The Best Pubs In Ireland: 34 Mighty Irish Bars For 2026
I’d argue that no guide to the best pubs in Ireland is accurate (including this one).
Most are biased towards the writer’s own experiences or the various Irish pub awards.
What one person thinks is great, another might see as pure and utter shi… you get the picture!
So, a disclaimer: this guide is packed with what I think are the best Irish pubs – these are places that I’ve loved suppin’ pints in and that I’m confident you’ll love too!
The best pubs in Ireland
The vast majority of the places below are old-school, traditional Irish bars (most of which pour a decent pint of Guinness!).
You’ll spot a few familiar Irish pub names along with plenty of lesser-known bars in Ireland that are well worth a visit, too!
1. Hopkins Bar (Sligo)
I fell in love with Hopkins Bar in Enniscrone several summers back. This place is the blueprint for what every Irish pub should aspire to be:
- An old-school interior
- A very friendly buzz to it
- A great pint
When you walk through its doors you have a fairly snug little front bar where, if you manage to nab a seat, you’ll feel like you’re perched in someones living room.
As you make your way out back you’ll find what was once a kitchen with a few seats. There’s also a spacious beer garden. This is one of the best pubs in Ireland, in my opinion, for good reason!
2. Moran’s Of Mornington (Meath)
Moran’s of Mornington hugs the River Boyne on the Meath side and has been quenching the thirst of locals and passing visitors since the 1800s.
Look out for the imposing oak tree soaring over the pub’s entrance and make your way through the swing doors into no-nonsense pub with a roaring fire during the colder months.
There’s a nice big beer garden out the back, the service is top-notch and it boasts an interior that feels like it hasn’t changed in 100 years!
3. McLynn’s Bar (Sligo)
Hidden away up Old Market St. in the heart of Sligo Town, McLynn’s Bar is one of the best Irish pubs I’ve encountered in recent years when it comes to live music.
A fourth-generation family business, the folks at McLynn’s have been serving up pints since 1889. The mahogany interior is absolutely gorgeous and there’s a fire is roaring away during the chilly months.
I was here on a Saturday last summer and there was a trad session in full swing. Glorious Guinness combined with great bar service and a fine wallop of trad made my last visit here a memorable one.
4. Toby’s (Mayo)
Westport is home to one of the most famous pubs in Ireland – Matt Molloy’s. But I’m taking a detour from busy Bridge St. to the Fairgreen to visit Toby’s, next.
I first visited Toby’s during a heatwave with my aul lad a few summers back. It was a Sunday and when we walked into the pokey front bar the place literally went silent.
We stopped, thinking ‘Sh*te, we’re about to be ran out of this place’, but what followed was a fair bit of friendly abuse and then we were in and settled.
I’ve returned to Toby’s many times since. On each occasion I’ve felt welcome and my custom appreciated, which is rare these days. The Guinness is great at Toby’s, as are the people. Another of the best pubs in Ireland, in my books!
5. Peadar O’Donnell’s (Derry)
Derry’s Peadar O’Donnell’s is one of many Irish pubs in this guide that I wish was about 4 hours closer to my home.
Standing proudly on Waterloo Street, Peadar’s has some lovely cosy nooks where you can plonk yourself for an hour or 5.
From the moment its vibrant exterior greets your eyes, you get the sense that something special lies just beyond its bright blue doors.
Inside is decked out in old Irish pub memorabilia and weathered mahogany. They also host regular trad sessions at the weekend.
6. Tigh Ned (Inis Oirr)
One of the most memorable pints that I’ve had in recent years was nursed outside of Tigh Ned on Inis Oirr – an island pub that’s been in the Ó Conghaile family since 1897.
You’ll find it a stone’s throw from the pier and it’s the perfect place to nip into after an afternoon spent walking or cycling around the island.
Grab a stool beneath the fishing relics, warm up by the stove, or sit out front with Galway Bay filling the horizon, pint in hand, crab claws on the table.
This is one of the best bars in Ireland when it comes to beer gardens – on a fine day, you’ll have glorious sea views.
7. The Castle Inn (Cork)
I fell in love with The Castle Inn on one of my first trips to Cork many years ago. This is the type of pub you’d expect to find in the darkest corners of West Cork – it’s traditional to its core.
