a canal stroll. Walk from Harcourt Luas stop (5 mins) and combine with Bleeding Horse's neighbour Flannery's for a pub crawl. Avoid peak match days if you hate crowds; instead, snag a fireside seat. For best pubs in Portobello Dublin, it's unbeatable for authenticity, pair with a visit to nearby Portobello Harbour for the full neighbourhood vibe.