When in Ireland, you definitely must do as the Irish do – go to a pub. Most Irish pubs are open from day to night, so whether you’re craving for some hearty pub grub or simply want to enjoy a pint – there’s most likely a pub near you.
Enjoy your popular Irish drinks such as Guinness, your Irish coffee, or some whiskey, along with good food and traditional music wherever you are in the emerald isle.
Here’s a list of some of the best pubs in Ireland that you must visit.
Things you'll find in this article
- 16 Best Pubs In Ireland That You Must Try
- 1. Temple Bar, Dublin
- 2. The Crosskeys Inn, Antrim
- 3. The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
- 4. The Mutton Lane Inn, Cork
- 5. Maghera Inn, Down
- 6. Blakes of the Hollow, Fermanagh
- 7. Kytelers Inn, Kilkenny
- 8. Neary’s, Dublin
- 9. Sean’s Bar, Athlone
- 10. Hargadon’s, Sligo Town
- 11. The Brazen Head, Dublin
- 12. Tigh Neachtain’s, Galway City
- 13. Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewery, Dingle
- 14. The Armada Bar, Kinsale
- 15. The Laurels Pub, Killarney
- 16. The Locke Bar, Limerick
16 Best Pubs In Ireland That You Must Try
1. Temple Bar, Dublin
Temple Bar, Image by Christine Rogador
Temple Bar in Dublin consistently ranks as the best pub in the city, and one of the best pubs in Ireland. It is famous, alright, and a must-visit especially among tourists.
Pub life in Ireland might as well be synonymous with a gurgling pint after pint of either the dark stuff or craft beer, but what sets Temple Bar apart is that it is home to the largest collection of rare whiskey in the country.
This historic pub also houses the area’s only fully-licensed beer garden, which is just one of the many reasons why Temple Bar is often regarded as the best in Dublin.
Buy your ticket online here.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Dublin.
2. The Crosskeys Inn, Antrim
The fine old Crosskeys Inn is the oldest thatch pub in Ireland. It is often regarded as one of the best looking pubs, too.
Crosskeys Inn is said to have been established in the early 1600s and is now a must-visit when in County Antrim.
This traditional Irish pub is known for its cozy old world interiors and Guinness. If you’re a fan of the dark stuff, then this is the place for you.
3. The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
If you’ve read the Harry Potter books and seen the film, you’ll only have one thing in mind as you enter The Crown Liquor: The Leaky Cauldron in Belfast.
Just pike its fictional look-alike, The Crown sports an old fashioned vibe, owing to the fact that it has been in business since 1826.
This pub used to be called ‘The Liquor Saloon in Great Victoria Street’, said to be one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the land.
Today, it is often listed as one of Ireland’s best pubs, with its diverse drink offerings, good service, and a vibrant yet authentic atmosphere.
4. The Mutton Lane Inn, Cork
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You cannot be in Cork and not pay a visit to one of their oldest pubs, The Mutton Lane Inn.
Located in one of the alleyways that lead to the city’s famous English Market, this pub is always busy but you’d still find a seat.
Despite its popularity, the dark wood and candlelit interiors provide a cozy atmosphere.
There’s a great selection of drinks, cool music, and the absence of a TV encourages conversation among its guests.
5. Maghera Inn, Down
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Maghera Inn in Down may have been around for 200-years, but it has never lost its magic.
It remains to be one of the best pubs in Ireland, an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring the area that’s known for its nature hikes and monastic sites.
Step inside Maghera Inn and treat yourself to a delicious pint. Their bar has quite a diverse selection, from exotic brands to some of the best Guinness.
Their food also comes highly recommended by previous visitors and a must try to go with your favorite drinks.
6. Blakes of the Hollow, Fermanagh
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Widely recognized for its traditional Irish heritage, the 125-year old Blakes of the Hollow in County Fermanagh is easily among the best pubs in Ireland.
It is also one of the most popular Victorian pubs, a must-visit attraction for all ages.
Whether you’re up for a pint of Guinness or some Irish coffee, you will enjoy your time here.
The interior is homey and welcoming, and the traditional Irish music sessions every Friday are a must experience. This is a must if you prefer the more old school and traditional pub atmosphere while you enjoy your favorite pint.
7. Kytelers Inn, Kilkenny
Kytler’s Inn Kilkenny is known as that pub that was once owned by the first condemned witch in Irish history. Yes, that’s right – a witch.
This quirky bit of trivia doesn’t diminish the fact that it is one of the best pubs in Ireland. The food often gets good reviews, as well as the variety of drinks on offer at the bar.
The pub was said to be established by Dame Alice de Kyteler in 1263. Dame Alice also happens to be the first person condemned for witchcraft in Ireland.
Kytelers Inn continued its operations throughout the centuries, changed owners but retained its medieval appeal.
Today, it is one of the best Irish pubs renowned for its food and drink offerings, as well as live Irish music.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Kilkenny.