The Castle Inn has stood its ground on South Main Street for generations, quietly resisting the pull of modern trends.
What you get instead is a rare, unpolished slice of pub history – worn floorboards, red and cream panelling, and a tiled fireplace straight out of another era.
There’s no music, no screens, no distractions – just the gentle hum of conversation and some of the best pints in the city.
8. The Crosskeys Inn (Antrim)
Another of the best bars in Ireland, in my opinion, is Antrim’s Crosskeys Inn, located off the main Randalstown to Portglenone road.
This gorgeous old Irish pub dates back to 1654. A stone-built cottage with whitewashed walls, it’s almost like stepping back in time when you enter and the Guinness is some of the finest in the land.
Look out for the live trad music every Saturday, alongside impromptu sessions on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings.
9. McDermott’s Pub (Clare)
Although many visit Doolin to refuel before heading to the Cliffs of Moher, there’s some great pubs in this County Clare village.
While I’m a big fan of one of the more famous bars in Ireland that calls Doolin home, Gus O’Connor’s, McDermott’s Pub is where I find myself returning to.
Great food, plenty of corners to sit yourself in with a group and trad music regularly scheduled, McDermott’s is hard to bate.
10. The Sky and The Ground (Wexford)
Named after Wexford musician Pierce Turner’s song The Sky and the Ground, this Wexford pub is worth having on your radar.
I don’t generally partake in mid-week pints, but I ended up here on a sunny Tuesday evening last summer with the intention of leaving after one.
It was three slow pints later when I managed to tear myself away from it’s gorgeous old-world interior. It pains me that this place is so far from where I live. It was quiet when I was there, but I’ve heard that there’s regular music sessions and a lively buzz on the weekends.
11. The Gravediggers (Dublin)
Few pubs in Dublin have achieved fame like Glasnevin’s John Kavanagh’s, AKA ‘the Gravediggers’. Reputed to pour the best pint of Guinness in Dublin, the nickname ‘the Gravediggers’ comes from its proximity to Glasnevin Cemetery.
Dating back to 1833, the old-world interior is beautiful and the atmosphere is enhanced further by the lack of music or TV.
A nice combo for an afternoon out is to head for a ramble in the Botanic Gardens, take a tour of Glasnevin and then nip into the Gravediggers, to top it off! It’s also one of the only dog friendly bars in Ireland in this guide!
12. Tig Chóilí (Galway)
There’s some brilliant pubs in Galway but the one that I find myself returning to over and over is Tig Chóilí on Mainguard St. (just off busy Shop St.).
There’s a lot to like about this place, with live music sessions taking place twice a day Monday to Friday. Tig Chóilí has welcomed everyone from Prince William and Kate to Sharron Shannon over the years and, while small, it packs a punch!
If you nip in to Tig Chóilí before if fills up for the music, take some time to admire the photos and artefacts dotted across every inch of wall in this cosy pub.
13. O’Connell’s (Meath)
Another of the more famous Irish pubs thanks to its appearance in the now-iconic Guinness Christmas ad is O’Connell’s of Skryne.
Pub interiors don’t get much more homely than O’Connell’s, with mahogany chairs, white panelled walls and a crackling fire come winter.
O’Connell’s has one of the most uniquely picturesque locations of any bars in Ireland in this guide. Finely plonked on top of Skyrne Hill, the pub (well, the outside anyway!) boasts sweeping views of the Boyne Valley to accompany your creamy pint!
14. Tom Collins’ Bar (Limerick)
Tom Collins is a Limerick institution. Step through the bright red door on Cecil Street and into a pub where time clings to every corner.
The deep red leather benches, low-lit snug, and walls crammed with portraits and memories set the tone for a memorable pint-to-come.
The old timber bar has seen generations of locals sink pints and share stories. Out back, a covered yard keeps the buzz alive whatever the weather.
15. Blakes of the Hollow (Fermanagh)
Home to one of the best preserved Victorian bars in Ireland, Blakes of the Hollow in Fermanagh was established as a pub in 1887. The name ‘Blake’ became associated with the pub when it was purchased by Catherine Blake in 1929.
When you walk inside, you’ll wonder if much has changed in the nearly 100 years since Catherine purchased it, and I mean that in the best sense possible.
