The First Pint Standing: Molloys, Dublin’s Early House

We all know there’s something beautifully Irish about sipping a pint while everyone else is brushing their teeth. Welcome to Dublin’s early houses—pubs licensed to serve from 7 a.m., not out of madness (or thirst), but pure necessity. Dockers, fishmongers and market traders clocked off before most of us were awake, so a morning pint of plain was the breakfast of champions.

Out of the original 44 early houses in 1962, only six remain—and Molloy’s on Talbot Street stands head and shoulders above the rest. Established in 1866 and opening at 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday, this place is as much a part of Dublin as the Liffey. Locals tell me some of them have been drinking pints here for over 50 years—longer than most marriages!

Molloy’s has a great mix of customers from the locals, tourists, the early risers or the crowd from Connolly Station, who pop in for their first pint before catching a train—or a flight—and, fun fact: you can even pour your own, interactive-style, once you’re over 18. It’s like Dora the Explorer: Over 18s Edition.

So if you’re up early and hunting for a morning pint with history, character, and real Dublin charm —and maybe a self-pour adventure—Molloy’s is your sanctuary.