Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Overview

Johnnie Fox’s Pub sits on the edge of the Dublin‑Wicklow border in the tiny village of Glencullen, a stone’s throw from the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Billed as Ireland’s highest pub, the stone‑built venue offers panoramic mountain scenery, a genuine 19th‑century atmosphere and a reputation that stretches from local regulars to royalty. Whether you’re after a hearty Irish stew, a pint of craft lager, or an evening of traditional music and dancing, the venue delivers a uniquely Irish experience that feels both historic and contemporary.

History

Established in 1798, the building began life as a small‑holding farm. During the 1798 Irish Rebellion it served as a “safe haven” for United Irishmen, and later became a favourite meeting place for Daniel O’Connell, the celebrated 19th‑century liberator. The farm’s original structures survive as the quirky “Pig House” and the “Haggart” beer garden, reminders of the site’s agrarian roots. A solitary stone grave set into the wall is the only one of its kind in an Irish pub, adding a solemn touch to the lively interior.

The Fox family ran the establishment for nearly two centuries before the McMahon family took over in the late 1980s. Since then the pub has been modernised while retaining its historic fabric – low‑beamed ceilings, turf‑fire hearth and a collection of donated antiques, from a cast‑iron famine pot to a vintage Singer sewing machine. Mini‑museums in the former pig sheds now display farming implements and other relics, open to visitors during opening hours.

Local lore also links the area to Michael Collins – the nearby “Colonel’s House” in Glencullen is recorded as a hide‑away used by the revolutionary leader. Throughout the centuries the pub has retained its original stone walls, low‑beamed ceilings and turf‑fire hearth while modernising the kitchen and bar to 21st‑century standards.

Awards & Recognition

Johnnie Fox’s kitchen has earned a string of international medals for its seafood dishes, cementing its reputation as an award‑winning kitchen. The head chef, Kilian Hoey, leads a team that regularly brings home medals for both seafood and broader Irish fare, a point of pride highlighted on the pub’s website.

Famous Visitors

The pub’s mountain‑top setting has attracted a colourful roster of guests. Past visitors include Eunice Kennedy Shriver (sister of US President John F. Kennedy), former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and a delegation led by China’s Deputy Prime Minister with a motorcade of twenty vehicles. International tourists, from Brazil to Canada, often cite the Hooley show as a highlight of their Irish trip.

Food & Drink Highlights

Johnnie Fox’s kitchen is renowned for its award‑winning seafood. Signature dishes include a slow‑cooked lamb shank, Guinness pie, wild mussels, smoked salmon, hake & chips and a generous seafood platter for four. The culinary team, led by head chef Kilian Hoey, has collected international medals for both seafood and broader Irish fare.

The bar offers an extensive drinks list: a range of Irish whiskeys, gins, craft beers and a bespoke Johnnie Fox’s label whiskey and draught lager. The venue also boasts one of the few fully‑functional in‑house bakeries in Ireland, producing fresh bread and desserts daily.

During the winter months, storytellers gather around the open turf fire, and the Christmas Tipple List showcases festive drinks.

Live Entertainment & Hooley Show

Traditional Irish sessions run nightly, with a larger band on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The famed Hooley room hosts a four‑course dinner followed by a high‑energy Irish‑dance performance – the longest‑running Hooley show in the country. The dance troupe and house band perform seven nights a week, and special storytelling evenings are scheduled throughout the colder months.

Activities & Things to Do

• Walking & hiking – The pub is a convenient base for several marked trails: the Giant’s Grave and monoliths, the Barnaslingan Scalp Lookout Trail, the Carrickgollogan Lead Mines Way (see also the internal link to Carrickgollogan), and the Ticknock Fairy‑Castle Loop. All start from the on‑site car park and range from easy strolls to more demanding hill walks.
• Nearby attractions – A short drive brings you to Glencullen Adventure Park, The Paddocks Riding Centre, and sections of the Wicklow Way that pass close by.
• Private events – With a total capacity of 300 and a dedicated Hooley room for up to 136 guests, the venue is popular for corporate events, Christmas parties and summer barbecues. Outdoor heated areas such as “The Haggart” and “The Village” can host up to 150 guests.

