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Dublin › Temple Bar › The Celt
The CeltBWorth Trying
81 Talbot St, North City, Dublin, D01 YK51, Ireland
· Irish pub, Bar, Live music bar
· 4.6/5 Google (8268 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination Irish pub for live music and atmosphere; food is solid pub fare with value quirks and occasional service friction—go for the vibe and a pint, not fine dining.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Celt delivers solid grade B performance as a lively Irish pub destination, anchored by exceptional interior design and strong destination appeal for live music. However, inconsistent food quality—particularly with fish and burger execution—and uneven service ranging from friendly to curt prevent higher grades. Best experienced as a music-first, food-second venue where stews and Guinness shine, though recent service complaints warrant awareness of policy enforcement practices.
Restaurant Summary
Step in and you are met by warm wood and lively tunes flowing from the front bar. Reviewers rave about the memorabilia-lined walls and the convivial crowd, with one noting, "the room felt alive the second we walked in." However, expect a boisterous scene and, on music nights, potentially very loud sound that can drive non-music diners to the back room. The cooking leans classic Irish comfort: stews, bangers with onion gravy, fish and chips, and a hearty roast. Stews and roasts are fan favorites, while fish and chips draw mixed feedback. This is a pub-first, food-second experience—great with a pint of Guinness and live trad rather than a destination for cutting-edge cuisine. Families do visit, and the menu has kid-friendly staples like burgers, mash, and chicken goujons. Do note the noise level during shows and some tight seating; lunch or early evening may suit children better. Bread is often extra and a 12.5% service charge applies for groups of four or more.
At a Glance
- Lively live music and classic Irish pub vibe
- Stews and roasts hit the spot with a pint
- Service can be curt; policy enforcement feels harsh to some
- Extra charges (bread, service fee) and bill-splitting limits
- Loud during music; consider seating choice
What Sets It Apart
- nightly_live_music
- classic_irish_pub_atmosphere
- multiroom_layout_front_and_back
What People Love
- Warm, memorabilia-packed rooms
- Silky pints of Guinness
- Hearty stews and gravy-rich bangers
- Front bar energy with live sessions
- Quick bar service when busy
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistencies and brusque interactions reported by multiple guests
- Surprise costs: bread not included, 12.5% service for groups ≥4, limited bill splitting
- Fish and chips quality varies; some describe as bland
- Dress code and seating rules enforced at door and tables, causing friction
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€34-€46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a stew or roast for best results; vegetarians can opt for Ricotta & Spinach Tortellini or The Healthy Salad; seafood chowder is tasty but portion can feel small to some.
Perfect For
- Catching live Irish music with a pint
- Casual group dinner before or after events
- Travelers seeking a non-Temple Bar pub vibe
- Solo bar perch with stew and Guinness
Location Insights
Area: Busy central street in North City with mixed tourism and local traffic; lively pubs and budget hotels nearby.
Safety: Generally busy with heavy footfall; some reviews perceive the immediate area as rough at times, typical for central nightlife zones.
Nearby: Near O’Connell Street and transport links; pubs, shops, hotels; nightlife-oriented foot traffic.
Dublin City CentreDublin City Centre is the heart of the capital, bustling with a diverse crowd including office workers, students, and visitors. The dining scene ranges from casual pubs and traditional Irish eateries to modern restaurants, often accompanied by live music and a lively social atmosphere.
Talbot StreetTalbot Street is known for its traditional Irish pubs and vibrant nightlife, attracting those looking for authentic Irish bar food, live music, and a convivial atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–23:30
Tuesday11:30–23:30
Wednesday11:30–23:30
Thursday11:30–23:30
Friday11:30–00:30
Saturday11:30–00:30
Sunday12:00–23:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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