Any seasoned regular will tell you that some of the finest pints on the island are poured in the most remote areas of the country.
An Irish pub is not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a home away from home. If you want to experience the best of Irish pub culture, there are some highly rated spots outside the capital.
From ancient thatched bars to lively rural locals, here are the 10 best pubs for a pint of Guinness outside of Dublin.
10. Lowry’s Bar, Co. Galway – fresh pints and legendary music sessions
Lowry’s Bar is an award-winning, iconic Irish bar famous for its lively atmosphere, great drinks, and live music sessions.
It is the perfect spot for music lovers and anyone seeking an authentic Irish pub experience.
Lowry’s is not just an excellent pub by local standards, as it has won highly prestigious hospitality awards such as the “Best Tourist Pub in Ireland” and the “Best Traditional Bar in Ireland.”
Beyond serving excellent pints of Guinness, Lowry’s bar offers the best collection of premium Irish whiskeys and artisan gins in the entire Connemara region.
Address: Market St, Clifden, Co. Galway, H71 WT32, Ireland
9. J.M. Reidy’s, Co. Kerry – a multi-purpose historic venue where pints flow freely
J. M. Reidy’s is an iconic Irish pub that has it all. It’s a pub, café, and a bakery where you can find the best coffee, cocktails, and craic.
Whether you are here for a pint of Guinness, a pizza, or a craft drink, Reidy’s delivers on all fronts.
Located right in the centre of Killarney, this iconic, multi-roomed establishment is a classic example of well-preserved Irish heritage. Many visitors and locals regard it as one of the best Irish pubs outside Dublin.
It combines historical charm and modern pub entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience. Even with the large, bustling crowds it draws on any given night, their stout is excellent.
Address: 4 Main St, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 CC82, Ireland
8. The Sky and the Ground, Co. Wexford – a wonderfully quirky local for true stout enthusiasts
The Sky and the Ground is known for its excellent service, friendly atmosphere, and a great selection of drinks.
It features a traditional front bar, a large heated beer garden, and a marble fireplace. The pub manages to be both a vibrant social establishment and a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a pint.
Bartenders are professional and always go out of their way to help patrons get the best experience.
Unlike most local entertainment venues, the pub intentionally has a no-TV policy to encourage people to chat and interact.
Address: 112 S Main St, Townparks, Wexford, Y35 C65F, Ireland
7. Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Co. Galway – classic stout served alongside fresh native oysters
Moran’s Oyster Cottage is a favourite spot for locals, tourists, and anyone seeking a perfect pint of stout and delicious seafood.
The pub is an architectural masterpiece featuring a thatched roof, white-washed walls, and low ceilings.
However, the real magic lies in its culinary heritage. Many people travel here just to savour a plate of fresh, locally sourced native oysters.
Moran’s is widely celebrated as the perfect destination for a traditional seafood pub experience outside Dublin.
It has hosted global celebrities, including actors and musicians, which shows its massive international appeal.
Address: The Weir House, Rahaneena, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland
6. JJ Hough’s Singing Pub, Co. Offaly – an authentic Midlands favourite with lively music
JJ Hough’s is a great old-style Irish pub famous for its warm hospitality, traditional charm, and deep musical roots.
The pub features live music sessions and singalongs and a perfectly poured pint served in a space that feels like home.
Whether you are here for a drink or the vibrant entertainment, this pub guarantees you a completely unforgettable experience.
Besides the top-tier pint of Guinness, the pub offers some unique cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
JJ Hough’s is more than just a pub; it is a meeting place filled with warmth, music, and true Irish hospitality.
Address: JJ Hough’s Singing Pub, Main St, Curraghavarna And Portavolla, Banagher, Co. Offaly, R42 E240, Ireland
5. Charlie’s Bar, Co. Fermanagh – a masterclass in Ulster hospitality and smooth stout
Widely recognised across Ulster as a premier destination for stout lovers, Charlie’s Bar is a great place to be for a night out.
The atmosphere is fantastic with great craic, tasty pints, and live traditional music. Locals regard this traditional bar as a jewel for its great food, drinks, and unmatched hospitality.
It has earned top honours from visitors and pint reviewers for its quality of service and an atmosphere that is always welcoming.
The bartenders are friendly and very helpful, always serving an exceptionally smooth and creamy pint of Guinness.
It is the kind of quiet, family-friendly local pub where the quality of service speaks entirely for itself.
Address: 1 Church St, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 7DW, United Kingdom.
4. Tigh Neachtain, Co. Galway – Galway’s hidden gem for traditional music and good stout
Tigh Neachtain is a traditional Irish pub known for its welcoming atmosphere and live music sessions.
Located at the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, the pub attracts visitors seeking a genuine West of Ireland vibe.
The pub stocks a wide selection of drinks, including little-known craft beers, rare vintage whiskeys, and Scotch.
There is an outdoor sitting area where you can relax and socialise while enjoying the views of the bustling pedestrian streets.
Besides their highly rated pint of Guinness, Tigh Neachtain offers a locally sourced lunch menu freshly prepared in the pub’s kitchen.
Address: 17 Cross Street Upper, Galway, H91 F9F7, Ireland
3. The Crosskeys Inn, Co. Antrim – incredible pints beside an open turf fire
The Crosskeys Inn has a deserved reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s best traditional music pubs.
It is celebrated for its authentic, centuries-old charm and architectural aesthetic. Its stone floors, open turf fires, and low-slung ceilings create an ambiance modern designers cannot replicate.
The pub has a unique vibe that instantly sets the mood for a relaxed, cosy evening.
Despite its remote, rural location, locals and visitors flock to the venue for its incredible acoustic traditional music sessions and excellent pints.
Address: 40 Grange Rd, Toomebridge, Antrim BT41 3QB, United Kingdom
2. Matt Molloy’s, Co. Mayo – Westport’s home of world-class traditional music
Matt Molloy’s Bar is a traditional Irish music pub owned by the legendary flute player of the Grammy-winning band The Chieftains.
It is not surprising that the pub frequently overflows with visitors from all over the world. Matt Molloy’s is not just a spot to grab a pint, but the perfect venue to experience Irish music and hospitality.
The cosy and welcoming atmosphere draws both locals and tourists, who are looking for the best place to enjoy a well-poured pint of Guinness.
It is one of the most famous pubs in Ireland, which customers highly recommend for its exceptional service and authentic charm.
Address: Bridge St, Cahernamart, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
1. The Crane Bar, Co. Galway – the absolute holy grail for live music and stout
The Crane Bar is a favourite local pub known for its incredible live music and cosy traditional Irish atmosphere.
It consists of bars and live performance venues, making it the ultimate destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of traditional Irish culture.
Unlike some venues where music competes with shouting crowds, musicians here perform to a quiet, respectful audience, ensuring everyone hears the acoustic instruments perfectly.
Since the pub strictly functions as a traditional drinking spot that does not serve food, the drink quality is exceptionally high.
Customers frequently praise the pub for its unique musical heritage and authentic hospitality.
Address: 2 Sea Rd, Galway, H91 YP97, Ireland
