Ireland's capital, Dublin, is as famous for its authors as it is for its pubs. A full list of pubs would be as long as James Joyce's Ulysses so here are some of the best

No visit to Dublin is complete without a pint of the black stuff, Guinness, properly poured in a Dublin pub. Dublin pubs are not for fleeting visits. They're for getting tucked into a corner, lingering and enjoying. Almost every pub has a connection with one writer or another, but a few of these literary watering holes have been modernised and lost some of their character. So, included in this list of Dublin's best bars are some that have retained their historical character and decor.

THE BRAZEN HEAD

There has been a pub on this site since the 12th century, so the atmospheric Brazen Head can justly claim to be Dublin's oldest pub. Bridge Street

CASSIDY'S

Maybe Bill Clinton can't be counted a great literary figure, but he did come for a drink at Cassidy's during one Dublin visit. 42 Lower Camden Street

DAVY BYRNE'S

Featured in James Joyce's novel Ulysses and focus for activities on June 16, Bloomsday, Davy Byrne's is now number one on the tourist trail. 21 Duke Street

THE LONG HALL

A fine example of a traditional Victorian Dublin pub, retaining all that's best about Dublin's convivial drinking places. 51 South Great George's Street

McDAID'S

Popular in the 1950s with Brendan Behan and other leading literary figures. 3 Harry Street

NEARY'S PUB

One of Brendan Behan's favorite drinking spots, although everywhere was a drinking spot for Brendan Behan. 1 Chatham Street

THE OLD STAND

A sporting pub that gets its name from the Old Stand stadium at the home of Irish rugby, Lansdowne Road. One of Dublin's oldest pubs. 37 Exchequer Street

THE STAG'S HEAD

Built in 1895 and looking like it hasn't changed much since, enjoy its Victorian decor of wood, glass, brass and mirrors. 1 Dame Court

TONER'S

WB Yeats was not one of Dublin's great literary drinkers, and one of the Toner's claims to fame is that Yeats made his one and only visit to a pub here. 139 Lower Baggot Street

Read more about literary Dublin by clicking here.

*

To learn more about literary Ireland you might want to read R. Todd Felton's recent book A Journey Into Ireland's Literary Revival from Roaring Forties Press. Click here to learn more.

*

Check out and book your Dublin hotel.

*