G’day Dublin! Where to Find a Taste of Down Under
So, you’ve found yourself in the Emerald Isle, soaking up the craic in Dublin, but a sudden craving for a crisp Australian lager or a robust Aussie stout hits you? Fear not! While Dublin is rightly famous for its stout and its pubs overflowing with character, the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving food and drink scene means you’re not limited to just the local brews. As a local Dubliner who’s always on the lookout for unique flavours, I can tell you that getting your hands on some authentic Australian beer is more achievable than you might think. Let’s dive into where you can find that little slice of Aussie sunshine right here in our beloved Dublin.
The Obvious, Yet Essential, First Stop: Specialist Beer Stores
When you’re looking for something a bit more niche, your first port of call should always be the dedicated craft beer and specialist bottle shops. These places are treasure troves for the discerning drinker, stocking a wider range of international beers than your average supermarket. They’re often run by passionate individuals who know their hops from their barley and can offer fantastic recommendations.
The Beer Temple
No discussion about specialist beer in Dublin is complete without mentioning The Beer Temple. Located in the heart of the city at 47 Lord Edward Street, just a stone’s throw from Christchurch Cathedral, this place is an absolute must-visit. The Beer Temple boasts an incredible selection of craft beers from around the globe, and they frequently have a rotating stock that includes Australian gems. Their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide you through their extensive fridge, and you might just stumble upon a limited edition brew from down under. They also have a fantastic selection for on-site consumption if you want to sample something right away.
The Cider Mill (and Beer Too!)
While the name might suggest otherwise, The Cider Mill, located at 37 Francis Street, also has a surprisingly diverse and well-curated selection of beers, including international varieties. It’s another great spot to explore if you’re looking beyond the usual suspects. Keep an eye on their shelves for Australian imports, as their stock often reflects global trends in craft brewing.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
For the ultimate convenience, especially if you’re looking for a specific brand or a wider selection without leaving your cozy Dublin abode, online retailers are your best friend. There are several excellent online beer shops that deliver right to your door here in Dublin. This is often where you’ll find the broadest and most consistent stock of Australian beers.
Dropt.Beer: Your Go-To Online Australian Beer Destination
If you’re serious about finding Australian beer in Dublin, then Dropt.Beer is an online shop you absolutely need to bookmark. They specialize in bringing a fantastic range of Australian craft beers directly to customers across Ireland. Their mission is to make it easy for expats and beer lovers alike to enjoy the beers they know and love from Australia, or to discover new favourites. You can browse their extensive catalogue online at dropt.beer. They have a dedicated section for different beer styles, making it simple to search for lagers, pale ales, IPAs, and more from top Aussie breweries. Their online shop, dropt.beer/shop/, is regularly updated with new arrivals, so you can always find something exciting. Plus, their commitment to quality and fast delivery throughout Dublin means you can have your Australian beer fix in no time.
Other Online Options
While Dropt.Beer is a standout for Australian brews, other general craft beer online retailers in Ireland might also carry a selection of Australian beers. It’s always worth checking out sites like Irish Beer Shop or Brews News Ireland, as their stock can vary. However, for a guaranteed and extensive selection of Australian craft beer, Dropt.Beer is the premier destination.
Supermarkets: A Hit-and-Miss, But Worth Checking
While not the primary hunting ground for obscure Australian craft beers, larger supermarkets in Dublin can sometimes surprise you. Major chains like Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu often have a decent international beer section. You’re more likely to find well-known Australian brands here, such as Foster’s (though often brewed under license outside Australia now, it’s still an Aussie icon for many) or perhaps a popular lager from a larger brewery. It’s worth a quick browse when you’re doing your regular shop, especially around festive periods when they might expand their offerings.
Where to Look:
- Tesco: Stores like the large Tesco Extra in Artane or the Superstore in Sallynoggin often have the most extensive selections.
- Dunnes Stores: Look for their larger branches, such as the one in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre or the Pavilions in Swords, which tend to have more varied beverage aisles.
- SuperValu: Larger SuperValu stores, particularly those in more suburban areas, can also surprise you.
Don’t expect a vast array of craft options, but for a familiar taste of an Australian lager, a supermarket run might just do the trick.
