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Bruce is legendary for playing for hours and hours and hours, so you’ll have to do a bit of preparation for before and after the gig. Firstly, you’ll need a big feed before you go in. Secondly, you might want a place to sit down afterwards. Or, you might just want a bustling pub that’s playing some more of Bruce’s hits to keep the night going.
With all of that in mind, we’re going to try to give you some options on places to go before and after the Springsteen gig. Most of them are quite close to Croke Park so you don’t have to travel too far, but we’ve also thrown in a few others that are further afield.
1. Quinns
Quinns in Drumcondra is one of the closest pubs to Croke park and it’s a pretty big place. They’ve got live music from The Supertones directly after the gig and they’ll be open late into the night.
2. Cat and Cage
How about the classic American burger pre-Bruce?
The Cat and Cage has recently had a bit of a refurb and they’re doing some really good food these days. We checked it out a few weeks ago and were very impressed. The chef is Dylan McGrath trained and the menu is quite varied and extensive. It’s not far at all from the stadium and would be a good choice for getting grub beforehand.
3. McGowans
McGowans is one of the best loved late night spots on the North side of the city. It’s not too far from Croker and they’ll definitely be hopping afterwards. They’ll have a late bar on both nights of the concert (they have one 7 nights a week).
4. Big Tree
The Big Tree is on the route from Parnell Square towards Croke Park and is a very convenient place for before and after drinks. They’ve got a big beer garden out the back, so let’s hope for good weather on both days.
5. W.J. Kavanagh’s
If you’re looking for something a bit crafty, WJ Kavanagh’s on Dorset street is a good bet. They’ve got really good food offerings too. A perfect pre concert treat.
6. Murrays
Most concert goers will probably be walking up O’Connell street on their way. Murrays is at the top of O’Connell street near Parnell street. It’s a large place with really good food offerings. They have traditional staples like stew, burgers, and steaks. Most mains around between €9 and €12. We had the fish and chips here just yesterday and it was really good. They’re late opening, so it could be a good spot for a drink on the way back too.
7. The Long Hall
Bruce with Marcus on on one of his trips to the pub.
Ok, so the Long Hall is a bit of a distance away from Croke Park, but we’re including it here due to its connection with Bruce. Springsteen usually makes the pilgrimage to The Long Hall for a pint when he’s in Dublin. It might be a fitting place to have a pint before trekking over to Drumcondra.
8. The Church (Sunday only)
EDIT: The Church is closed today (Friday) for a private event. We didn’t know this when writing the article. The bar will be open as normal for the rest of the weekend, including a Bruce tribute band on Saturday.
The Church on Jervis street is a perfect place for before and after the gig. They’ll have live music to get you in the mood and some really good food offerings to set you up too. If you’re looking for something filling and snacky, then go for the nachos. They’re amazing. They’ve also got an incredible beer garden for sunny pints.
9. JW Sweetman
Here’s another crafty offering for you, but this time a bit away from the stadium. You might want to put a bit of distance between yourself and the stadium crowds, so this would be a good option. They’ve got good pub food and they’ll be playing Bruce Springsteen vinyl before the gig on Friday and Sunday.
