Whittling down the 1000-odd pubs in Dublin to just 3 is a bit like choosing the winner of Miss World, even though you haven't been inside all of them you just know they're good...so here's a summer selection to get you off on the right pint:

1. The Beggars Bush (Jack Ryans) - One of the best, and cheapest, pints of Guinness in the city can be had at this relaxing little pub in the leafy residential streets of Ballsbridge. Indoors there's a bar and lounge that are lively with banter on fridays, albeit with more white hair than a poodle parade. Outside on the round tables though is the place to be if the sun is shining, and they'll even deliver pints if you're lucky. They just started doing food...and it's good! My local, and therefore top of the list.
2. The Barge - 3 levels and a canal-fronted outdoor area make this place jump when the temperatures are up. A DJ loaded with predictable party tunes cranks them out to a young-ish crew intent on having the craic till the wee hours. Gets sweaty! A better option for conversation and less armpits is a spot anywhere outside with the Grand Canal running past the front doors surrounded by big, green, weeping trees. Nice.
3. Dicey Rileys' - Possibly renamed to Cobra Bar, this slighty swankier traditional Dub pub with late bar has a great garden bar out the back that show's sports on numerous flat screen TV's, has a BBQ and, best of all, get's the sun! Serves good food, but I wouldn't recommend the Guinness to a local. Don't be fooled by the secret residential-look to the front door, inside after 6pm is wall to wall with local financial people to happy camera-toting tourists all up for the craic.

Diceys Garden Bar (late bar)Russell Court HotelLeeson StreetDublin 2

The Barge Inn (late bar)42 Charlemont StreetDublin 2

Beggars Bush (Jack Ryans)115 Haddington RoadBallsbridgeDublin 4