I agree with Rory W. about AKA on wicklow St. great bar!
Visually reminicent of an early Thunderbirds episode with mad acoustics, but a great atmosphere.
A little further out, in Ranelagh, both Russells and the Barge are noteworthy if just for the atmosphere. The Barge has gone back to the ‘Eighties’ half finished brick and mortar look and exposed faux trusses.
Russells is visually rich with an excellent ceiling which is best viewed over the top of an emptying pint glass