12 Pubs of Christmas - Dublin

The 12 Pubs of Christmas is a uniquely Irish tradition that has taken over Dublin every December. Groups of friends dress up in Christmas jumpers, create rules for each pub, and attempt to visit 12 pubs in one evening. It’s chaotic, festive, and quintessentially Dublin.

What to Expect

Groups everywhere in Christmas jumpers, reindeer antlers, and Santa hats moving between pubs with various rules at each stop (no using your phone, drink with your left hand, no saying certain words). The atmosphere across the city is electric with thousands of groups doing the same thing. It’s less about completing all 12 and more about the craic.

Good to Know

• Typically the second or third weekend in December
• No formal organisation, just gather your friends and go
• Popular routes: Camden Street, Wexford Street, Baggot Street, or Temple Bar
• Pace yourself, 12 is ambitious
• Christmas jumpers are mandatory (unwritten rule)
• The city centre buzzes with 12 Pubs energy all weekend