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I'm heading in to Dublin tonight for a gig. I'm hoping to pop into the Bull & Castle for a pint and a bite to eat before hand. What's it like there on a Friday evening about 6:30 - 7:00ish. Is it mad busy?

If you want to eat you should phone and book a table downstairs. No need to worry about crowds then.

Well I had two firsts on Friday - 1st visit to the B&C and 1st (2nd, 3rd, 4th...) pint of Galway Hooker.
Both great experiences. Super pub - definitely beer nirvana for me eventhough I only sampled the Galway Hooker which was excellent. I need to vist this place more often as there is so much else to try.

I was in here last night for the first time. I was a bit disconcerted by the loud music and young clientelle but I was soon put at ease when I saw how many of them were drinking good beer. During a shouted chat with Geoff (???I think - he must think I am a bit simple but I am a bit deaf and it was loud)he told me he is educating the young by suggesting flavoursome beers instead of the fizzy water they ask for.
I have to say he was great - suggesting beers for me to try including O'Haras IPA which I could still taste this morning.
One customer struck up a conversation with me when he saw I was drinking SN Tumbler and insisted I have a taste of his Galway Hooker when I said I had never tried it.
I was in such a good humour leaving that I didn't even mind the walk all the way back to Cardiff Lane in the sub zero temps