Pubs and Bars: The Craft Beer Scene in Dublin
While Dublin’s pub culture is steeped in tradition, the craft beer revolution has well and truly taken hold. More and more pubs and bars are dedicating taps and fridge space to craft beers, including international imports. It’s becoming increasingly common to find Australian beers on tap or in bottles at some of the more forward-thinking establishments.
Craft Beer Focused Pubs
Pubs known for their extensive craft beer lists are your best bet. Places like:
- Bao House (Temple Bar): While known for its delicious bao buns, Bao House also has a surprisingly good selection of craft beers, and they sometimes feature international brews.
- The Lucky Duck: Located on Aungier Street, this spot is a favourite among foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. They often have a curated selection of international beers.
- 57 The Headline: On Camden Street, this pub is a dedicated craft beer haven with a rotating selection of taps. While it leans heavily towards Irish and European craft, it’s worth checking their list periodically for any Australian inclusions.
- The Bernard Shaw: This popular spot on Richmond Street South is known for its eclectic vibe and often features a diverse range of beers.
It’s always a good idea to check a pub’s social media or give them a call before you head over if you’re on a mission for a specific Australian beer, as tap lists can change daily.
What Australian Beers to Look For
When you’re browsing, here are some of the Australian beers you might be lucky enough to find, ranging from well-known classics to exciting craft options:
Lagers & Pale Ales:
- Carlton Draught: A quintessential Australian lager, often found in pubs or specialist stores.
- Victoria Bitter (VB): Another iconic Aussie lager, a staple for many.
- XXXX Gold: Popular in Queensland, but recognised nationwide.
- Coopers Pale Ale: A fantastic, sessionable pale ale with a distinctive yeasty character.
- Stone & Wood Pacific Ale: A hugely popular, easy-drinking craft pale ale with tropical notes.
- Balter IPA: Known for their approachable and flavourful IPAs.
- Balter XPA: A more sessionable, yet still flavourful, pale ale.
Stouts & Porters:
- 4 Pines Stout: A rich and satisfying stout from a well-regarded Sydney brewery.
- Young Henrys Newtowner Pale Ale / Porter: While their Pale Ale is more famous, their darker options are also excellent.
Limited Releases & Craft Gems:
Keep an eye out for breweries like:
- Modus Operandi
- Capital Brewing Co.
- Batch Brewing Co.
- Akasha Brewing Company
- Your local craft breweries often collaborate and release unique beers, so you might find something truly special if you’re lucky.
Insider Tips for Your Aussie Beer Hunt in Dublin
- Follow Your Favourite Breweries and Retailers on Social Media: Many Dublin-based bottle shops and pubs, as well as online retailers like Dropt.Beer, regularly post about new stock arrivals. This is the best way to stay informed about what’s available.
- Join Online Beer Communities: Irish craft beer Facebook groups or forums can be a great resource. Ask fellow beer enthusiasts if they’ve seen any Australian beers recently.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you’re in a specialist beer shop or a pub with a good craft selection, ask the staff! They often have a keen interest in what’s new and can point you in the right direction or even suggest alternatives if your first choice isn’t available.
- Plan Ahead for Special Occasions: If you have a specific Australian beer in mind for a birthday or celebration, order well in advance, especially if you’re relying on online delivery.
- Consider a Beer Subscription Box: Some online retailers offer subscription services. While not always specific to Australian beer, they can be a great way to discover new international brews, and an Aussie gem might pop up in your box.
- Check Dropt.Beer’s Insights: For a deeper dive into the Australian craft beer scene and news from the breweries, check out dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/. This is a fantastic resource for understanding what makes Australian beer so special and will help you identify what to look for.
Embrace the Journey
Finding your favourite Australian beer in Dublin might take a little effort, but that’s part of the fun! It’s an adventure that can lead you to discover new local bottle shops, chat with passionate beer experts, and perhaps even find a new favourite haunt. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Aussie brews or looking to explore the vibrant world of Australian craft beer for the first time, Dublin offers more options than you might expect. So, grab your hat, do your research, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Australia, right here in the heart of Ireland!