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pub in Ireland

With live music, fresh ale, and a friendly atmosphere, you are sure to enjoy yourself at one of these traditional pubs in Ireland.

Take a road trip around Ireland and learn everything the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Food and drinks come in plenty at these pubs in Ireland. It is one of the best ways to support the local towns and get involved with the locals.

Pint of Guinness? Why not enjoy the hearty stout at one of these Irish pubs?


Sean’s Bar – Athlone


Many Irish pubs claim to be the oldest pub in Ireland. However, Sean’s Bar in Athlone is the one that is in the Guinness book of records.

The pub dates to 900AD.

Over the years, the building may have changed slightly, but one thing remains, a friendly atmosphere with ales and whiskey at the top of the menu.

Sean’s Bar puts live music on seven nights a week. So, it is the perfect stop on any night to relax and sing along to traditional Irish folk songs.

Opening Times:

Monday: 10:30 – 00:30
Tuesday: 10:30 – 00:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 23:30
Thursday: 10:30 – 00:30
Friday: 10:30 – 00:30
Saturday: 10:30 – 00:30
Sunday: 12:30 – 23:30

Address

13 Main Street, Athlone, County Westmeath, N37 DW76


Temple Bar – Dublin


A visit to Dublin isn’t complete without a pint at The Temple BarYou will struggle to find a night that this Irish pub isn’t busy.

Open until 2:30 am from Thursday to Saturday, you can start your night there or end your evening there. Whether you want food, drink or live music, The Temple Bar has it all.

Plus, the pub has been an 11-year winner of the Irish music pub of the year.

Opening Times:

Monday: 10:30 – 1:30
Tuesday: 10:30 – 1:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 1:30
Thursday: 10:30 – 2:30
Friday: 10:30 – 2:30
Saturday: 10:30 – 2:30
Sunday: 10:30 – 1:00

Address

47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725


The Crosskeys Inn – Ardnaglass

Now we have already had the oldest pub in Ireland. But here is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland. As soon as you set your eyes up the Crosskeys Inn, you will think traditional Irish pub.

The historical thatched roof and white walls welcome tourists far and wide.

On the menu, you will find some of Ireland’s favourite drinks. Whether that is Guinness or whiskey, that is up to you.

Although food is available, it is not on a strict schedule. You may want to call in advance if you are looking to get food from the Crosskeys Inn.

Opening Times:

Monday: 11:30 – 1:00
Tuesday: 11:30 – 1:00
Wednesday: 11:30 – 1:00
Thursday: 11:30 – 1:00
Friday: 11:30 – 1:00
Saturday: 11:30 – 1:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

Address

40 Grange Road, Ardnaglass, Toomebridge, BT41 3QB


De Barra – Clonakilty


De Barra is a pub to try if you love live music.

Open between the peak times of 17:00 and 23:30, the charming atmosphere and folk music keep the punters returning night after night.

From the bar, you can find gifts to remember your visit.

With friendly bar staff and a selection of Irish favourites, De Barras is one of the most traditional Irish pubs you can visit.

Opening Times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 17:00 – 23:30
Thursday: 17:00 – 23:30
Friday: 17:00 – 23:30
Saturday: 15:00 – 23:30
Sunday: 13:00 – 23:00

Address

55 Pearse St, Scartagh, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 RH95


McCarthy’s – County Tipperary

So, what makes an Irish pub stand out? An Irish pub that doubles up as an undertaker.

Throughout its history, McCarthy’s has offered a variety of services including, undertaker, grocer, and glazier.

Nowadays, the pub still sticks to its roots with just a bordering undertaker.

However, if a pub is more your thing, the bar serves food and is a cosy place to settle down for a quick drink. You can enjoy many different ales, but why not try the local County Tipperary beer of choice.

Opening Times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 16:30 – 23:00
Friday: 16:30 – 00:30
Saturday: 12:00 – 00:30
Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

Address

17 Main Street, Spitalfield, Fethard, County Tipperary, E91 HP86


O’Connell’s – Leinster


If you think you have seen O’Connell’s before, you probably have. It is a famous pub that has been the face of a Guinness TV advert.

The pub has been family-run for over 200 years.

In the summer, sit out in the beer garden and watch the sunset. Or, in the winter, cosy up inside with a pint of your favourite ale.

O’Connell’s is a small pub, but if you are happy to sit down with the locals and share stories, you are in for a treat. Whether you are passing by or settling in for the night, a drink at O’Connell’s is a great way to finish the night.

Opening Times:

Monday: 16:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: 16:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 16:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 16:00 – 23:00
Friday: 16:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 14:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 14:00 – 22:00

Address

Skreen, County Meath, C15 EY76


Smugglers Creek – County Donegal


In the northern County Donegal, Smugglers Creek is a charming Irish pub with great views over the Atlantic ocean. Just North of Bundoran, it is the perfect stop, after a day of surfing Irelands waves.