Although it wasn’t one of the Game of Thrones locations in Ireland, it has a strong GOT link – one of the carved ‘Doors of Thrones’, made from the fallen trees of the Dark Hedges, stands proudly inside!
Although you’ll have stiff competition, try and nab one of the snugs and tuck yourself away for an hour or three in one of the best traditional bars in Ireland.
16. Murphy’s Bar (Kerry)
One of the best pubs in Ireland when it comes to location can be found in the village of Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula.
Inside Murphy’s Bar you’ll find an open fire, maritime memorabilia on the walls, some great seafood and even better Guinness.
Those that visit can enjoy views out over Brandon Bay and the surrounding hills and mountains. In the summer, there’s few pubs like it on the Wild Atlantic Way.
17. McConville’s Bar (Armagh)
Standing proudly on the corner of West St. and Mandeville St. in the heart of Portadown, McConville’s Bar has been an institution for over 150 years.
Inside this ancient Irish pub, you’ll find the original wooden snugs, molded ceilings and etched windows.
There’s also an interesting link to the Titanic. The story goes that some of the Russian oak fixtures in the pub were replicated from a design on Titanic.
18. Johnnie Fox’s (Dublin)
Nestled in the lofty heights of the Dublin Mountains, Johnnie Fox’s is another of the more famous pubs in Ireland, thanks to its Hooley Show.
For a long time, I thought of Fox’s as spot for tourists only, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. We recently took the shuttle that leaves from Dublin City (a bargain at €10 return) and headed up into the mountains.
The experience here kicks-off with the gorgeous, olde world exterior. You then make your way through a bar that’s like something from a Lord of the Rings movie.
As you nurse your drink, your eyes can’t help but wander around the different artefacts and bits-and-bobs that adorn the walls. Throw in great food and consistently friendly service and you’ve a recipe for a memorable night.
19. Madden’s Bar (Antrim)
I’ve spent time in a lot of pubs in Belfast over the years, but none come close to Madden’s on Berry St. where it’s immediately recognisable thanks to its vibrant exterior, complete with a massive mural on its side wall.
When you ramble through its doors, you’ll be greeted by a cozy interior with Irish memorabilia, flags, posters, and vintage signage dotted around its walls, along with a blazing stove on the go during the cooler months.
There’s live music here several nights a week and, if you visit on a Sunday, there’s a piping trad session from 16:00! If you’re fond of your Irish whiskey brands, you’ll find a generous collection on offer here.
20. Thomas Connolly (Sligo)
Another of the more historic Irish pubs is Sligo Town’s Thomas Connolly – the county’s oldest pub. It was once visited by iconic Nationalist Charles Stewart Parnell during the inn’s early days.
The pub was first licensed in 1861 and was bought by Thomas Connolly in 1890 – the same year that he became the Mayor of Sligo.
Fast forward to 2026 and it’s a lively spot right by the river with a lovely spacious snug right inside the door!
21. Gartlan’s (Cavan)
You’ll find Gartlan’s in Kingscourt in Cavan, where it’s been present since the previous owner, George Gartlan, bought it in 1911.
The building itself dates back to 1780 and is a relic of what many Irish towns and villages once looked like.
Admire its thatch roof from the outside first. Inside the heritage continues and its rustic walls are full of old bric-a-brac and nooks and crannies.
This is one of many Irish pubs in this guide well known locally for its trad sessions!
22. Dick Mack’s (Kerry)
There’s many mighty pubs in Dingle but Dick Mack’s has been my firm favourite since I visited with the aul lad on a stormy winters evening a few years ago.
It was the off season, the place was quietish and we managed to get a seat in the front bar – a great people watching spot.
Dick Mack’s has been on-the-go since 1899 and its in-house leather workshop only adds to its unique charm. There’s also a brewhouse on-site and the action (and twice-daily guided tours) takes place in a building dating back to the 1850s.
23. De Barra’s Folk Club (Cork)
De Barra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty is one of the best pubs in Ireland when it comes to live music. De Barra’s is a small pub with a big reputation!
The quality of the live music on offer in quaint Cork town is second to none and long-standing associations with the likes of Christy Moore and Roy Harper have only added to this spot’s recognition.
