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9 Of The Best Pubs In Drogheda (For Those That Like Old-School Bars)

9 Of The Best Pubs In Drogheda (For Those That Like Old-School Bars)

There’s some mighty pubs in Drogheda… especially if you’re fond of old-school bars!

Drogheda is a funny one – for years a lot of people associated night life in the town with its lively nightclubs, overlooking the traditional bars that have stood proudly in the town for many a year.

But there’s so much more to the drinking scene here than your Earth and your Fusions (Drogheda nightclubs, for the unaware!).

Below, you’ll find the best bars in Drogheda, from the timeless Clarke’s to the brilliant Sarsfield’s and much, much more!

Our favourite pubs in Drogheda

Peggy Moores Pub

Photos via Peggy Moores Pub on FB

The first section of this guide is packed with what we think are the best pubs Drogheda has to offer.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from Peggy Moores and Gleesons to Clarkes and more.

1. Clarkes Bar

clarkes pub drogheda

Photos via Clarkes on FB

Clarkes Bar is one of the older pubs in Drogheda, and it dates back to 1900. Thankfully, it’s managed to retain much of its charm and character over the years, and many of its more unique features are still visible to this day.

When you ramble through its doors, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with the original bar still in place, gorgeous wood panels and the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’ve just been welcomed into someones home. 

Clarkes is home to four, highly sought after snugs and it pours (in my opinion!) the best pint of Guinness in the town (see photos above!). 

4. Peggy Moores Pub

Peggy Moores Pub

Photos via Peggy Moores Pub on FB

Peggy Moores Pub is another stunning example of an old-school pub. There’s a fine bit of history tied to this place. The cottage at the back dates to 1898 while the pub itself was opened in 1908, by Peggy’s father, Michael.

Like many traditional pubs, Peggy’s was also a grocers, and you’ll find many artefacts dotted along its walls, offering an insight into its past. It’s the interior of Peggy’s that makes it one of my go-to bars in Drogheda – it feels more like a museum than a pub.

If you arrive to Peggy’s during the chilly winter months, you’ll find a roaring fire crackling away.

5. The Railway Tavern

The Railway Tavern

Photos via The Railway Tavern on FB

The Railway Tavern is an award-winng pub that was bought by Jim Sarsfield in the early 1960s. Now, it doesn’t have the same old-school feel as the previous two pubs, but it still packs a fine punch.

When you stroll through its doors, the first thing that grabs your attention are the photos on the walls – they’re everywhere and, along with the colourful lampshades hanging from the ceilings and the wood panelling, there’s a real homely vibe.

There’s also 200 types of whiskey and 60 different brands of gin on offer, too! If you rock up during the winter, try and nab the seats near the fire. This is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in Drogheda for good reason.

Related read: Check out or guide to 15 of the best things to do in Drogheda and nearby (walks, tours, historical sites and more)

4. Gleesons

Gleesons

Photos via Gleesons on FB

Gleesons is another slice of traditional magic, and you’ll find it tucked away on Narrow West Street. It’s exterior is a bit like a pub you’d stumble across (or stumble into…) in the likes of Dingle, and it has a nice, no-fuss vibe inside.

The pub was bought by its current owners in the 1980s, and it’s been racking up rave reviews online ever since. By all accounts, Gleesons is a popular spot amongst passing jockeys and trainers on their way home from the races.

Other popular bars in Drogheda

Now that we have our favourite bars in Drogheda out of the way, it’s time to see what else the town has to offer.

Below, you’ll find some often-overlooked Drogheda pubs along with some long-standing local favourites.

1. Sarsfield’s

Sarsfield’s

Photos via Sarsfield’s on FB

Sarsfield’s pub was bought by Jim Sarsfield in the early 1960s. Today, it’s run by Jims widow, Olive and his son, Coleman.

It was one of the first pubs in Drogheda to install a lounge at the rear of the pub and it was one of a handful of bars in the town that opened at 07:30 in the morning to quench the thirst of those working on the docks.

The interior of the pub is nice and old-school with a weathered wooden bar and there’s a decent sized beer garden out back.

2. The Market Bar

The Market Bar is a family run pub and this is evident from the moment you step through its doors. Expect the kind of service that’s rare in Irish pubs these days and a bright, old-school interior.

It’s said that the pub dates back to the 1830s, when it was listed in the Directory of Drogheda, and the stone exterior gives you a sense of its age.

If you’re fond of a pint of the Black Stuff, I have it on good authority that they pour a mighty one here.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Drogheda for a mighty feed this weekend.

3. Ollie’s Bar

Ollie’s Bar

Photos via Ollie’s Bar on FB

Ollie’s is another of the more popular pubs in Drogheda, and you’ll find it right at the foot of Pitcher Hill. The current owner took the helms of Ollie’s in the 1980s and it’s gone from strength to strength since.

This is a proper, no-fuss pub where you can expect top-notch service from the bar staff and a couple of televisions showing sport.

If you’re looking for a pub where you can kick-back and have a yap with a friend while nursing a pint or three, Ollie’s is worth a try (see our Drogheda hotels guide if you’re looking for a place to stay nearby).

3. The Cross

The Cross drogheda

Photos via The Cross on FB

The Cross is a solid option for those of you looking for a lively night out! Those that nip in here can expect a wide range of craft beers and cocktails and a mix of classic rock, with everyone from AC/DC to The Artic Monkeys blaring away.

There’s a serious bit of food on the go here, too (give the Salt & Chilli Chicken fries a lash) and you’ll often find meal deals available.

Although I’ve yet to head in here, I’ve heard from a couple of friends living in the town that the service is the business and it’s a good Saturday night option.

What great bars in Drogheda have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant Drogheda pubs from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best Drogheda pubs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which bars in Drogheda do live music?’ to ‘Which ones are best for a match?’.

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 are the best old-school pubs in Drogheda?

In my opinion, the best trad bars in Drogheda are Clarkes and Peggy Moores (both do great Guinness, too).

Which of the bars in Drogheda does the best Guinness?

Clarkes. Hands-down, in my opinion. However, I’ve heard good things about Peggy Moores and the Market Bar, too.

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