17 Beer Gardens In Ireland Where You Can Cool Off With A Drink While Enjoying A View

I’ve just dropped the dog in for neutering and I’m stressed, nervous, anxious and… and, I don’t know what else.

All I know is that I’m feeling seriously guilty and I need something to distract me from the thoughts of what’s currently happening to his… 

SO… Here we are. I bet you weren’t expecting to read that when you clicked into this… I’m rambling now… I tend to do that when I’m nervous…

Below you’ll find a bite-sized guide to what are some of the most scenic beer gardens in Ireland where you can enjoy a pint with a view when things get back to normal.

The most scenic beer gardens in Ireland

Now, there’ll definitely be other mighty little beer gardens that are scattered across Ireland that we’ve missed.

If you know of one, lash a comment into the comments section and I’ll check it out sharpish! Cheers!

1. Tigh Ned (Galway)

The first spot on our list for a scenic pint is Tigh Ned. You’ll find this place on Inis Oirr island, off the coast of Galway.

I’ve been here once. It was cold, wet and insanely windy. But we grabbed a pint and stood out in the garden, admiring the miles of stone walls and the islands on the horizon.

2. O’Looney’s Bar (Clare)

OK, so I couldn’t find a picture with a pint in it, but the photo above should give you an idea of the view that you can expect from O’Looney’s Bar in Clare.

As you can see above, O’Looney’s is located right by the sea in Lahinch in the west of Clare, which means you can sip away at a pint or a coffee while you watch the waves crash.

3. Bunnyconnellan Bar (Cork)

You’ll often hear the Bunnyconnellan Bar referred to as ‘The Cottage on the Rocks’. The view in the photo above should give you a good idea why.

Built in 1824, the Bunnyconnellan Bar is perched atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, Cork Harbour and Roche’s Point. A little slice of magic.

4. The Harbour Bar (Donegal)

OK, so the photo above is a little bit fuzzy, but it gives you a solid idea of the ridiculous view that the Harbour Bar in Donegal boasts.

You’ll find the Harbour Bar in Downings, a Gaeltacht village and townland in one of the most scenic corners of Ireland.

If you arrive on a fine day, you can kick-back and enjoy views of the magnificent Sheephaven Bay from the comfort of the decking.

5. The Towers Bar and Restaurant (Mayo)

The Towers Bar is another ridiculously scenic spot for a pint or 3. It’s located at Westport Quay in Mayo, where it looks out onto Clew Bay and beyond to Clare Island.

I was here with a friend last summer. We couldn’t get a seat for dinner (the food here is supposed to be top-notch) but we had a pint while sitting on the little stone wall that surrounds the beer garden.

This is a grand little spot for those of you that climb Croagh Patrick – it’s a handy 10-minute spin from the mountain and you’ll be able to admire its peak from afar while you nurse a pint.

6. The Beachcomber Bar (Donegal)

The next stop on our list, the Beachcomber Bar, can be found in Rathmullen in Donegal, a handy 20-minute drive from the glorious Ballymastocker Beach.

The Beachcomber Bar in Donegal offers patrons panoramic views over Lough Swilly towards Inch Island and the Inishowen Peninsula. Get yourself here sharpish.

7. The Glyde Inn (Louth)

The Glyde Inn is an award-winning traditional Irish pub that’s located by the sea in Annagassan in County Louth. 

The views from here are pretty damn special. Visitors to the Glyde can enjoy a bite to eat and a tipple while soaking up views of Dundalk Bay and the Mourne and Cooley mountains.

8. The Strand Inn (Waterford)

I was here for the first time last summer on a particularly hot day (nose and forehead scorched out of it!).

The Strand Inn is located right next to the water, offering brilliant views of the sea and the coastline at Dunmore East. If you arrive on a fine day, try and nab a seat out near the railings.

9. Jacks’ Coastguard Restaurant (Kerry)

You’ll find Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant in Killorglin in County Kerry, a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Dingle Peninsula, the buzzy Killarney town and plenty more.

Built in 1866, Jack’s is a coastguard station set on an idyllic shingle beach. Head for a ramble first and then get inside after for a post-walk feed.

Those lucky enough to find themselves here can ramble outside for a panoramic view of the McGillicuddy Reeks and the gorgeous Inch Beach.

10. O’Sullivan’s Bar (Cork)

O’ Sullivan’s Bar can be found at the heart of the scenic village of Crookhaven, not far from Mizen Head, in the knock-you-on-your-arse-gorgeous West Cork.

This pub overlooks the beautiful Crookhaven harbour so, when the weather is fine, you can savour a sup by the sea. If you visit, give Murphy’s Stout a lash, it’s brewed in Cork and it’s one of the tastier Irish beers out there.

11. The Blue Light Pub (Dublin)

You’ll find the Blue Light Pub at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, where it’s been keeping locals and weary travellers happy since around 1870.

Take your drink outside and sip away while you enjoy views out over the city and Dublin Bay. If you visit after dark, you’ll get a lovely view of a chunk of Dublin City lit up at night.

12. Gings Bar (Leitrim)

We’re off to the buzzy town of Carrick-on-Shannon next to a pub that boasts one of the best beer gardens in the land.

Gings Bar in Carrick-on-Shannon is located smack bang on the river. If you’re visiting the town for a weekend of hikes and pints, get yourself here (arrive early – it can be tricky to nab a seat when it’s sunny).

There’s also a traditional bar that you can nip into after when the sun drops and the evening gets chilly.

13. Causkeys Bar (Cork)

You’ll find Causkey’s in the colourful little village of Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork (here’s loads more gorgeous little villages in Ireland).

Causkey’s offers mighty panoramic views of the magnificent Coulagh Bay and the Kenmare River from their lounge and beer garden. 

If you’ve never been to Eyeries, try and carve out a weekend to visit. It’s a lovely little village that’s ideal for anyone looking to switch off and explore some of the best scenery Ireland has to offer.

14. The Beach Bar (Sligo)

The Beach Bar in Sligo is special. It’s a gorgeous, traditional Irish thatched pub nestled right beside the sea that boasts views of the Ox mountains, Knocknarea and Benbulben.

You can chill from the comfort of this old-school pub while lapping up the views or you can tip outside, perch yourself on the wall across from the pub and gulp down some fresh sea breeze while you nurse a pint.

15. The Curragower Bar (Limerick)

Our next scenic shpot takes us to County Limerick, to a pub on the banks of the River Shannon that’s said to do a serious feed.

As you can see from the slightly grainy snap above, the Curragower Bar offers brilliant views out over King John’s Castle. There’s also views of Curragower Falls and Limerick City Hall.

16. Smugglers Creek Inn (Donegal)

The Smugglers Creek Inn is another pub on the Wild Atlantic Way. This spot treats visitors to spectacular views out over the magnificent Rossnowlagh beach and Donegal Bay.

If you visit during the colder months, you can enjoy a panoramic view from the comfort of the conservatory.

17. Murphy’s of Brandon (Kerry)

You’ll find the family-run Murphy’s Bar in the little village of Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula in the west of Kerry.

Murphy’s is finely plonked on Brandon Pier and it treats visitors to views of Brandon Bay and the surrounding hills and mountains.

If you visit during the winter, you can kick back in front of a roaring fire with some of the finest seafood around. 

Where have we missed?

Know of another pub in Ireland with an unbeatable beer garden that needs to be added to the guide above?

Let me know in the comments section below and we’ll check it out!