Come for the nightly music and enjoy the beautiful decor, excellent beers and buzzy atmosphere.
24. Sean’s Bar (Westmeath)
You’ll see Sean’s Bar crowned as the best pub in Ireland in many articles online. It’s the oldest, anyway, and it dates back to 900AD, a fact that was verified during an excavation in 1970.
It’s the oldest of the many bars in Ireland and it packs a punch. There’s a fine bit of space in Sean’s, with the seats on either side of the fireplace the most coveted.
One of the original walls that was discovered during the excavation remains on show in the pub, and the rest, along with coins that were also discovered, sit inside Dublin’s National History Museum.
25. The Harbour Bar (Donegal)
The Harbour Bar in Downings was established in 1745, making it one of the oldest pubs in Donegal.
Inside, the pub features wood-panelled walls, two open fires, and a ceiling covered in memorabilia, signs, and photographs collected over a lifetime.
The interior is traditional and compact, with plenty of nooks for a quiet pint and a reputation for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in the area.
It’s arguably one of the best pubs in Ireland for those seeking a sup with a view, thanks to its location in the heart of Downings, overlooking the harbour, beach, and the open waters of Sheephaven Bay.
26. Dan and Molly’s (Offaly)
The only straw-thatched pub in Offaly, Dan and Molly’s is a local institution with a welcome as charming as that famous old roof.
Located in Ballyboy outside Kilcormac, it’s a friendly spot that’s famous around the county for its impromptu music and dancing sessions in the front parlour.
But if all that excitement is a bit too much, then it’s also a perfect spot for a pint and a chat, especially in the winter when the pot-bellied stove and open turf fire keeps everything nice and toasty inside.
27. Mulligan’s (Dublin)
Mulligan’s on Dublin’s Poolbeg Street is one of my favourite bars in Ireland and, luckily for me, it sits just a short stroll from the DART station that carries me home.
First licensed in 1782 and rooted here since 1854, it’s long been a favourite haunt for journalists, actors and the odd visiting president (JFK is said to have had a drink here).
The timber-fronted exterior, with its gorgeous gold lettering, sets the tone for what’s inside: a perfectly preserved pub where time has stood still.
Inside, you’ll find dark wood panelling, low lighting, and a bar that looks like it hasn’t shifted in decades. The Guinness is great and, if you can, try and grab the little alcove to the left before you reach the gents.
28. Bushe’s Bar (Cork)
A sailor’s haunt for decades, Bushe’s in Baltimore was once known as Salters before the Bushe family took over in 1972.
Its walls are packed with maritime relics, a nod to the fishermen, divers, and ferrymen who’ve passed through for generations.
Like many, my first encounter with Bushe’s left a long and happy memory – myself and my dad landed here one sunny summers afternoon, the place abuzz with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the weather.
While we couldn’t indulge in a drink, we grabbed a seat outside and soaked up the atmosphere and the steady flow of life around the harbour. The first of many mighty visits.
29. The Cottage Bar (Donegal)
I’d stand behind the statement that the Cottage Bar is one of the most unique bars in Ireland. This is a traditional Irish pub at its absolute finest.
Located on Letterkenny Main Street, it’s best visited during the colder months when there’s a roaring fire crackling away! There’s plenty of old-school bits and bobs dangling from the beams and adding to the ambience, from teacups to cooking pans.
The traditional bar is held up by an array of loyal locals and it’s where you’ll find some of the best Guinness in Town.
30. The Beach Bar (Sligo)
Sat serenely on the unspoiled Aughris Beach in Sligo Bay, the Beach Bar offers one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings for a pint in the sun!
If the thatch roof wasn’t charming enough, then the majestic sweeping views including the distant shapes of Knocknarea and Benbulben could persuade anyone to spend several hours here.
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.
31. Clarkes Bar (Louth)
Clarkes Bar was built in 1850 but didn’t become a pub until 1900, and it has long been linked with the arts.
In fact, in that same year, Ireland’s foremost visual artist Nano Reid was born and lived on these premises with her family until 1926 when the pub was sold.
Inside, the pub still has all of that turn-of-the-century charm and it’s one of several great pubs in Drogheda. Well known to be home to the area’s best drop of Guinness, this is a place worthy of your pub bucket list.
