There are people out there that will tell you with a straight face that this pub has one of the best pints of Guinness in all of Dublin. When you ask why, they will then either stumble about, making up reasons they know nothing about or just say "I don't know, it said so on Tripadvisor". The truth is, my Yelp friends, that most pints of Guinness in Dublin will be very, very good (for those of you who enjoy that sort of thing), and while they may vary to the slightest degree based off how they are poured, the temperature they are chilled at, etc, you will never really notice the difference, and any perceived quality spike is based solely on you being told it was there. Now, will all that negativity being said, this is still a nice, friendly pub with wonderful owners, a relaxing, old-world feel to it, a welcoming crowd, and yes, a fantastic pint of Guinness. We came here as a part of a tour, learning about the macabre history of Dublin (won't spoil any tour for anyone, but suffice it to say there is a reason it is known as the Gravedigger Pub). I recommend it to anyone seeking a pub away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin's younger set. ...and yes, I am starting this year off reviewing a place in a country 99% of my Yelp peoples do not live and may not visit, meaning most of you get nothing out of this. Suck it. All of you suck it....happy new year. read more

What makes this pub so likable is that it is small and has tons of personality and history. The gravediggers is split into two areas: one for the young and boisterous and the other for the older and equally as rowdy. Its all wood interior gives you a warm feeling despite the fact that the decor lacks frills. It's situated on a green that becomes a beer garden where locals do their summer drinking on a Saturday night. Another thing that makes this place special is that it's hidden from view. It's tucked behind the Glasnevin Cemetery (hence its name) with an entrance on Prospect Avenue and another one on Mobhi Road. Ask any local and they will be able to direct. read more

Came from Mayo with my father for his 60th birthday as a surprise as gravediggers is well known to have great food and pints aswell to see Collins grave, had a great time there the food was excellent and the pints were everything we imagined , the staff were attentive , fast and very polite which made the whole situation all the more upsetting when Kieran the cook or as he likes to point out that he runs the place which I hope is untrue ,because it would a serious shame if this is how the owners of the place treats guests, became aggressive and very dismissive refusing service saying until we pay our tab we wouldn't be served any more which is grand so we offer to pay and continue to which he had no idea what to say or do as he was so busy painting this image to himself that we were trying to leave without paying a tab simply because 3 people from the table left to see the grave and come back while the remaining attempted to order some more drinks and food, when we spoke to the manager who had just started was lovely however KEIRAN over heard us speaking to her and lands down to the table from the kitchen with a terribly defensive attitude whether this is due to Ego or just personal reasons but he had his mind made up about us and created an issue out of absolutely nothing and when the conversation wasn't going his was he walked away and left it to the manager , so why get involved if you're not going to resolve the situation but only escalate it.To end I can't fault the girls on the floor and the man behind the bar But KEIRAN has no business being non the front of house and should maybe stick to the food and leave the customer service to the people who know what they're doing. read more

Just incredible! An absolute revelation! My first couple of visits introduced me to the wonderful old school interior steeped in history, relaxed friendly vibe from the staff and locals along with some of the best Guinness in the world (and I've sampled my fair share). But on top of that, after a long time of having good intentions to do so, I tried the tapas which is just another fantastic string to this pub's bow. A super ever-changing menu of hot and cold tapas that doesn't cost the earth and goes down very well with a few pints. Overall its the holy grail of Dublin pubs that completely deserves all of the positive attention it has begun to command! read more

a.k.a. the Gravediggers (for obvious reasons). Frequently on the best pubs lists. For a reason, it is fantastic all year round. Hidden away, looks like a row of old houses/shops, with a small green in front. Great some early evening summer pints sitting on the grass. Super Guinness, friendly (regular) staff, and only 10 mins by bus from my house. A real gem. read more

Definitely worth the trip. The pub is low key and the beer is delicious. The kitchen was closed as it was a bank holiday, but we enjoyed the lawn and then took a walk through the cemetery. Highly recommended if you're in the area read more