8. Neary’s, Dublin
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Neary’s in Dublin has a long history with the city’s acting and literary community. This connection dates back to when the Gaiety Theatre opened in 1871.
In fact, the stage door to the Gaiety is right across the rear entrance to Neary’s.
Regarded as one of the best pubs in Ireland, Neary’s is also listed as a UNESCO City of Literature Bar.
The atmosphere here is pretty old school and cozy, a fun place to hang out with a good pint any night of the week. Their pub grub has good reviews as well as their drinks selection.
9. Sean’s Bar, Athlone
Located right smack in the middle of Ireland is the country’s oldest bar, Sean’s. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, this pub has been around for a thousand years.
This fact was verified in 1970 when one of its original walls was discovered during an excavation.
Sean’s Bar dates back to the 900 A.D., and a favorite stop for travelers as well as a place to unwind for curious visitors in Athlone.
It has a great selection of drinks, particularly Irish whiskey, an authentic atmosphere, and good music. Sean’s is often listed not just as one of the best pubs in Ireland but all over the world.
10. Hargadon’s, Sligo Town
Up North in Sligo town is Hargadon’s, a pub that used to be known as a ‘spirit grocer’. In the 19th century, a spirit grocer is basically a pub that also operates as a grocery.
Today, Hargadon’s is among the best pubs to visit in Ireland. It is a homey and cozy place to relax after exploring the town or as a stop if you’re doing the Wild Atlantic Way road trip.
The well preserved original front bar of Hargadon’s remains untouched, but the place now includes a restaurant where you can enjoy some hearty food before heading to the bar for a pint.
Be sure to look around and check out its walks, lovingly adorned with quirky shelves, old whiskey jars, spice drawers, and tea canisters.
11. The Brazen Head, Dublin
Another Dublin establishment that’s said to one of the best bars in Ireland is Brazen Head.
Located close to the Guinness Brewery, this pub is among the oldest bars in Ireland. It dates back to the 12th century and is known for its authentic Irish pub feel.
It used to be one of the favorite hang-out places of Irish luminaries such as Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins. Jonathon Swift and James Joyce.
The Brazen Head serves good pub grub, making it an ideal place for dinner before enjoying your favorite drinks as you listen to live traditional Irish music.
12. Tigh Neachtain’s, Galway City
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With its old-world interiors and laid back vibe, Tigh Neachtain’s lives up to Galway’s reputation as the go-to city for traditional Irish music.
The pub was established in 1894, and apart from the music, it is renowned for its stellar drinks selection. It is also one of the best pubs in Galway.
You’ll find some good Guinness here, as well as over 100 whiskeys. Tigh Neachtain’s is a known supporter of local cultural festivals and groups.
Traditional music sessions are held here regularly, a great complement to a pint of glass of your favorite drink and the cozy atmosphere.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Galway City.
13. Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewery, Dingle
A pub with its pen brewery and taphouse, this is where you can get some flavorful craft beers in Dingle.
Also known as an ‘old man’s pub’ because of the memorabilia on display, this family-run pub in Dingle is popular among tourists and locals alike.
The pub occupies what used to be a leather and shoe shop, now a cozy hang-out that boasts of quiet corners, open fires, and a mini ‘walk of fame’ in front to honor famous visitors such as Sean Connery and Julia Roberts.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Dingle.
14. The Armada Bar, Kinsale
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The Armada Bar is managed by what most regular patrons refer to as a true ‘Irish mommy’, its Proprietor Mary Coughlan.
Aside from being a pub, it is also a family-run guesthouse that’s known for its warm and welcoming ambiance.
It boasts of features that provide homey comforts such as good seating, a fireplace, cards, darts, pool table, and more.
The pricing for food and drinks is quite competitive, and live music is on offer late into the evening. It pretty much has everything you could ask for in a pub so be sure to visit when you’re in Kinsale.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Kinsale.
15. The Laurels Pub, Killarney
Known to be traditional and typically Irish, The Laurels is a great stop if ever you’re looking for the best pubs in Killarney.
This place is a must if you’re after something that’s uniquely Irish, and if you want to be somewhere that’s probably as old as most castles in Ireland.
The Laurels Pub may not have been from the middle ages or the Renaissance era, it’s only a hundred years old but got its unique charm nonetheless.
Enjoy their wide selection of some of Ireland’s finest drinks, or check out the music. There’s traditional Irish on Wednesdays and live bands during weekends.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Killarney.
16. The Locke Bar, Limerick
How about a pint at a centuries-old pub? While in Limerick, be sure to stop by for some delicious traditional food and a pint of the dark stuff.
The Locke Bar dates as far back as 1724, an authentic local institution known for its live music and old-world atmosphere.
While here, you definitely shouldn’t miss the chance to sample their tasty offerings such as fish and chips, potted crab, lamb stew, and Irish steak.
The Locke Bar pretty much has everything you’d ever need for a good place to hang out – a great atmosphere, live music, and pub grub to go with your pint.
Check out this article for the best pubs in Limerick.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
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