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11 min read
Published On25 Sep 2025
Introduction
Dublin is getting ready for NFL fever this Sunday! With the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:30am ET (12:30pm Irish time), the city’s sports bars are preparing for an invasion of American football fans who can’t make it to the actual game. Finding a proper NFL viewing spot when rugby and GAA dominate the screens can be tricky.
The good news? Dublin’s embraced American football more than ever, with dedicated NFL bars popping up alongside traditional pubs that’ve learned to cater to the growing fanbase. From official team bars to multi-screen sports emporiums, these venues deliver everything from RedZone coverage to game day specials that’ll make you forget you’re 3,000 miles from home. We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations!
Temple Bar & City Centre
The Woolshed Baa & Grill
Location: City Centre – 198-200 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
https://www.woolshed.ie/
What Makes It Special: This place has become Dublin’s unofficial NFL headquarters, showing all the 6pm and 9pm games every Sunday. If you came all the way to Ireland to watch the NFL, locals will tell you this is your spot!
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout with a dedicated space upstairs that shows all the games simultaneously. They’ve figured out the multi-game audio situation better than most, so you can actually follow your game while keeping tabs on RedZone action.
Food & Drink: Sports bar classics with a twist – their game day specials keep the crowds coming back. The beer selection covers everything from Guinness to American imports, and prices are reasonable for city centre. Good vibes all around according to the regulars.
Atmosphere: The upstairs NFL section creates its own little American bubble on Sundays. Mix of expats, tourists, and Irish NFL converts makes for interesting crowd dynamics. Gets properly busy during the playoffs but they handle the crowds well.
Special Features: Dedicated NFL viewing space upstairs, Shows all Sunday games simultaneously, RedZone coverage available, Regular NFL fan meetups.
McGowans of Phibsboro
Location: North City – 18 Phibsborough Road, Dublin 7
What Makes It Special: McGowans goes all-in on American football with 16 big screens and they actually know when to prioritize NFL over GAA – which is saying something in Dublin! Their €15 pizza and pint NFL special every Sunday is a steal.
Sports Setup: 16 screens means you’re never missing a play, and they’re happy to accommodate specific game requests. The staff actually understands American football, so they won’t look at you funny when you ask for RedZone. Sunday evening NFL games being shown which was awesome according to visitors.
Food & Drink: Full menu that goes beyond typical bar snacks – proper meals like stir fry and pizzas, plus vegetarian and vegan options. The Sunday NFL special (€15 for any pizza & pint) runs all season long. Chef specials keep things interesting week to week.
Atmosphere: North Dublin local crowd mixed with NFL diehards creates authentic neighborhood feel. Not touristy like Temple Bar spots, just genuine sports fans who happen to love American football. The Phibsboro location means easier parking than city centre too.
Special Features: 16 big screens throughout venue, €15 pizza & pint NFL Sunday special, Full menu with vegan/vegetarian options, Booking available for groups up to 10.
Sinnotts Bar
Location: City Centre – King Street South, Dublin 2 http://www.sinnotts.ie
What Makes It Special: Sinnotts has earned its reputation as one of Dublin’s best sports bars, and they’ve embraced NFL coverage with both Sky games and RedZone. Amazing atmosphere during Six Nations translates perfectly to NFL Sundays.
Sports Setup: They had 2 NFL games on simultaneously when I visited, plus RedZone on another screen. The staff told us they have NFL games on regularly and actually understand what American fans want to see. Not many better sports bars in Dublin according to locals.
Food & Drink: Classic Irish pub fare with a sports bar twist. Good pint of Guinness (obviously) and reasonable prices for the location. The kitchen stays open during games which isn’t always guaranteed in Dublin pubs.
Atmosphere: Proper sports pub atmosphere where locals and tourists mix seamlessly. During big games, the energy rivals what you’d find stateside. The Six Nations crowd knows how to appreciate good sport, regardless of which side of the Atlantic it comes from.
Special Features: Sky Sports NFL coverage, RedZone channel available, Multiple games shown simultaneously, Central Dublin location.