32. Cleere’s Bar & Theatre (Kilkenny)
Another of the top pubs in Ireland when it comes to music is Kilkenny’s Cleere’s Bar & Theatre! Step through the red shopfront on Parliament Street and you’ll be welcomed by dark timber, checkered tiles, battered stools, and cosy snugs.
Posters for past gigs and comedy shows cover the walls, alongside shelves stuffed with books and bits of local history.
Out back, a 100-seater venue keeps the nights alive with trad, comedy, and live gigs. If that’s not your scene, the front bar’s always ready with a quiet pint and plenty of character.
33. JJ Houghs Singing Pub (Offaly)
Last but by no means least in my guide to the best pubs in Ireland can be found hidden behind a mass of creeping vines in Banagher in Offaly.
The exterior of JJ Houghs Singing Pub looks every inch its 250 years and it gives you a sense of what’s on offer inside – an Irish pub that’s traditional to its core.
There’s live music to be found here regularly, unsurprisingly enough, and there’s a decent sized beer garden for those often-rare sunny pints.
Related reads: Check out my guides to the best Irish drinks, Irish beers, Irish whiskies, Irish gins and Irish cocktails
Our Ireland pubs map
Our Ireland pubs map map was originally created in June of 2018. Back then, it had 100 Irish pubs that either myself or my family or friends had visited and could vouch for.
Since then, it’s grown. A lot. It now contains:
- The best pubs in Ireland for every county (I hope!)
- Pubs that myself, family and/or friends have been to and loved
- Pubs that are heavily reviewed and recommended online
What great Irish pubs have we missed?
At the beginning of this guide, I explained that this article contained what I believed were the best pubs in Ireland.
I’ve no doubt we’ve missed some brilliant Irish pubs. If you have one to recommend, shout in the comments!
Ireland pub FAQs
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the weirdest Irish pub names?’ to ‘What are the oldest Irish bars?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What city has the best pubs in Ireland?
This is highly debatable. Being from Dublin, I’m going to say the best bars in Ireland are here. We’ve plenty of them, from Kehoe’s and the Long Hall to Kavanagh’s and many more.
What is the most famous pub in Ireland?
The most famous bars in Ireland are The Temple Bar, Johnnie Fox’s, The Brazen Head and Sean’s Bar (the oldest of the many Irish pubs).
What are the best bars in Ireland?
Again, highly debatable. In my opinion, the best bars in Ireland are McLynn’s Bar (Sligo), Moran’s Of Mornington (Meath) and Hopkins Bar (Sligo).
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
halfway house just outside broughshane in co antrim
The Harbour Bar in Bray Harbour… Crazy not to include it. Ticks all your boxes! Voted best bar in the world in 2010 by The Lonely Planet. Yup, the world! ??
Another beauty, Denvirs coaching inn Downpatrick. Oldest surviving coaching inn, in Ireland.
Railway bar in clonmel, Co tipperary and Phil Carrolls clonmel, really old and great craic
Thanks Eva! I’ll add it in.
Osbornes in Clonegal and Egan’s in Parkbridge
Thanks Kate. I’ll get it added!
Mike Murts in Cahersiveen Co Kerry. Absolute gem of a traditional pub
Lovely! Thanks for the recommendation!
Just a little hat tip lads. In Ballinasloe, maud millars is listed and although it’s nice, it’s under new management with the old management having set up across the road in Brewery Lane? The latter is now much nicer
Kavanaghs Pub in StoneyBatter Dublin
Great pint of Guinness for €4! Charming old school style pub
Birmingham’s and The Royal (Meath) in Navan, Co. Meath have to be on this list. Not so sure how much I’d trust a list that has the two most commercial pubs in Navan listed as the only two pubs listed here…kinda suggests some advertising going in here or you definitely haven’t been to Navan.
0 advertising going on.
As I’ve said above, there are definitely some spots I’ve missed. Which is why the comments are open.
Cheers for the recommendations!
Fisherman’s in Fisherstown Co Laois is deadlyyyy… Gorgeous spot
Can’t think the name of it but there’s one in ferbane that is meant to be fab… Its green frontage they serve food and have lots of awards
Tbh the Thatch ain’t that great the owner can be very ignorant..