Seasonal & Special Events

• Christmas – The pub closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reopens on St Stephen’s Day (26 Dec) from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, and operates on New Year’s Eve until 12:30 am. A special Christmas Tipple List and festive décor create a cosy holiday atmosphere.
• Storyteller evenings – During the winter months, local storytellers perform by the turf fire, adding a traditional Irish narrative experience.
• Delivery service – In 2020 the pub launched a home‑delivery service, supplying chilled meals to Dublin, Bray and Enniskerry (≈ €3.50 delivery). The service continues for those who prefer to enjoy the food at home.

Transport & Access

• Shuttle bus – An express night‑bus runs between Dublin city centre and the pub, with several departures each day (check the website for the latest timetable). Tickets are sold on board or can be pre‑booked.
• Public bus – Dublin Bus route 44B operates from Dundrum Luas station to Johnnie Fox’s, offering four services Monday‑Friday (≈ 21‑26 min journey). A single fare is about €3.
• Driving – The pub is about a 25‑35 minute drive from Dublin city centre. From the M50 take the exit for Kilternan/Leopardstown (exit 15), follow signs to Glenamuck Road, then turn left at the top of the road (near Palmers Pub) and take the first right at the Topaz garage. The venue is on the right after roughly 2.5 miles.
• Taxi / rideshare – A taxi from the city centre costs roughly €25‑€31 and takes 18‑20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The official website confirms Sunday opening as 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Dining Hours

The kitchen serves meals daily from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm; exact closing times may vary, so late bookings should be confirmed by phone.

Reservations

Reservations for lunch, dinner or the Hooley show can be made via the online booking page or by calling the venue directly.

Parking

On‑site parking is free for patrons. An overflow car park sits across the road and is also free. The car park can become busy during peak periods, so early arrival is advisable.

Accessibility

The venue provides an Accessibility Welcome Guide and an Accessibility Statement on its website; contact staff for specific assistance needs.

Facilities

• Mini‑museums in the former Pig House and Haggart garden display antique farming tools and historic artefacts.
• Wi‑Fi is available throughout the building.
• Pet policy – [Fact‑check required: are dogs allowed inside?]

Contact details

• Phone: +353 (0)1 29 55 647
• Email: info@johnniefoxs.com
• Address: Johnnie Fox’s Pub, Glencullen, Dublin Mountains, Co. Dublin, D18 X635, Ireland
• Map: Google Maps location

Walking Trails from the Pub

The pub’s car park is the trailhead for several popular routes:

• Giant’s Grave & Monoliths – A short 1 km loop that passes ancient standing stones and the mysterious “Giant’s Grave”. Ideal for a quick photo‑stop.
• Barnaslingan Scalp Lookout Trail – A 3 km walk that climbs to the Scalp, offering dramatic views over the Dublin‑Wicklow valley. The trail is well‑marked and suitable for families.
• Carrickgollogan Lead Mines Way – Follow the historic mining path (see Carrickgollogan) to discover 19th‑century lead‑mine remnants and interpretive signage.
• Ticknock Fairy‑Castle Loop – An easy 2 km woodland circuit popular with children; fairy‑castle structures are scattered among the trees.

All routes are signposted from the parking area and range from easy (suitable for strollers) to moderate hill walks.

Photography & Visitor Tips

• Iconic sign – The large wooden sign with the pub’s name makes a perfect backdrop; it’s especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
• Best time to visit – Late afternoon on a clear day provides the most dramatic mountain light for photos and a pleasant temperature for the outdoor terrace.
• Hooley Show – Book the dinner‑and‑show at least 24 hours in advance, especially on weekends, as seats fill quickly.
• Dress warmly – Even in summer the evenings can be brisk at altitude; a light jacket ensures comfort while enjoying the turf fire.
• Dog policy – Check ahead with the venue (see fact‑check note) if you plan to bring a canine companion.

Nearby Attractions

• Glencullen Adventure Park – Family‑friendly outdoor activities a short walk from the pub.
• The Paddocks Riding Centre – Horse‑riding lessons and trail rides in the Dublin Mountains.
• Barnaslingan Scalp Lookout – A short hike offering dramatic views over the valley.
• Carrickgollogan Lead Mines Way – Historical mining trail with interpretive signage.
• Ticknock Fairy‑Castle Loop – Easy woodland walk popular with families.
• Wicklow Way – Sections of this long‑distance trail pass close to Glencullen, ideal for seasoned walkers.

Enjoy a pint, a story, and a dance in a setting that has welcomed rebels, poets and tourists for more than 200 years – all while perched high above the Dublin countryside.