If you like your beer, then Against the Grain at the city end of Camden St is well worth a visit. A very wide international range alongside good local beers.
I almost always stayed in this part of town (generally the Camden Court hotel), as whilst it was convenient for work, it was also served by plenty of good restaurants and had a nice vibe, though Camden St does get moderately lively on a Friday night. Bill Clinton seemed to like the pub at the other end of Camden St (Cassidys) and someone else famous (can't recall who) was recently featured drinking in Devitts. Sadly my favourite restaurant (Il Primo) closed down, but if you like French/Spanish bistro food, I always enjoyed the cosy Camden Kitchen. Opposite, Green19 is a good honest and wholesome Irish bistro, with the only criticism being the tables being a little close in places. Neon is a fun 'Thai street food' place, always busy, with the added fun of a free help yourself 'Mr whippy' ice cream cone, which invariably ends up with wonky but high-rise attempts. One Bistro (30 Richmond St ) in it's prior incarnation (Seagrass) was wonderful & stunning value, but I've not been since it's changed.
Sunday afternoons, I'd recommend the oldest pub in Ireland (The Brazen Head) for the live acoustic music, which is tourist-friendly (something that easily grates with me), but with genuinely talented local musicians (whereas many in the very touristy Temple Bar area are from other countries and so are akin to cover artists vs. the real thing).
Eating can be remarkably good value in early evening (~5:30-7pm) with plenty of competing offers, so make use of them for great value. Quality also impressed, and this at mid scale rather than high-end dining. I've not been to the brewery, but I'm told it;s decent albeit clearly a tourist thing.
One place to mention in the centre, is the supermarket/wine bar/restaurant Fallon & Byrne, an Irish equivalent to the likes of Fortnum & Mason / Harrods food hall. A great selection, which I often used to raid on the way back to the airport. The downstairs wine bar is a great quiet escape if the city is bustling.
Regards
Ian