The bar features beams across the ceiling, and the walls are full of maritime history.

When the pub on Ireland’s northern coast is open, it is home to lively music sets throughout the summer.

Out of all the pubs on this list, Smugglers Creek is set in one of the most picture-perfect locations. With great views over Rossnowlagh Beach, it is only a short drive from Donegal town.

Don’t believe us? You will have to go and discover it yourself.

Smugglers Creek opens seasonally, so please check their website to find out when they are open.

If you’re visiting County Donegal and want to know more, check out these 17 Donegal attractions to keep you busy.

Or pick somewhere to eat in one of these restaurants in Donegal.

Opening Times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Opens at 17:00
Saturday: Opens at 12:30
Sunday: Opens at 12:30

Address

Cliff Road, Rossnowlagh, County Donegal


JJ Houghs Singing Pub – Banagher


From the outside, you could quite easily miss this Irish pub. However, you are not likely to miss the live music flowing through the doors.

With many local musicians, JJ Hough’s is as traditional as it gets. On Fridays and Saturdays, you may even see some of Banagher’s best fiddle and mandolin players.

Inside you will find friendly bar staff and all the warmth and spirit you expect from an Irish pub. And if you visit in the summer, head out to the beer garden to enjoy a drink in the sun.

Opening Times:

Monday: 12:00 – 1:00
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:00
Friday: 12:00 – 1:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 1:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 1:00

Address

Main St, Curraghavarna, Banagher, Co. Offaly, R42 E240


The Thatch – Crinkill


If you are looking for a pub in Ireland with delicious food, The Thatch might be the right choice for you.

The pub added a restaurant in 1995. And since then, the food at The Thatch has continued to win awards. That is because head chef Eriks Kornejs uses the freshest local produce.

Whether you want food or drink, The Thatch is one of the best pubs in Ireland. Heart-warming food will greet you, and you can sample some of the regions favourite ales.

Opening Times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 16:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 16:00 – 23:00
Friday: 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 12:30 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:30 – 23:00

Address

Military Road, Ballinree, Birr, County Offaly


The Mutton Lane Inn – Cork


Named after the lanes previous use, The Mutton Lane Inn is in the centre of Cork

As you enter, a candlelit pub will greet you. And, if you offer an ear, the friendly bar staff and locals are sure to share some stories about the history of The Mutton Lane Inn.

On the walls is a full-length mural. That represents much of the towns modern history and people. You may even spot some of the locals in the mural.

The best bit about The Mutton Lane Inn is the location. Take a day exploring the shops and cafes in the city. Then, top it off with an evening sipping your favourite drinks.

You can also enjoy a meal at one of these seven restaurants in Cork.

Opening Times:

Monday: 10:30 – 23:30
Tuesday: 10:30 – 23:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 23:30
Thursday: 10:30 – 23:30
Friday: 10:30 – 00:30
Saturday: 10:30 – 00:30
Sunday: 14:00 – 23:00

Address

3 St Patrick’s St, Mutton Ln, Centre, Cork, T12 RV07


Blakes of the Hollow – Enniskillen


Since opening in 1887, Blakes of the Hollow has expanded into one of the most popular drinking spots in Enniskillen. The Hollow has grown to include the Atrium Bars, Level 7 and Café Merlot. 

You can find food, snacks, beers and live music at Blakes of the Hollow.

The pub greets you with all the appeal of a traditional Irish pub we have come to expect. Some people even reckon it is ‘one of the happiest bars in the whole of Ireland’.

Opening Times:

Monday: 11:30 – 1:00
Tuesday: 11:30 – 1:00
Wednesday: 11:30 – 1:00
Thursday: 11:30 – 1:00
Friday: 11:30 – 1:00
Saturday: 11:30 – 1:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 00:00

Address

6 Church Street, Enniskillen BT74 7EJ


Dick Mack’s – County Kerry


Now Dick Mack’s is one of the quirkiest looking bars on our list of pubs in Ireland. And what makes the pub a little quirkier? Yes, the leather shop that shares the bar with the pub.

If you love whiskey, this Irish pub is a must-visit. Over the past few years, Dick Mack’s has featured as the Overall Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year.

If you are travelling with the family, don’t worry, Dick Mack’s is a family-friendly Irish pub. The little ones are allowed in until 9 pm, and dogs are allowed in the courtyard.

Opening Times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 23:00
Wednesday: 11:00 – 23:00
Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
Friday: 12:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

Address

47 Green Street, Dingle, County Kerry, V92 FF25


For an evening of singing, dancing, and plenty of drinks, these pubs in Ireland are a great choice. You can find centuries of history and tradition in these Irish pubs. 

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Take a look at some of the traditional Irish cottages you can stay at on your visit to some of the country’s oldest pubs.