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The Blue Light: Dublin's Mountaintop Pub

Experience Dublin's best views and authentic Irish hospitality at The Blue Light pub, a historic landmark in the Dublin Mountains with music and craic.

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The Blue Light, a traditional Irish pub established around 1870, sits atop Barnacullia in the Dublin Mountains, offering stunning panoramic views of Dublin Bay. Originally a haunt for quarrymen and a signal point for smugglers, it's now a beloved spot for locals and tourists seeking authentic Irish hospitality, live music, and breathtaking vistas.

A brief summary to The Blue Light

  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-11 pm
  • Friday 11 am-12 am
  • Saturday 11 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot and enjoy the sunset views over Dublin Bay.
  • Check the pub's website or social media for upcoming live music sessions and events.
  • Consider taking a taxi or ride-share, as the pub is located on a winding mountain road.
  • Try the traditional Irish stew or fish and chips for a taste of local cuisine.
  • Bring a jacket, as it can get chilly in the mountains, especially in the evening.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the Luas Green Line to the Sandyford stop. From there, Dublin Bus route 44B will drop you near The Blue Light (Monday to Friday). Alternatively, several other bus routes serve Sandyford Business District. From the Sandyford Luas stop, a taxi to the pub costs approximately €10-€15. A TFI 90 Minute fare is valid for trips taken on Dublin Bus, Luas, most DART, and commuter rail services (within zones 1 to 4 of the Short Hop Zone), as well as Go-Ahead Ireland city services in Dublin when you use your TFI Leap Card. This fare costs only €2 for Adults.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A taxi from Dublin city center to The Blue Light typically costs around €25-€30 and takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Dublin start with a base fee of €5.40, with additional charges per kilometer. Nightly rates (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM) have a higher per kilometer charge. Be sure the driver is using the meter.

  • Driving

    From the M50 motorway, take Exit 13 (Dundrum/Sandyford). Follow the signs for Sandyford and then Barnacullia. The Blue Light is located 1.5km from Lamb Doyle's pub. Parking is available at the pub, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours.

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Discover more about The Blue Light

The Blue Light isn't just a pub; it's a Dublin landmark steeped in history and boasting unparalleled views. Perched atop Barnacullia, which translates to 'top of the woods' in Irish, the pub stands 700 feet above sea level, offering a panoramic vista of Dublin Bay and the surrounding countryside. Established around 1870, The Blue Light's origins are intertwined with the area's history of quarrying and, more intriguingly, smuggling. Legend has it that in the mid-1800s, locals devised a system to evade British customs officers, lighting a blue ship's lantern to signal to smugglers that the coast was clear to bring contraband ashore. This illicit history gave the pub its distinctive name. Today, The Blue Light retains its traditional Irish charm, with a stone-built structure, a turf fire, and an inviting atmosphere. It's renowned for its lively music sessions, often featuring traditional Irish tunes, and a wide selection of beers, including Guinness, and Irish whiskeys. The pub also serves hearty pub fare, perfect for warming up after a hike in the Dublin Mountains. The pub's connection to music extends beyond traditional sessions; U2 frequented The Blue Light in their early days, and Bono is rumored to have once considered buying it. Another U2 story involves Adam Clayton's 1989 arrest for drug possession in the pub's car park, adding a touch of rock 'n' roll notoriety to its history. Whether you're drawn by the history, the music, the craic, or simply the stunning views, The Blue Light offers an authentic and unforgettable Dublin experience.

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