The Gravediggers Pub, officially known as John Kavanagh’s, is a Dublin institution that’s been pulling pints and measuring out spirits for nearly two centuries. Adjoined to the grounds of Glasnevin Cemetery, this pub has seen its fair share of history, conversation, and even the occasional ghostly encounter.
A Brief History of The Gravediggers Pub
The story of the Gravediggers Pub begins in 1833 when John Kavanagh, the original proprietor, opened its doors. With its proximity to Glasnevin Cemetery, the pub quickly became the favored watering hole for the cemetery’s gravediggers, giving rise to its spooky nickname. Over the years, the Kavanagh family has maintained a strong grip on the reins, and the pub remains family run to this day, with the seventh generation of Kavanaghs currently behind the bar.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1833: Founding of the Pub
John Kavanagh establishes the pub, which becomes a local favorite among the Glasnevin Cemetery gravediggers. - 1864: Glasnevin Cemetery Expansion
With the cemetery’s growth, the pub’s patronage increases, solidifying its reputation as a place of solace after a long day of digging graves. - 1922: The Irish Civil War
Like many Dublin establishments, the pub witnesses tumultuous times during the Civil War, but it remains open. - 1960s: Pub Expansion
The Kavanagh family renovates and expands the pub, but it carefully retains its old-world charm and the history that makes it so unique. - 2009: An Irish Tradition on Screen
The Gravediggers Pub gains international fame when it features in the film The Last Right.
Why is it Called the Gravediggers Pub?
As you might have guessed, the nickname “Gravediggers Pub” isn’t just a clever marketing ploy; it’s rooted in the pub’s history. The pub is located right next to Glasnevin Cemetery, and back in the day, the cemetery’s gravediggers would stop by for a pint or two after a hard day’s work. The pub’s side entrance, which opened directly onto the cemetery, made it easy for the gravediggers to slip in and out unnoticed. Over time, the nickname stuck, and it is still used today.
The Atmosphere: What to Expect When You Visit
Walking into the Gravediggers Pub is definately like stepping back in time. The interior remains largely unchanged since its early days, with low ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and an proper snug where you can enjoy a quiet pint. The pub has a cosy, unpretentious atmosphere, where locals and visitors sit to enjoy conversation and great Guinness.
The Snug
One of the highlights of the Gravediggers Pub is the snug—a small, enclosed seating area just off the main bar. Traditionally, snugs in Irish pubs were places where women, clergy, or those who didn’t want to be seen drinking in public could enjoy a drink in privacy. At the Gravediggers, the snug has been preserved, offering a perfect hideaway for anyone who wishes to escape the world for a while!
The Pub Regulars
The pub’s clientele is as diverse as its history. On any given day, you’ll find a mix of Dublin locals, curious tourists, and cemetery visitors seeking a drink after a tour. It’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a local who has been coming to the Gravediggers for decades.
A Perfect Pint of Guinness
The Gravediggers Pub is widely regarded as one of the best places in Dublin to enjoy a pint of Guinness. The staff here takes their craft seriously, ensuring that every pint is poured with precision and care. The result? A pint of Guinness so smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced that even the most discerning Guinness drinkers will be satisfied. In fact, many locals and visitors alike claim it’s the best pint of Guinness you’ll find in Dublin—a title not easily earned in a city with so many iconic pubs. Our view on this is that there are many good places in Dublin to get a great pint, and the Gravediggers is one of those.
Irish Whiskeys and Craft Ales
If Guinness isn’t your tipple of choice, don’t worry. The Gravediggers Pub also boasts a fine selection of Irish whiskeys, ranging from smooth, easy-drinking blends to robust, peaty single malts. For the ale lovers, the pub offers a rotating selection of local and craft ales, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Ghostly Pint
Legend has it that the pub’s resident ghost—a former gravedigger, naturally—occasionally helps himself to a pint after hours. While no one has ever caught the ghost in the act, some say they’ve felt a strange presence or heard the clinking of glasses in the empty bar late at night. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of the Gravediggers ghost!
Food at The Gravediggers Pub: Traditional and Tasty
When it comes to food, the Gravediggers Pub serves up classic Irish fare with a simple, no-nonsense approach.
Pub Favorites
- Irish Stew
The Gravediggers’ Irish stew is the stuff of legends. Made with tender chunks of lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out—especially on a cold Dublin day. - Coddle
Another traditional dish, coddle, is a mix of sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that will have you feeling like you’ve just had dinner at an Irish granny’s house. - Seafood Chowder
For those who prefer something from the sea, the seafood chowder is a must-try. Creamy and rich, it’s packed with fresh seafood and served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking it all up.
Haunted or Not? Ghostly Tales from The Gravediggers Pub
No article about the Gravediggers Pub would be complete without delving into its ghostly lore. As mentioned earlier, the pub’s proximity to Glasnevin Cemetery has given rise to numerous ghost stories over the years. While some might dismiss these tales as mere folklore, others swear by their truth.
The Ghost of the Gravedigger
The most famous of the Gravediggers’ ghosts is said to be that of an old gravedigger who, after a long day’s work, decided to stick around the pub in the afterlife. There have been numerous reports of strange occurrences, from the sound of shoveling in the dead of night to the movement of objects. Some patrons claim to have felt a cold breeze brush past them when no one else was around, while others have seen fleeting shadows out of the corner of their eye. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s enough to send a shiver down your spine.
A Friendly Ghost
Despite the eerie stories, the ghost of the Gravediggers Pub is said to be a friendly one. There are no reports of malicious hauntings—just the occasional mischievous prank, like moving a glass or making a door creak! Many locals have come to accept the ghost as part of the pub’s charm, and some even consider it good luck to have an encounter with the pub’s spectral resident.
How to Get There: Visiting The Gravediggers Pub
Located in Glasnevin, Dublin 9, the Gravediggers Pub is easily accessible from the city center. It’s just a short bus ride away, and the journey offers a great opportunity to see more of Dublin’s northside.
Directions from Dublin City Center
- By Bus:
Take bus routes 13, 40, or 83 from the city center, and get off at Glasnevin Cemetery. The pub is just a short walk from the cemetery entrance. - By Taxi:
If you prefer a quicker journey, a taxi ride from the city center takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. - On Foot:
For the adventurous, walking from the city center to the Gravediggers Pub takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The walk takes you through some of Dublin’s historic neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit
The Gravediggers Pub is open seven days a week, and it’s worth visiting at any time of the day. However, if you’re hoping to experience the pub at its liveliest, evening hours are your best bet. This is when the locals come out for a pint. For a quieter visit, try dropping by in the early afternoon when the pub is less crowded