Living Dublin Pubs

K3 (R.J. Kiely & Sons)

Entrances on Middle Abbey Street and Liffey Street

Kielys run three great pubs in Dublin. The original, Kiely's of Donnybrook, is renowned amonf Dublin's rugby set, being situated just beside the headquarters of Leinster RFU, but doubles as a popular local for residents of Donnybrook.

Kielys of Mount Merrion is a suburban local pub which attracts a large following from outside (especially from the nearby Sandyford Industrial Estate at lunchtime), with its convivial atmosphere, excellent service and quality pub food.

K3, the third in the chain, was opened in 2001, spanning the corner of Liffey Street (opposite the Epicurean Food Hall) and Middle Abbey Street. It has two areas. The main bar is K3 itself, an elegant modern bar sprawling over three levels and appealing to young executive types. The music is good, the atmosphere loud, and the furnishings in the alcoves and niches are designed for small or large groups. A perfect place for an office get-together or a visiting party.

On the other hand, the Abbey St entrance leads you into R.J. Kiely & Sons, a perfect reconstruction of a Victorian Dublin local. This is one of the unique accomplishments of Kielys pubs: all of them seem to be able to combine the difficult role of local with that of being friendly and accommodating to outside, one-off visitors (surely the holy grail of pub management). This is largely due to their policy of employing some of the best staff in Dublin.

So whatever your preferrd experience - a trendy bar or a local pub with a regular clientele, K3 is a good venue. On top of that, they serve a top-notch carvery at lunchtime and a superb Asian-fusion menu in the evenings.

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