Trinity Bar and Venue
Location: City Centre – 46-49 Dame Street, Dublin 2
What Makes It Special: Right in the heart of Dublin, Trinity Bar has figured out that American visitors love their football. They show NFL games on the big screen and the bartenders actually know what’s happening in the game.
Sports Setup: Big screen setup perfect for NFL viewing, and they’re willing to put games on near your table if you ask nicely. The Dame Street location means lots of American tourists, so they’re used to NFL requests.
Food & Drink: Standard pub fare at tourist area prices, but the convenience factor is huge. Didn’t try the food according to some visitors, but the beer selection is solid and bartenders are friendly about explaining Irish beers to Americans.
Atmosphere: Mix of tourists and locals, with the tourist contingent definitely dominating on NFL Sundays. Good spot if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to trek across the city for early games.
Special Features: Big screen for featured games, Central tourist area location, Accommodating staff for game requests, Open until midnight on weekends.
Buskers on the Ball
Location: Temple Bar – 13-17 Fleet Street, Dublin 2
Website not available
What Makes It Special: Multiple visitors have crowned this the “best place to watch NFL in Dublin!” The Temple Bar location means it’s tourist-friendly but they’ve earned their NFL reputation honestly.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens and they understand the assignment when it comes to NFL coverage. Staff are helpful about getting games on and the bar setup means good views from most seats.
Food & Drink: Pizza and typical sports bar fare at Temple Bar prices (so not cheap). But the drinks selection is solid and bartenders are awesome about recommendations. Bar was clean and well-maintained during visits.
Atmosphere: Temple Bar means tourist heavy, but on NFL Sundays you’ll find plenty of American expats who’ve made this their regular spot. Great energy during games and staff who actually care about the sport.
Special Features: Multiple screens for comprehensive coverage, Temple Bar central location, Pool tables for halftime entertainment, Pizza menu for game day fuel.
The Living Room
Location: Rotunda – Dublin 1
Website not available
What Makes It Special: They actively advertise that they show NFL games, which in Dublin is a commitment worth noting. Part of the wave of bars recognizing the growing NFL audience in Ireland.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens set up for sports viewing with NFL games prioritized on Sundays. The fact they advertise NFL coverage means they’re prepared for American football fans’ specific needs.
Food & Drink: Standard pub fare at reasonable prices for the area. Bar selection covers the basics and prices reflect the local rather than tourist market.
Atmosphere: More local crowd than Temple Bar spots, which can mean better atmosphere if you want authentic Dublin rather than tourist Dublin. When NFL is on, you’ll find a dedicated group of fans.
Special Features: Advertised NFL game coverage, Multiple viewing screens, Local crowd atmosphere, Regular NFL programming.
Specialty NFL Bars
JR Mahons
Location: Dublin
https://www.jrmahons.ie/
What Makes It Special: Designated as the official Minnesota Vikings bar in Dublin – perfect timing for this week’s game! They’ve hosted Hall of Famer Jared Allen for special events, showing their NFL credentials are legit.
Sports Setup: Shows NFL and occasionally college football, though screens are limited compared to bigger venues. What they lack in screen quantity they make up for in NFL dedication. Denis O’Carroll claims it’s “the best” for NFL viewing.
Food & Drink: Traditional Irish pub food with American game day touches. The Viking connection means they understand American football appetites.
Atmosphere: Vikings fans will feel at home here, with team colors and memorabilia visible during the season. Expect extra energy for this week’s Vikings-Steelers matchup.
Special Features: Official Minnesota Vikings bar, Special events with NFL personalities, College football occasionally shown, Dedicated NFL fan base.
Fitzsimons
Location: Dublin
Website not available
What Makes It Special: Serves as Pittsburgh’s official Steelers bar in Dublin, making this week’s game a must-visit destination for Terrible Towel wavers.
Sports Setup: Focused NFL coverage with emphasis on Steelers games. Limited information available but their official team designation speaks volumes.
Food & Drink: Traditional Irish hospitality meets American football appetites.
Atmosphere: Steelers fans can expect to find their people here, especially for this week’s game against Minnesota.
Special Features: Official Pittsburgh Steelers bar, Team-specific events and promotions, Dedicated Steelers fan community, Special atmosphere for Steelers games.