Eating at the Gravediggers reminds me of being in a parish hall in the West of Ireland after a funeral. And yes, that's a compliment! Totally odd space, one big room and you order at a sort of open deli-fridge counter that kinda puts me thinking of the Halal butcher on Frederick St. So why do I go to the Gravediggers as often as possible? Four reasons: 1. Sound staff - salt of the earth, no nonsense and authentic 2. Great value food - It's not high end and the vegetarian options are particularly weak (feck off with your man n cheese and pizza, that's not vegetarian food, it's pre-pubescent food!) but for a little pick of something small it's totally grand and really very charming. I usually get olives and feta, and a greek salad and a hummus plate and it's always affordable and nice. Lovely wine too! 3. There is just nowhere else like it in the world for atmosphere. I take all my non Irish visitors there and it's always worth it for the look on their faces alone. 4. They allow doggies in the bar. I don't have a doggie but I pet everyone else's and that washed down with a Teeling whiskey and a seat on a narrow bench makes me one happy lady read more

This was an amazing addition to our Glasnevin Cemetery trip! It is in a beautiful and quaint part of the town right behind the cemetery. It stands in the original gravediggger bar, which in itself has an amazing history. And there is a section built on for food service. It is family owned, the staff which is mostly the family are wonderful and welcoming. read more

I love this little gem in the heart of Glasnevin. Hidden in what looks like a housing estate in Prospect Square and next to the gate into the cemetery is what's better known as the gravediggers named for those that dig the graves in glasnevin cemetery. On one side you have a modern lounge area where you can buy food and sit in comfort and on the other you have the original bar where everyone prefers to hang out. Going into the left hand side is a bit like going into an old saloon with wood panelling and narrow benches. It's been around too since just after the cemetery opened and been in the same family since. There's a real relaxed atmosphere here and some say that they serve the best Guinness in Dublin outside of the brewery. read more

Fab spot. Following a walk around the cemetery and botanical gardens I finally stopped off at this place recently. Its been on my list for a while. We decided to grab some food and try the guinness from here and I cant recommend it enough. You walk in and it doesnt strike you as a typical pub. Its set out more as a eatery, which was unexpected. The menu us basic. Toasties and some specials of the day which we opted for. Simple food but done well. I had the italian sausage pasta bake and was greated with a huge bowl of steaming pasta mixed with sausage, sauce and cheese. Nothing better than good hearty food after a walk on a cold day. Pair this with a pint of the Guinness and you are onto a winner. The staff were amazingly friendly and chatty and felt like I had stepped back a bit into an unknown world which was fantastic. Price wise this is not expensive. A good feed for less than a tenner. I'll take that thank you very much. If only it weren't so far away I would be back here more often...... read more

Went exploring the neighbourhood and stumbled upon this humble old tavern. I lied I didn't stumble upon it, I was looking on Yelp and Trip Advisor to find one of the best bars in Dublin and I may have found it. It truly does take you back in time. The atmosphere did seem lively for 4pm during the week. The barkeep was quite friendly and it seems he knew how to properly pour a Guinness. I should really check it out late at night, especially on Halloween. I wonder if it is creepy being next to so many dead people. read more

There are two parts to this place -- I went in the left side, which is smaller and has more character. This definitely seemed like a locals place -- I went in the late afternoon and there were only a couple other people in the bar. The bartender was very quick and attentive, and the decor seemed like it hadn't been updated since the place was built. The exposed old wood and quirky posters gave it a vibe appropriate to its name (I'm sure it seems even more appropriate on a cold dreary night!) Seems like a great place if you want to enjoy a pint without a lot of other people or tourists. Not a huge selection of beers on tap, but the ones they have are pretty standard. read more

