Walk into any pub in Dublin and you'll get a pint. Usually, it's a good one. But walk into The Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh, and you’re stepping into something that feels less like a local boozer and more like a high-stakes statement of intent. It’s loud. It’s flashy. Honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a place owned by Conor McGregor, yet it’s surprisingly grounded in ways people don’t talk about enough.
Most people assume it’s just a vanity project. A "Mac-Mansion" with a liquor license. But that’s not really the case.
When McGregor bought the place—formerly known as the Bentley—for roughly €2 million back in 2020, people rolled their eyes. Then he spent another €1 million plus on the fit-out. You can see where that money went the second you hit the door. We aren't talking about sticky carpets and dim lighting here. We’re talking about bespoke interiors, gold-flecked accents, and a kitchen that treats pub grub like it’s gunning for a Michelin star.
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The Reality of The Black Forge Inn Experience
It’s in Drimnagh. Let’s start there. This isn’t Temple Bar. It isn’t the posh leafy suburbs of South Dublin where you’d expect a multimillionaire to park his cash. It’s a working-class neighborhood. That matters because the pub still serves as a community hub, even if there’s a Bentley parked out front and a security team that looks like they could annex a small country.
The atmosphere is a weird, electric hybrid. On a Tuesday afternoon, you might see locals who have been drinking in that spot for forty years. By Friday night? It’s a global destination. People fly into Dublin Airport, grab a cab, and go straight to the Forge before they even check into their hotels. They want the Forged Irish Stout. They want to see the belt. They want to breathe the same air as "The Notorious."
Is it a tourist trap? Kinda. But it’s a high-end one.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Forget the frozen chips. The food is where The Black Forge Inn separates itself from the "celebrity-owned" pack. Head Chef Ed Raethorne has a background that commands respect, and he isn't phoning it in.
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- The Steak on the Stone: This is the signature. It’s gimmicky, sure, but the quality of the Irish beef is undeniable. You sear it yourself at the table. It’s interactive, it’s messy, and it smells incredible.
- The Seafood: Being an island nation, Ireland does fish well, but the Forge pushes it. Their tempura prawns and pan-seared scallops are legit.
- The Sunday Roast: You have to book weeks in advance. It’s a massive plate of comfort that feels like your grandmother made it, if your grandmother had a massive budget and professional training.
The drinks are a whole different beast. Obviously, you have Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey flowing like water. But the real star lately has been the Forged Irish Stout. It’s creamier than Guinness. There, I said it. It has a distinct chocolatey finish that makes it dangerously easy to drink.
Beyond the McGregor Brand
It’s easy to dismiss the place because of the man behind it. Conor McGregor is a polarizing figure—that’s an understatement. But if you look at the business metrics, The Black Forge Inn is a masterclass in modern hospitality. They aren't just selling beer; they are selling a lifestyle.
The pub has its own crystal glassware. It has its own merchandise shop. It has an "Inner Circle" feel that makes every visitor feel like they’re part of the entourage for an hour or two. Yet, it’s not exclusionary. You don't need a suit to get in. You just need to be ready for a bit of a spectacle.
One thing that gets overlooked is the employment. McGregor didn't just buy a pub; he created a massive amount of jobs in an area that isn't exactly a corporate headquarters hub. The staff are some of the best-trained in the city. They are fast, they are sharp, and they know the menu inside out. That kind of service is getting harder to find in Dublin’s post-pandemic hospitality scene.
The Controversy and the Comeback
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. The pub was targeted in a petrol bomb incident back in 2022. No one was hurt, and the damage was minimal, but it served as a reminder that being the most famous pub in Ireland comes with a target on your back.
The management didn't flinch. They upgraded security and kept the doors open. That resilience is part of the brand now. It’s "Drimnagh Tough."
Is it worth the price tag?
Let’s be real. It’s more expensive than your average local. A meal for two with drinks is going to set you back a fair bit more than a chippy down the road. But you aren't just paying for calories. You’re paying for the marble bathrooms, the velvet booths, and the chance—however slim—that the man himself might walk in with a crate of whiskey.
He actually does show up, by the way. It’s not just a name on the deed. He’s there frequently, often buying rounds for the house or hosting private events in the back. That proximity to fame is a currency all its own in 2026.
How to do The Black Forge Inn Right
- Book Ahead: Don't just show up on a Saturday night and expect a table. Use their online booking system at least two weeks out if you want to eat.
- Try the Stout First: Even if you’re a die-hard Guinness fan, give the Forged Irish Stout a fair shake. It’s different. It’s worth the comparison.
- Check the Events: They often run live music or screenings of major fights. The energy during a big UFC card is unlike anything else in the country.
- Respect the Locals: Remember that for some people, this is just their "local." Don't be the tourist shouting over someone's quiet pint.
The Black Forge Inn isn't just a pub. It’s a monument to a specific kind of Irish success story—one that’s loud, unapologetic, and incredibly lucrative. Whether you love the owner or can't stand him, the establishment he’s built is a high-quality addition to Dublin’s nightlife.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit, don't just wing it. Drimnagh is a bit of a trek from the city center if you’re walking. Take a taxi or the Luas (Red Line) to the nearest stop and walk the rest of the way.
Dress "smart-casual." You don't need a tie, but you’ll feel out of place in a gym tracksuit given how much gold and marble is inside. Most importantly, go with an open mind. If you go in looking for reasons to hate it because of the celebrity attachment, you’ll miss out on some of the best pub food currently being served in Ireland.
Check their official social media for daily specials or unexpected closures for private events. They are very active on Instagram, and that's usually the best place to see if Conor is actually on the premises that day. Prices are transparent on the menu, so there are no nasty surprises when the bill hits the table.
Plan for a two-hour window for a full meal. The service is efficient, but the kitchen takes its time with the steaks, and you’ll want to linger over the atmosphere anyway. It’s a "destination pub," so treat it like one. Pack a camera, bring your appetite, and maybe leave the Guinness loyalty at the door for one night.