My wife and I just got home from a trip to Ireland and this site was an amazing resource. We hit as many of the pubs as we could in Cork, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, Galway, Westport and finally Dublin. Plenty of great Guinness and craic was had. Thanks Keith!
Cheers for taking the time to comment, Andrew! I’m glad you found the site useful and that the trip went well!
Keith
The Linnet Inn, Boho, Co.Fermanagh. 3 areas under 1 thatched roof. A lounge with an open hearth fire . A traditional 100 year old bar and a cave lounge at the back .
Great map / guide. Love the cross keys. Check out Saltwater Brig between Kircubbin and Portaferry on the Ards peninsula. It should definitely be on the map! Some spot for one spot. Cheers.
Another great pub is the linnet Inn at Boho near Enniskillen. It’s the oldest thatched pub possibly in County Fermanagh. It’s a beautiful place and the centre of the community. Boho is a hamlet or townland and the linnet Inn like the Crosskeys Inn is not easy to find and get to but its worth it. Its definitely unique as the owner Dessie McKenzie has a indoor Cave as a bar area plus plenty of stuff for the local community. It even has a wee shop. I have been back and forth a few times over the years and I’ve always been made welcome.
The Beach Bar at Aughris Head in Sligo is a must visit!! Guinness is always creamy, cold and delish!
Killeens tavern located in Shannonbridge!
Four quick suggestions:
Rynn’s Shop and Bar in Ballinglera, Co. Leitrim: It is a combined active grocery store and pub run by Mrs. Rynn. And yes, they are undertakers, as well. See the two hearses as you pass outside to the toilets.
McHugh’s Pub in Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim (close to Co. Cavan border): Small, very cosy country pub. Very traditional.
Monaghan’s Pub (The Cross), Drumskinny, Co. Fermanagh: Traditional country pub where Jake and Elwood are the permanent house band (visit it and you’ll see what I mean). Sign on the door says that if there isn’t anybody working inside the pub, then just knock on the proprietor’s door next door. Founded in 1893 with the original license mounted on the wall to prove it.
Seven Horseshoes Bar, Belturbet, Co. Cavan: Another cozy pub on the High Street that has its traditional decor along with old photos of Belturbet on the wall. Serves excellent food. Best of all, the entire ceiling is wickered as it was originally.
I also agree with Keith’s recommendation for McConnville’s Pub in Portadown (its Catholic proprietor managed to keep the pub open within a Unionist area all through the Troubles without incident) and the Connor McGrath and Joe commenting above for The Linnet Inn in Boho, Co. Fermanagh, a wonderful little country pub that’s an important part of the community.
Slainte!
Michael – what a fantastic comment. Package with brilliant info.
I’ve never heard of Monaghan’s – thanks for the recommendation. It sounds like a lovely unique pub!
Cheers,
Keith
Thank you for including us in your article We’re in there with some great company! From all @oconnellsskryne
Thanks, Rachael – looking forward to getting up there for a pint again soon!
Keith
“Shoot the Crows” is a unique bar in Castle st. Sligo is really worth a visit . Traditional music and great Guinness is served there
JJ houghs pub in Banagher!! Check it out…..
Lukers olde world bar in Shannonbridge – dates back to 1757 – open hearth Turf fire.
Restaurant Over looking the river adjoins the olde world bar
Brogans Bar in Trim Co Meath is another gem of a pub and a super session on a Sunday night with music by the Gerry Tully.
JJ Harlows , the Square , Roscommon Town is a lovely place
Bofey Quinns Corofin Co Clare great olde wordle serving good food and drink. Trad music on weekend.
Bolands Bar hacketstown co. Carlow, lovely ole world traditional Irish bar and voted the best pint of Guinness in co. Carlow last year!
Hi Keith, thank you so much in advance, my wife and I are considering a trip to Ireland in April and it will primarily be spent in pubs. One question from a Canadian… Do we tip servers and bartenders in Ireland?
Hi Doug,
You don’t tip bartenders. If by servers you mean a waiter or a waitress in a bar or restaurant, then yes, at times.
Many people will give 10% of the total bill if the service was good. Personally, if the service was crap, I won’t give anything.
Make sure to look at your receipt after a meal to see if service was included – some places include service as standard.