Without doubt one of my top 5 favourite pubs in Dublin. And like all great pubs it is DARK inside. It doesn't matter what time if year it is, this place is perfect. Winter indoors, or summer sitting outside. It's one of those bars where change has been kept to a minimum and that is definitely a good thing. I could not recommend it enough, a must-go for anyone who likes a great atmosphere (no TV or music), great service, and proper old decor. read more

We visited Kavanagh's Pub after a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery. The pub has a great history of its own. Many generations of Kavanagh's have run the place and still do. We had a fantastic tapas dinner and wonderful conversation with the current Kavanagh, Ciaran Kavanagh. Look up his visit from Antony Bourdain! The pub has so much history, if at Glasnevin you must stop in. read more

The diggers during the day offers a wonderful yet simple lunch in the lounge, which is modern so is totally in contrast to the pub itself. Tapas and paninis for example are not offerings you would expect to be treated to inside. The food is also magnificent, as is the pint; the price is just as good too! I want to lie to you about the way currently feel about the place, my anger is not caused by the diggers, the service or the price; it is in fact related to the cliental. The place is becoming the centre of the world for that up-their-own-arse-creep population, people more interested in consuming the idea of the pub from a book than what it has to offer in the real, like visiting a new country and only going where the tourist books tell you. The cliental on a weekend night in the bar is turning more Jean Paul Sartre type than Charles Bukowski type (i.e. Half pint drinkers in ironed jeans who wouldn't know a coddle from a cobble). The salt of the earth feeling is leaving the bar; the bar is being invaded by the west Brit type, losing their Guinness virginity here because they heard it's the best pint in town and "digging" the ancient feel and truth the digger has, yet ask where the TV is, and why there is no a la carte. This is not the point of the diggers, its old school and brilliant, where the rule that "change is the only constant" does not exist. Let me attempt to explain (I'll fail) The diggers is an authentic Dublin pub, yes it has it's history, and place in culture (nothing wrong with all that) and indeed is a monument to the working class of Dublin, especially the area, evident in the local modest town homes that shield the pub, which are now price inflated to unbelief because Dublin has left this essential pub behind. But celebrate these things on a Monday afternoon and not a weekend night if that's all your interested in from a visit to the Gravediggers. This pub is meant to be social and Guinness Mecca, not a museum or point of interest. Just because the place has its cameo in Ulysses doesn't mean you need to over complicate the pub, it's been celebrated through the years enough and has its place in folklore by now. So instead go for the wonderful, warm, creamy chocolaty pint, and the company, the 'oulfellas at the bar will talk the ears off you, far better than any guide ever could if you them half a chance, and trust me, you will consume so much more of the place that way! read more

This used to be the regular watering hole when I was studying in the Botanic Gardens. This establishment is slightly of the beaten track as opposed to Smyths or the Botanic house but it will put a thirst on you. Conveniently there was a side passage that runs from the back of the Botanic Gardens to the Gravediggers which was used religiously (sorry folks for staff members only :). This is a great pub to drop into for a bit of lunch if you find yourself in the surroundings of the National Botanic Gardens and for pub-grub the food is top-notch. Many a lecture was missed on a Friday afternoon when we would go in for lunch and find ourselves organising our night out in town over dinner and a pint-a-porter. Although this pub may not be to everyones taste, its definitely worth a visit... read more

Myself and 3 others were on holiday over Thanksgiving week. We saw a lot of the touristy stuff that we loved but wanted something more local and less touristy. We had a local on the bus recommend gravediggers. We loved the food and the hospitality. This family owned and operated restaurant and tavern is the one thing all 4 of us miss about our trip. We all have the tavern on Facebook and when we see the great food and fun we miss it more. My friend Sean is always trying to make the dishes that we had and even though they are good it's not the same. If your traveling in Ireland and don't mind an out of the way, down a dark alley, on a died end circle and want a true taste of Dublin. I can't say enough good things about this place. If your looking for the Ritz this is not your stop, it is however full of history and stories that you will remember for ever. A true Ireland gem. I want to thank everyone at Kavanaghs for 2 amazing nights with hospitality and Great Irish dishes that I did not get any place else. God Bless :) read more

