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Mother Reilly's Bar & RestaurantBWorth Trying

Name: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant
Address: 32 Rathmines Rd Upper, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 H5Y4, Ireland, Dublin 6, Ireland
Rating: 4.5

32 Rathmines Rd Upper, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 H5Y4, Ireland · Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (815 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Atmospheric Rathmines pub with big indoor-outdoor space, reliable pub classics, lively music nights, and fair value; service and drink prices draw mixed reactions at busy times.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Mother Reilly's delivers solid pub dining with reliable food quality anchored by well-executed wings, fish and chips, and sandwiches, though consistency shows some quality variation across busy service periods. The characterful multi-room layout with an expansive garden and strong track record with private events create genuine appeal, but service and speed fluctuations during peak times prevent the restaurant from reaching higher ground. A dependable neighborhood favorite with loyal following rather than a destination establishment.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked into Rathmines, this roomy pub unfolds into snug rooms and a surprisingly big garden where the vibe turns from cosy to lively on music nights. Service is often warm and upbeat, and one guest noted, "staff made our celebration feel effortless." Expect lively pub energy, sports screens, and a crowd that mixes locals with hotel guests. The cooking leans classic and comforting rather than flashy: wings with multiple sauces, fish and chips, roasts, burgers, and a few pastas. Think reliable pub staples more than trend-chasing plates. Portions are generally solid, though a few diners found the wings small for the price on busy days. Drinks can feel pricey, but the food side usually lands as decent value for the area. For families, it works well. There is no formal kids menu noted, but dishes like spaghetti, bangers and mash, wings, chips, and fish and chips are easy wins. The spacious layout helps with strollers and groups, while the casual, flexible menu suits most appetites.

At a Glance

Expansive beer garden with heated area
Strong track record with private events and groups
Reliable pub classics and vegetarian options
Drink prices feel high to some patrons
Service and speed can slip at peak times

What Sets It Apart

expansive_beer_garden
private_room_with_bar
regular_live_music

What People Love

Warm, cosy pub character that opens into a big space
Live music and open mic nights that add buzz
Friendly staff who shine during private events
Pub classics like wings and fish and chips done well
Plenty of seating indoors and outside

Points of Concern

Drink prices reported as steep by multiple guests
Wing portions and pricing criticized by a minority
Occasional slow or indifferent service during peak garden times
Private functions may displace restaurant bookings at times

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€36-48 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose mains in the €20-27 range for best value; add a shared starter instead of dessert if budgeting
Vegetarians can rely on Spaghetti Aglio, Veg Burger, and Falafel options

Perfect For

Casual drinks and pub dinner with friends
Birthday parties or small receptions in a private room
Live music nights with easy comfort food
Family-friendly weekend lunch in the garden

Location Insights

Area: Bustling southside suburb popular with students and young professionals; lively pub scene and casual eateries.

Safety: Generally safe, busy streets and steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance late nights.

Nearby: Near shops, cinema, bus corridors, and residential streets; attached to a hotel which feeds bar traffic.

RathminesRathmines is a lively, well-established neighborhood popular for its diverse dining scene, including casual pubs, cafes, and restaurants. It has a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with a mix of long-term residents and younger crowds attracted by its amenities and proximity to the city center.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–23:00 Tuesday16:00–23:00 Wednesday16:00–23:00 Thursday16:00–23:00 Friday16:00–00:30 Saturday12:00–00:30 Sunday12:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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