The Best Pubs In Ennis: 12 Brilliant Bars For Post-Adventure Pints In 2023

Looking for the best pubs in Ennis? You’ll find plenty of lovely spots for food and drinks below!

There’s plenty of things to do in the Ennis by day, and there’s an almost endless number of pubs in Ennis to nip in and out of at night.

From the brilliant Brogan’s (the food and Guinness here are both mighty!) to the cosy Lucas Bar, there’s bars in Ennis to tickle every fancy.

Our favourite Pubs in Ennis

In the first section of this guide, you’ll discover our favourite pubs in Ennis, from, the well known Brogan’s to the mighty Knox’s and everything in between.

If you fancy a bite to eat before you head out for a sip, you’ll find plenty of great places to eat in the town in our Ennis restaurants guide.

1. Brogan’s

This cosy pub takes the traditional formula to new levels in the heart of Ennis. Brogan’s is a lively spot that’s packed with character and energy, with tasteful yet traditional decor made up of wood, leather and glass.

The offerings at Brogan’s are first class, with everything from delicious ales and Irish beers to cocktails and food that rival some of the best restaurants in the land.

Choose from locally reared steaks, fresh fish dishes and of course a range of burgers, all served by chatty staff that add to the homely vibe of this brilliant boozer.

2. Lucas Bar

The pint of Beamish above should give you a sense of what to expect from Lucas Bar. If you rock in here on a chilly winters evening, do your best to nab a seat by the fire.

There are few bars in Ennis as fine for whittling away an evening. Although Lucas is traditional on the inside (old-school, no-fuss decor), there’s a modern twist to it and the service is top-notch.

Visitors can choose from an impressive whisky menu and or sample some very finely poured pints. This is also one of a handful of pubs in Ennis with a beer garden.

3. Knox’s Pub

Good god – what I’d do to be kicking back on one of those stools in the photo above! Knox’s is the oldest of the many pubs in Ennis, having first opened its doors way back in 1864!

This is a popular spot that delights both locals and tourists alike, and it boasts an impressive food offering, with everything from slow cooked pork brioche buns and steak sandwiches to a veggie curry up for grabs.

Knox’s was recently refurbished, but it’s managed to retain it’s old-world charm and character (thankfully!). Offering traditional Irish music nights, often with a twist, Knox’s is hard to beat!

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Ennis (from fancy feeds to cheap and tasty eats!).

4. Moroney’s Bar

Moroney’s is another one that’ll tickle the fancy of those of you in search of traditional pubs in Ennis. This place has been on the go since the 1800s, making it one of the towns oldest bars.

Located right at the heart of Ennis, on Upper Market St, the only thing better than the pour at Moroney’s is the service.

As was the case with many Irish pubs, Moroney’s started it’s life as a bar and grocery. If you can, try and get in here and nab a seat in the snug area (or by the fire, on a cold winters evening!).

When you visit, keep an eye out for the pictures which showcase the transformation of the area over 100 years.

Lovely old-school traditional bars in Ennis

Now that we have our favourite Ennis pubs out of the way, it’s time to see what else this lively little town has to offer.

Below, you’ll find some more traditional bars in Ennis, from Cruises and the Diamond to everything in between.

1. Cruises Bar

Reported to serve one of the finest pints of Guinness to be found anywhere in Ennis, Cruises Bar is something of a local institution in the county town of Clare. 

With a stunning facade, this is the kind of pub that gives you a sense of the charm and character you’re about to encounter before you set foot inside its walls.

The decor here is simple, but perfectly so, with lots of wood and leather and traditional images on the walls.

The food is great, too, with pies and fish and chips and tasty steaks on offer. If you’re a Guinness head, or if you just fancy testing it out, your tastebuds are in for a treat here!

2. The Diamond Bar

A rival for the mantle of best Guinness in Ennis is The Diamond Bar, which stands out from the crowd thanks to its bright yellow facade.

Old world interiors make this place a must visit for those with a penchant for history, whilst the traditional Irish music sessions are renowned as some of the finest in town.