Additional Recommendations
Murray’s Sports Bar
Location: Upper O’Connell Street – 33-34 O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin 1 http://www.murraysbar.ie
What Makes It Special: Huge venue with massive screen setup that’s become one of Dublin’s premier sports destinations. “Great place to watch sport in Dublin” according to reviews.
Sports Setup: Multiple huge screens, beer garden with outdoor viewing, and they show wide range of sports including NFL. The scale of this place means they can handle multiple games simultaneously.
Food & Drink: Full menu with €10-30 price range, making it accessible for regular visits. The beer garden adds extra dimension during good weather.
Atmosphere: Mix of tourists and locals with genuine sports focus. The O’Connell Street location makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Dublin.
Special Features: Huge screen setup, Beer garden for outdoor viewing, Wide range of sports coverage, Multiple games shown simultaneously.
The Sporting Emporium
Location: South Inner City – Dublin 2 Website not available
What Makes It Special: They told one visitor they’re a Saints fan and confirmed they play all NFL games with loads of screens available. Rare enthusiasm for American football in Dublin.
Sports Setup: Loads of screens and confirmed commitment to showing all NFL games. The casino setting adds unique dimension to game watching.
Food & Drink: Casino venue means various dining options available beyond standard bar food.
Atmosphere: Casino atmosphere creates different energy than traditional pubs. Mix of gamblers and sports fans makes for interesting crowd dynamics.
Special Features: Shows all NFL games, Multiple screen setup, Casino gaming available, Dedicated NFL coverage.
Other Notable Sports Bars
While these venues don’t specifically advertise NFL coverage, they’re known as quality sports bars that may accommodate NFL fans:
- The Camden (Dublin 2) – “One of the best places in Dublin to watch sports” with huge screens and outdoor viewing
- The Back Page (199 Phibsborough Road) – “Best place in north Dublin to watch live games”
- Devitt’s Pub (Dublin 2) – Great for catching games with traditional atmosphere
- The Fourth Corner (Dublin 8) – Visitors were “happy to find a pub showing NFL games”
- The Waterloo House (36 Baggot Street Upper) – Many screens for sports events with excellent food
- Searsons (Dublin 4) – Popular for rugby but quiet on NFL weekends
- The Parnell Heritage Pub & Grill – Shows various sports including American football
- Peadar Kearney’s (Dublin 2) – Large screen TVs in beer garden and main bar
Conclusion
Dublin’s NFL scene has evolved from a handful of expat-friendly pubs to a proper network of venues that understand American football culture. Whether you’re a Vikings fan heading to JR Mahons for purple pride, a Steelers supporter claiming Fitzsimons, or just want guaranteed RedZone at The Woolshed, Dublin’s got you covered this Sunday.
The mix of dedicated NFL bars like McGowans with their €15 game day special, multi-purpose sports venues like Murray’s, and traditional pubs that’ve embraced American football creates options for every type of fan. The 12:30pm Irish kickoff time means you can actually enjoy a proper breakfast before heading out – a luxury us stateside fans rarely get!
Comment to help us improve our lists – what’s your favorite spot to catch NFL action in Dublin? Did we miss any hidden gems where the Guinness flows and touchdowns are celebrated properly?
Bibliography
- Reddit r/Dublin – “Best Places to Watch NFL in Dublin” – reddit.com/r/dublin
- McGowans of Phibsboro – “Watch The NFL in A Dublin Sports Bar” – mcgowansphibsboro.com
- Yelp Dublin – “Top 10 Best Place To Watch NFL Games Near Dublin” – yelp.ie/search/dublin
- Google Maps – “Sports Bars Dublin NFL” Search Results – maps.google.com
- Facebook Groups – “Where to watch college football and NFL in Dublin” – facebook.com/groups/dublinsports
- MatchPint – “Best Sports bars in Dublin” – matchpint.com/dublin
- Reddit r/NFLUK – “Pub to watch NFL in Dublin” – reddit.com/r/NFLUK
- The Woolshed Official – “Sports Bar Information” – woolshedbaa.com
- Sinnotts Bar Official – “Sports Coverage” – sinnotts.ie
- Murray’s Bar Official – “Sports Viewing” – murraysbar.ie