If you’re looking for things to do when you visit, hop into our guide to Ireland’s counties – you’ll find loads there!
Have a great trip.
Keith
Ó Neills bar in Lucan Village Co Dublin great craic & music 3 nights a week
I visited Sean’s Bar some 20 years ago and please be to God I will return there again some day along with some of the others on your list
Mick Doyle’s
Graignamanagh
Co Kilkenny
Some fantastic pubs there, to be fair. There are some more brilliant pubs in Derry City that are well worth a visit. The River Inn dates back to the 17th century and the Gainsborough Bar just down the corner to the 18th century. Take a look at @anonymousalcoholicderry on Instagram where we’re keeping a journal of Derry’s pubs
Two pubs in the one town to visit…..
Mulligan’s which is a hardware shop to the front and old fashioned bar at the rear with a very entertaining clientele on New Street
Ballaghaderreen Co Roscommon and down
the other end of the town in Pound street
is Clarke’s a lovely small intimate pub well worth a visit to both but remember Mulligan’s bar closes when the hardware end is closing. Nearly forgot Mullens in Gort.
Darbys pub Togher Louth should be on this list.
The Dying Cow on the Wicklow Way. Beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere and a great music session every second thursday.
I have a few for you!
Marcie Regans in Trim, Meath
Scut Fagans in Moynalvey, Meath
O’Neills in Newmarket on Fergus, Clare
Friels Bar & Restaurant in Co. Derry!! Est 1837 5th generation pub, was used as a soup kitchen during the famine in the 1840s
Great stout too ??
@frielsbarandrestaurant
McGrimley’s in Muckross in County Kerry is a quaint thatched Bar with a beer garden in the summer months and live trad music most nights. Dan and Alicia gave us a warm welcome and a free plate of delicious chicken sandwiches.
Children and dog friendly it’s a must visit on any trip to the Kingdom.
you can find them on Facebook
Hello, my contribution is a pub in Dublin, the Cleary’s, under the train tracks, on 36 Amiens street. Upon arriving in Spain, I inquired and discovered that The pub has been used in several movies and scenes including Liam Neeson, the cast of The Commitments (once again), and Laurence Olivier.
Haughtons pub outside Waterford has to be one of the best little pubs I have been in, and if it’s music and craic a bit further down the Rd at the sweep Dungarvan is the Marine bar
Guirys Bar in Foxford, Co.Mayo should be on the list/map
One of the best pints of Guinness I’ve ever had and the friendliest of owners and people you could ever meet
A traditional old bar that you’ll be sure to have a great time in
Purely biased but I think a visit to Swans of Curragha, just beside Tayto Park would be a good recommendation. Great pints; live music (when we’re allowed!) and a location which dates back to a blacksmiths forge from 1798!
I visited Sean’s Bar some 20 years ago and please be to God I will return there again some day along with some of the others on your list
My Top 3:
O’Lochlainns Bar – Ballyvaughn – Traditional, Best atmosphere, & Whiskey collection Slainte..
Hargadons Sligo – Great Food & atmosphere.. Slainte..
Lynott’s Pub – Achill – Well worth a visit.. Slainte..
This is a great list, of the ones I’ve been to(10), I’ve loved all of them, so makes me want to go to the rest. I’m trying to write a book about going to a thousand. Based on your list, if you haven’t stopped into the Stanford Village Inn in Dromohair, I’d add it to the list.
Corner House Ardara (Donegal) Is a must, recommend you check it out.
The Blue Light Pub down the hill from Johnny Foxes is an Irish Pub of Legend. Much better view over Dublin City also and the Guinness is class.
Patsy Dan’s-Dunfanaghy
The Fishermans Thatched Inn in Laois would definitely fit this list. It’s very unique and a lovely place to spend a day.
A few Sligo pubs feature here and totally agree they should be on this list. Another favourite is O Connors in Ballisadare, Sligo.
Teach O’Hora Kiltimagh Co Mayo
Trad sessions.
Great food.
Great pints of Guinnness.
@Ursula McEntee, totally agree with this! The soup, the Guinness, the trad on a Friday, music again on a Saturday, dream weekend!
Ryan’s Bar Kiltimagh. Co Mayo.
Mighty craic.