The Diamond Bar is home to a nice mix of both locals and tourists with the resulting atmosphere one of inclusion and good fun!

Related read: Check out our guide to the best hotels in Ennis (with something to suit most budgets).

3. Ciaran’s Bar

Ciaran’s a proper old-fashioned traditional Irish pub in the centre of Ennis. Very few frills to be found here, just a clutch of local characters, a fantastic pint and all manner of memories just waiting to be made!

Known for knocking out a solid trad session, Ciaran’s is one of several Ennis pubs that looks and feels like it hasn’t changed in 40 odd years, and I mean that in the best way possible! 

A fine spot for a pint and a yap with friends, or to toast a day spent exploring, there is always a warm welcome to be had at Ciaran’s.

4. Nora Culligans

Formely known as Considine’s Bar, Nora Culligans boasts eye-catching decor, excellent cocktails and a mix of mighty music.

This very quirky spot was carefully restored to its former glory several years ago, but it managed to maintain buckets of charm.

If you’re fond of live music, you’ll catch everything from trad tunes to live rock bands playing away here. A great spot if you’re on the lookout for Ennis pubs to visit with a group of friends.

Pubs with live music in Ennis

Now, although we’ve already mentioned several pubs in Ennis with live music in the guide above, there’s plenty more that host live sessions.

Below, you’ll find a clatter of bars in Ennis known for their live music (the best place to see what’s on, when, is to visit their Facebook pages).

1. Preacher’s Pub (Temple Gate Hotel)

Without a doubt one of the finest spots to visit for a taste of live music in Ennis, Preacher’s is a stalwart of the local scene.

Located in the Temple Gate Hotel, Preacher’s is known for its delicious food and excellent drinks, including an extensive wine list.

Furthermore, the pub offers music sessions every night in the high season, with talented local musicians playing the classics much to the joy of locals and tourists who come here for a healthy dose of craic agus ceol!

2. Poet’s Corner (Old Ground Hotel)

Offering Irish hospitality at its finest, Poet’s Corner is decorated in a style that’ll make you want to set up camp and never leave!

Known for the excellent traditional music that takes place frequently in high season, Poet’s Corner is one of the more popular pubs in Ennis amongst visiting tourists.

The food is great too, with everything from homemade soup and fish and chips to delicious hearty burgers on offer. Packed with character, Poet’s Corner is well worth a visit.

3. James O’Keefe’s

James O’Keefe’s is another of the more overlooked bars in Ennis amongst those that visit (which makes this place all the more special, in a way!).

O’Keefe’s is a family-owned pub located a stone’s throw from the town centre. Boasting an open fire during the colder months and comfy seating throughout, this is a fine spot if you fancy a quiet pint or if you want to watch a match.

Expect friendly staff, a warm atmosphere and a great pint of Guinness (it has one of the square red boxes on the tap… if you know, you know!).

4. Hotel Woodstock Bar & Restaurant

Set just outside the town, this popular hotel in Ennis offers a quality bar and restaurant offering a unique experience of traditional music.

Occurring most nights during the peak season, the bar here comes alive as artists of varying styles come to give guests a taste of the local talent.

With excellent beers, an extensive wine list and quality food, a visit to the Hotel Woodstock should always include a few hours spent soaking up the electric ambiance down in the bar.

FAQs about the best Ennis pubs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from which pubs in Ennis have live music to which are best for food.

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 pubs in Ennis in 2022?

I’d argue that Moroney’s Bar, Knox’s Pub, Lucas Bar and Brogan’s are the best bars in Ennis for pints after a long day on the road.

What Ennis pubs do the best food?

The food in Brogan’s is hard to beat (the ribs here are incredible). However, the food in Knox’s and in the restaurant of Hotel Woodstock are solid too!

What pubs in Ennis have live music?

There are many live music pubs in Ennis, from Knox’s and Brogan’s to Cruise’s, the Poet’s Corner and Brandon’s.