Looking for somewhere special to drop by for a wee drink? Well then, it’s your lucky day. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking view, a vibrant atmosphere, an underground cave or a vamped-up church, this list has it all. These are the 11 most unique places to grab a drink in Éire. Check it.
11. Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant – Rockmarshall, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Drop on by to Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant, located at the foot of the Cooley Mountains and overlooking the Irish Sea. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be witness to breathtaking views and the endless array of eccentricities this little gem has to offer. A beer garden that’s kitted out with old Irish signs, magnificent statues, summer flowers and flowing water. A vintage car transformed into an overgrowing plant pot. Oh, and a grand piano. Obviously. And past this, you’ll find a petting zoo with donkeys, owls, meerkats and a talking parrot.
The interior is just as wonderful. Irish memorabilia from yesteryear decorate the walls, hang from the ceilings, and sit on shelves. Sure, you could spend hours just wandering around and taking it all in.
10. The Barge – 42 Sráid Charlemont, Dublin 2
Here’s your multi-story, old-fashioned typical Irish bar sitting on none other than the brink of the Grand Canal. In sunny weather you can grab a pint and sit alongside the water knowing that the place will be buzzing with life. Or if you’d prefer a quieter environment to do some people-watching, take a seat upstairs and enjoy the views from a height. There’s also plenty of large screens inside for the sport fanatics among you.
9. Carroll’s – 39 Dominick Street Lower, Galway
Discreetly tucked away in Galway’s West End you’ll find the unassuming looking Carroll’s. Traditional pub in the front, party in the back. Stroll past the long wooden bar with its tall stools and old coasters, and discover the bars biggest secret – a large modernised beer garden featuring a double decker bus that you can climb aboard to grab a pint and pizza. Brilliant.
8. The Cuan – Strangford Co. Down
This is a must-see for any Game of Thrones fan, as its the home of many of the props from the set, including the first door from the Dark Hedges and the Hound’s helmet. Make sure to arrive with an empty stomach as the dishes on the menu are all GOT inspired too – I’m sure you can imagine the hefty portion sizes. The cast are known to hang out here while filming the show, and if you opt to stay the night, the staff will tell you which stars have stayed in your room. Also, the Winterfell tours of Castle Ward are only a ten-minute drive away. Don’t forget your camera.
7. Sophie’s – 33 Harcourt St, Dublin
When you get here, make your way straight up to the fifth floor. The panoramic views from this rooftop bar are a treat for sore eyes, especially at sunset. The room itself is cleverly designed, with the island bar as the focal point in the centre of the room, breaking the enormous space. Stay here late into the evening watching the hustle and bustle of everything from a height as the city is taken over by glistening lights. The cocktails come highly recommended.
6. De Burgos – 15/17 Augustine Street, Galway
This is Galway’s best hidden gem. Once a thriving cave-pub; now a largely unheard-of basement you’d easily pass by on the street without paying a bit of notice. However, keep your eyes peeled, about once a month they might just open their doors for a quiet shindig. This gorgeous venue is also available to hire out for private parties.
5. O’Sullivan’s – Douglas, Cork
If you find yourself casually hanging out down by Mizen Head, take the scenic route back up the country and grab a nice creamy pint of the black stuff. Relax outside and take in the beautiful views of the coast while sipping on your drink at the home of the most southerly pint in Ireland.
4. The Church – Jervis St, Dublin 1
Have you ever had a pint in a confession box? Well, now you can. Welcome to The Church – where once upon a time the infamous Arthur Guinness was wed and Wolfe Tone was baptised. Yes, really. A church refurbished into a bar. It may have been built over 300 years ago, but most of the old architecture has been preserved. If you drop by while the sun is shining you can appreciate the regal beauty of the colourful stained glass windows. Stay until the evening and you’ll be treated to some live traditional music and Irish dancing – and whether you’re on the ground floor or watching from atop the old spiral staircase, you’ll have a perfect view of the stage.
3. Gings Bar – Cortober, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Situated on the bank of the River Shannon, Gings is the perfect place to wind down with a drink along the waterside. This beer garden is in the most beautiful location, you could sit here for the entire day watching the fisherman and the boats. In the good weather, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a good crowd and live music.
2. O’Connell’s – 8 Eyre Square, Galway
Walk in the door to your typical old-man pub and behold shelves upon shelves stacked with old beer bottles from years gone by. Behind the bar you’ll find over 50 types of gin – truly a gin-lover’s heaven. But wait, that’s not all. Make your way out to the back and be amazed at the massive beer garden, furnished with everything from benches to bars to umbrellas to heaters to a Dough Bros pizzeria and a DJ booth made out of a legitimate Bus Eireann bus. Old shop fronts surround the garden, giving it a very ‘Diagon Alley’ feel. This is the best of Galway, hands down.
1.The Giddy Box – Wherever You Want, Whenever You Need!
And if you don’t get coming to any of the pubs on this list, well then get the pub to come to you! The Giddy Box is the mobile bar to cater to all of your mobile bar needs! The time is now, folks, welcome to the golden years. This genius business is run by two Fermanagh sisters. It’s fully wired, plumbed and stocked – but most importantly – on wheels. The bar itself is a rejuvenated horse trailer. What’s not to love?
Thanks to Dana Halliday for this article contribution.