It's famed for it's Guinness, and rightly so. An old world Irish bar, right beside the historic Glasnevin graveyard. The spit and sawdust have gone, but little else has changed. The real deal. A bit out of the way, and maybe that's why it has retained it's character intact. Not to be missed. read more

I stopped in for one pint of Guinness after a walk around the Botanic Garden and Glasnevin Cemetary...ended up staying for four. Great company and conversation. Not to mention the amazing history. read more

A fantastic old-fashioned Dublin pub that's great after a visit to Glasnevin Cemetary or the Botanic Gardens. It is beside a gate of the Cemetary, but not one you can actually walk through. This is *the* place for Guinness. Any time I visit, at least 80% of the clientele are drinking it. It looks exactly like I imagine a pub would have 100 years ago, with uneven wooden floors and old benches and tables. The staff are friendly as are the customers. People will happily offer you space at their table if it's standing room only. If it's quiet, you can ask behind the bar for the rings to play the ring-toss game on the wall near the back. Each hook has a different value and you collect points for every ring you hook on. It is a lot tougher than it looks! read more

Had seen the Anthony Bourdain show that highlighted Gravediggers and thought I'd give it a try. Got there about 2:00, and sat in the lounge / lunch area. Was greeted by the daughter of John Kavanagh with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. Had a pint and their famous coddle. Both were excellent. Chatted with the staff for a few minutes and was introduced to Ciaran Kavanagh- who runs the kitchen/diner side of the establishment. We chatted for a few minutes and he had to get back to work. But, said to come to the bar later and he'd have a pint with me. I took a couple of hours to tour the cemetery and botanical gardens next door, and came back to the bar side of the establishment for a pint. Ciaran joined me and we spent about an hour and a half talking about the pub, his travels, and life in general. What can I add that hasn't been said by others here? Genuine, down to earth, friendly, the heart and soul of Dublin. If you are a real traveler - one who cares as much about meeting the people as seeing the sights - Gravediggers and the Kavanagh family should be at the top of your list. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to share a pint and a few stories with Ciaran as well. read more

We heard about this spot from The Layover episode. It was our first spot off the flight to Dublin. It was easy enough to get to the neighborhood, but a struggle for us to find the right street. Cute neighborhood though. This is adjacent to the cemetery. Really cool, old pub. Guinness on draft (obviously). We were quite hungry, and unfortunately they don't serve food on Sundays, so we couldn't stay long. read more

I was really looking forward to checking this bar out and it did not disappoint. My husband and I went here for the last stop of the night and it exceeded my expectations. I loved the vibe and the lounges. My husband and I sat in a red booth that was extremely private and great for conversation. The crowd was extremely friendly and you could see that everyone was having a great time. If I ever have the chance to visit Ireland, I would definitely go back to this bar. I did not have the opportunity to try any food on the menu, but I would next time give it a go because it looked fabulous. This bar is also known as the gravediggers and is located behind a graveyard. It is a bit far away from downtown Dublin, but I willingly walked here and was very glad that I did. read more

Tapas that's served here is excellent great selection of both hot and cold tapas very fairly priced and good wine and beer secretion to go with it. Even tho it's tapas there are good portions. Perfectly possible to share food and half a bottle of wine and spend less than €20!! No bookings doesn't stay open late but worth the chance for sure! read more

Best Guinness in Dublin. Stayed in the right hand side of the pub which I think is more for food. The pub side is meant to also very lovely and liked by many. Good selections of wine! read more

John Kavanagh The Gravediggers - Best Guinness ever - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