Live music.
I think you should have included the unique cosy Irish pub “Guiry’s of Foxford, County Mayo. It is a very cosy pub operated by Pat and Martha Guiry. Renowned for the “ best pint of plain” which Pat will emboss it with a complimentary shamrock, free of charge. Boasting a friendly atmosphere conducive for a very relaxing time encounter, it still retained an original Formica bar. In addition the bar includes a miniature bust of a celebrated local hero, Admiral William Brown who was born in the town in 177, and following a chequered naval career founded the Argentine Navy and played a major role in defeating the Spanish Navy. The town of Foxford has a bust of the hero and an memorial promenade in his memory.
The Harbour Bar in Portrush.
In recent years it’s become a shrine to The Open and famous Irish golfers, but despite all the signed photographs you can’t hide it’s salty sea dog heritage that continues to seep through the DNA of the place!
It’s famed for having arguably the best Guinness in the north, and that’s backed up by an excellent selection of whiskies – and a bartender who knows his stuff around them, too.
Most nights it’s standing room only – you’re bound to make friends with someone from a far distant land while you’re in there – and if you’re really, really lucky you might get a seat in the snug beside the fire (they’re like hen’s teeth!) If you’re from overseas yourself, ask for a pin so you can put your home town on the visitors map!
And if you’re peckish the Harbour Bar restaurant right next door does a wonderful selection of meats and other dishes, cooked on their open wood fire.
Authentic and unmissable if you’re visiting the Causeway Coast!!
@Robin Taggart, I’d second that, although its almost half a century since I used to visit the Harbour Bar! Really pleased to hear that it is still thriving – it always had a reputation for the finest Guinness, something to do with the cellar being hewn from the solid rock of Portrush Harbour…
Maddens in Belfast and Johnny Joe McCollum’s in Cushendall.
The Thatch in Birr and Gibneys in Malahide both great bars
Knox’s in Ennis (Abbey Street). Old world pub with Music most nights and great pints.
Harrys Bar in Rosses Point, Sligo. Lovely pints with great friendly staff.
Ryans in Parkgate Street in Dublin. I have been told the bar is a protected structure. Mind you I had a good few (lovely) Guinness at the time. This is probably the best pint of Guinness around.
Agree about Hopkins in Enniscrone. Still a great pub although the previous owners are no more (god rest em). Bell and Brian. Brian a complete gentleman, Bell a complete ….. publican! Was in the bar one sunny saturday afternoon, just two of us sitting at the bar chatting with Bell. The door burst open and a young dublin lad (early twenties) stuck his head in and said “Have yez got Sky”? Bell looked at him, then us and back to him and said “Isnt there enough sky outside. Get out”
They didnt even have a television. Still dont.
Sonny McSwine’s is a beautiful pub in LetterKenny. Lots of dark wood, old framed portraits on the walls of the stairway, lots of mirrors, 3 stories of bars and an outdoor terrace.
You have missed out Uisce Beatha pub in beautiful Ballyvaughan, the Burren, Co Clare. The interior is simply sublime & magical Margaret has the greatest selection of whiskies you will find anywhere bar none in Ireland. The hospitality is beyond welcoming & you will wish you lived in Ballyvaughan all year long. I do!
Love all of these pubs. Birminghams in Navan is another one that hasn’t change since the 1800 hundreds and is one of the best music pubs on the east coast for music sessions. Tatch pubs you cant beat Harnans in Rathmoylion and Boggins Rathcore Dun na Sì both in Co Meath. Both have trad sessions.
You missed O’Sullivans Bar in Crookhaven, West Cork. This is where you get the perfect pint of Murphy’s Stout or Beamish Stout. (don’t mind your Guinness). Great pub grub.
“Tigh Coili” family run traditional Irish music pub in Mainguard St Galway city
Points Bar in Belfast is a must Keith– fab trad but sometimes with a twist- ever heard Springsteen with a trad remix and you’ll get the picture- oh and let’s not forget the Irish dancers who do stints on Saturdays- absolutely fantastic. One of my favourite bars in my favourite city.
You should try The Harbour Bar in Pullaheeney
Tom Lynott’s at Cashel near Achill Island. One small room with fire and a bar you could fit into a wheelie bin ! Great craic