When visiting any Irish county, you need to seek out the best pubs in the area. We’ve got you covered with our list of the best bars in Sligo.
Also known as ‘Yeats Country’, there is so much to see and do in County Sligo.
From hiking Benbulbin and Knocknarea to exploring the life and work of W.B. Yeats on the Yeats trail, oyster tasting, surf lessons, picturesque walks, and so much more, Sligo has to be one of the most underrated counties in the country.
However, after a long day exploring, or midway through, or maybe even before, sometimes all you need is to chill out with a pint in the local watering hole.
So, sit back and drink it all in as we bestow upon you the five best bars in Sligo you need to visit during your trip.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for drinking in Sligo:
- Sligo is on the Wild Atlantic Way, so take advantage of its proximity to the ocean by trying some seafood with your drink. You can’t go wrong with Guinness and oysters!
- Sligo is an excellent place to find some traditional Irish music.
- Sligo is a hidden gem on the Irish food scene. Make sure to check out its best restaurants.
- Sligo is home to the White Hag Brewing Company. Make sure to sample some of their fantastic craft beers.
5. McLynn’s Bar – musicians, craic, and quality pints
When you think of a quintessential Irish bar, you might just conjure up McLynn’s Bar without having visited it before.
McLynn’s is a fantastic family-run spot in the beating heart of Sligo Town on Old Market Street that oozes charm and tradition.
Established in 1889, this wooden-clad pub is a great spot to stop in for a pint and some live music during your visit to Sligo.
The decorations, framed pictures, and ornaments that line the bar transport you back in time, and with music nights every weekend and mid-week, this is sure to be one memorable stop on your bar crawl.
The friendly staff and local punters will make you feel right at home at McLynn’s Bar; you might even stay for one or two more than you intended!
Address: Old Market St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, Ireland
READ MORE: the top 20 best things to do in Sligo
4. Fureys Pub – the perfect place for a drink or two
Nestled away on Sligo’s Bridge Street, Fureys is yet another cosy bar to delight in a pint or two in Sligo.
There’s a brilliant buzz at Fureys almost every night of the week, and you’ll find the place packed out on most weekends, but this all just adds to it!
You have a good chance of hearing a session at Fureys Pub, and the craic is mighty, so for good vibes and great atmosphere, don’t skip out on a pint at Fureys Sligo.
Address: Bridge St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, Ireland
3. O’Neills Bar – a firm favourite for sport
With live sport showing on multiple screens throughout the bar, this is a great spot to watch the match when in Sligo.
Ideally located right by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this traditional Irish pub is the perfect spot to grab a pint and some tasty pub grub after a long day of walking around.
If there’s a Celtic match on during your trip to Sligo, you can be sure that O’Neills Bar will be showing it.
Address: Church Hill, Sligo, Ireland
MORE: the best restaurants for foodies in Sligo
2. Thomas Connolly – for a warm welcome
Recently voted Ireland’s Pub of the Year for 2023, Thomas Connolly is consistently referred to as one of the best bars in Sligo.
Thomas Connolly is the oldest traditional pub in Sligo and is one you absolutely need to visit during your trip to Sligo.
This generations-old Sligo pub has been an iconic landmark of ‘Yeats Country’ for years which can be attributed to the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Thomas Connolly is a beloved watering hole for locals and visitors to the area alike. The bar has continued to preserve its authentic and traditional charm while keeping up with modern standards all at once.
For years, this bar has been the spot where locals gather for events in the community and is regarded as a real pillar in County Sligo.
Address: 1 Markievicz Rd, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, F91 HC04, Ireland
RELATED: Thomas Connolly Bar: history, facts, and more
1. Shoot the Crows – one of the best places for a pint in Sligo
Last but most certainly not least on our list of the best bars in Sligo is Shoot the Crows. From great Guinness, craic, and excellent traditional Irish music and bluegrass sessions four nights a week, this is one pub you’ll want to stay for a few in.
There’s always a great atmosphere in Shoot the Crows, and the Guinness and whiskey are always in full flow. When you visit, you get a great taste of a proper Irish pub that transports you back to the ‘good ole days’.
With mismatched furniture and quirky décor, this pub is full of charm and character. When visiting Sligo, it would be a sin not to enjoy a pint and some tunes at Shoot the Crows.
Address: Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, F91 RY99, Ireland
Notable mentions
The Swagman Bar: With an excellent selection of craft beers on offer, this is a great spot to stop in for a pint in Sligo.
Lillies Cocktail Bar: Serving signature cocktails and some of the best nightlife in the area, be sure to head to Lillies Cocktail Bar if you have a preference for mixed drinks over pints.
Hargadon Bros: For a warm and welcoming atmosphere and some top-notch pints and pub grub, head to Hargadon Bros. This is a great spot for some fresh oysters and a delicious pint of Guinness.
The Beach Bar: Perfectly located on the banks of Sligo Bay, this is a great spot in Sligo for food and drinks by the sea.
Your questions answered about the best bars in Sligo
If you still have questions, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.
Are there many pubs in Sligo?
There are around 30 bars and pubs in Co. Sligo.
What is the most famous bar in Ireland?
Perhaps the most well-known bar in Ireland is The Temple Bar Pub in Dublin. Another famous Irish pub is Sean’s Bar in Athlone as it is said to be the oldest bar in Ireland and one of the oldest in the world.
What is County Sligo known for?
County Sligo is famous for Benbulben, the county’s connection to W.B. Yeats, countless archaeological sites, delicious food, surfing amazing waves, and so much more.
What is the biggest town in Sligo?
The biggest town in County Sligo is the eponymous town of Sligo.
What is the main street in Sligo Town?
O’Connell Street is Sligo’s main shopping and business street.
What pub is in Normal People?
Brennan’s Pub on Teeling Street was used in the television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People.
