Even though craft beer is booming and more pubs than ever before offer it, JW Sweetman stands out as Dublin's only on-site microbrewery.
They produce a good range of beers, including a creamy kolsch golden ale, a pale ale, weiss beer, Irish red ale and a porter. The best way to sample them all is to order the tasting tray, which is a small measure of each beer, including tasting notes, and is great value at only €6.
They don't bottle their beers, but they do have growlers (a reusable glass jug) that you can bring in to be filled and take home with you. And for craft beer fans who would like to learn more, they also offer brewery tours – check their Facebook page for details of when the next one will be.
The brewery and restaurant was formerly called Messrs Maguire. In its latest reincarnation, it has been named after the Sweetman family, who were prominent Dublin brewers in the 1700s and 1800s.
The building itself was built in 1808 and has retained its sumptuous old world atmosphere over three floors plus a basement. This is a fantastic venue, full of nooks and crannies, dark wood panelling, lovely filigreed wrought iron, original ceiling roses, comfy leather sofas, potted palms and big fireplaces. Grab a window seat for unbeatable views over the Liffey and the bustling O'Connell Street Bridge.
Food is also offered every day until 9:30pm, and it's standard pub fare like seafood chowder, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and traditional Irish stew. Alcohol sneaks into a few dishes too, like the Gaelic whiskey chicken, their own red ale in the battered fish, a beef and stout pie or even a chocolate stout ice cream float served in a pint glass for dessert. Breakfast, sandwiches and bar bites are also offered, so there's something for every time of day.
But the heart of JW Sweetman is its microbrewery, so the star attraction here is the craft beer – and that includes a few craft beer cocktails. It's also a popular spot for watching rugby matches. With a prime location right on the quays off O'Connell Street Bridge, it's a great spot to know about if you're craving a good beer and a bite to eat.