It's no surprise to get an exceptional pint of Guinness at The Gravediggers, but would you expect amazing tapas, Irish style? The coddle and the spring rolls were out of this world and the mac and cheese, the olive thing and the other plates were mouthwatering and fun to share. No surprise that Anthony Bourdain came by recently to sample the food. The young Kavanagh chef is on to something, presenting traditional Irish tastes in untraditional presentations. Irish fusion, perhaps? Get there early the place fills up fast. read more

Yes! A local good old style pub. This isn't a place to find the tourists, just good old boys drinking nothing but Guinness. They serve traditional dishes. Plus, they are family operated. A pub you must visit and it is across the street from a graveyard. read more

I've been here a few times and always had great Craic. The bar is always full of characters and locals that have been drinking there for years. Recently myself and a friend went into the lounge for food. The lounge is not as charming however the service and yummy food made up for that. Apparently the best guinness in dublin!! read more

Best experience in Ireland!!! Great pint and amazing food (we loved coddle). Hung out with the folks who work there, such a truly truly great experience!!!! read more

Beautiful pub. The staff were friendly and attentive. The food was tasty, fairly priced and portioned generously. I tried coddle and hated it LOL but the flavor was delicious, just not the texture I enjoy. If you're In the area it's definitely worth a stop in! read more

Very scenic, great location the interior has a really lived in irish pub feel to it and wonderful drinks too!

After spending three weeks in the UK and Ireland I came to finally have a properly pulled pint. It was amazing!!! Words cannot describe the beauty of it! This is a must. Friendly locals and staff only added to the beauty. read more

Off the beaten track with true authenticity dripping off the walls! Great food...yes I had the coddle and it was delicious! Add a pint of Guinness and you are in food heaven read more

Best Pub in Dublin and it is the OLDEST pub in Dublin, not the Brazen Head, which has been demolished and rebuilt three times. Kavanagh family is awesome. I spent a great times in the pub, great sessions, craic and always good times, never any hassle. What an atmosphere. Easily #1 pub in Dublin. read more

An amazing place to grab a bite to eat! We arrived about 10 minutes before their lunch menu ended, but was able to order anything off the menu. Not only is their food amazing and homemade, the service is amazing as well! This is a must stop for anyone traveling to or through (if you have the time) Dublin. If you have the opportunity to order the coddle - do it! read more

We came here for lunch and had the roasted veg and mozzarella crostini. It was absolutely delicious! The staff were so friendly and welcoming and couldn't do enough for us. The atmosphere is traditional pub and we loved it that much we stayed for the home made pud and more Guinness! Highly recommended read more

This is definitely a great spot in good old Dub! The revolutionists rest in peace aside (do visit the graveyard first!) and one is hav'ing a Guiness either in the dark wooden room or on a bench outside in the yard. Has a bit of "Heurigen" atmosphere for those who know Stammersdorf or Soss near Vienna. But the Irish way, so - groovier! read more

After hearing about this pub for the longest time and reading glowing reviews I decided it was time to check it out. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed with a pub (actually I do but that's another review). While it certainly has the genuine old world charm going for it the crowd was very off putting. We were standing at the bar and being stared at by the locals with a 'what are ye doing in my pub' vibe coming from them. It was very uncomfortable and we couldn't wait to leave. Ultimately though I judge a pub not for the people or surroundings but for the beer... I wasn't impressed. I'm giving it two stars as there is no TV, which is so refreshing. read more

Love this place. Best Guinness in Dublin in my opinion. And the tapas they have in the evenings are great. Lovely atmosphere and bar staff are all great. Live it every time I'm in it. read more

Sin duda ninguna LA MEJOR GUINNESS DE TODA LA ISLA. No hace falta más comentario . Pub tradicional donde pasarte las tardes de invierno mientras caen chuzos de punta . Esta al lado de cementerio de ahí su nombre . Decente cocina típica de pub y tengo q destacar q no tienen televisión . Aquí se viene a beber y a charlar sin más historias . Sitio muy recomendable y apartado del centro (20 minutos en bus ) read more