The Barge Pub (also known as McCaffertys) lies on the Grand Canal at Charlemont Street. Recently refurbished, it’s a popular spot for Dublin’s after work crowd on a Friday. Particularly when the sun is out, you’ll find drinks bought from the Barge being consumed on the banks of the grand canal.
Inside the pub is bright, with 3 bars over 3 floors. Despite how its sounds, this doesn’t make it feel like a superpub. One of the levels is not much more than a stopping point on the way to the upstairs. There are plenty of seating options, from pulling up a stool at the bar to lounging on one of the more comfortable seats upstairs with company.
Most commercial beers are on draught and are of very good quality. Bottles of beer and the usual short drinks are all available. Price wise this pub is a little steep particularly given its location which is neither in the Camden quarter nor the hipper Rathmines/ Ranelagh areas.
It stays open till late and you’ll catch a nice medley of hits belted out upstairs at the weekends. You will find the local young after work crowd here enjoying this. However, they tend to move onto the Harcourt/ Camden St areas later on.
The staff are very attentive and friendly. The food is quite decent as pub food goes. The lunchtime carvery draws plenty of local workers in and won’t leave you hungry. In the evenings there are a variety of platters available, whether just for one or larger parties, the staff will accommodate you. There is also a small bar on the 1st floor which can be booked for private parties, comes with its own barperson!
The Barge is one of our favourites.
