Irish pubs are an important part of the country’s culture and are renowned for being places that are always friendly and fun. Read on to discover the top drinking hole from every county of Ireland.
There are over 7000 pubs in Ireland, so it’s not an understatement to say that Irish pubs are popular, both for the locals and for the tourists who come to the Emerald Isle.
It is where the magic happens; friends laughing, strangers cobbled together, the best of the pints downed, and Irish music dominating the atmosphere. There truly is no place like the Irish pub.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 32 Irish pubs which we believe make up the best pubs in Ireland to visit per county.
1. Antrim – Kelly’s Cellars
It’s one of the oldest traditional Irish pubs in Belfast and is the perfect spot for excellent pints of Guinness and delicious Irish stew. This is one of the best bars in Northern Ireland that many celebrities have been to.
Address: 30-32 Bank St, Belfast BT1 1HL
2. Armagh – Courthouse Bar
The Courthouse Bar has a wide variety of beers, wines, cocktails and great food.
Address: 46 William St, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 6JB
3. Carlow – Tully’s Bar
Tully’s Bar is a spacious and stylish pub which is perfectly located in the Carlow town centre.
Address: 148-149 Tullow St, Graigue, Carlow, R93 W243, Ireland
4. Cavan – Fox’s Bar and Restaurant
This pub is renowned for its tasty and fresh home-cooked food.
Address: Main St, Beckscourt, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan, Ireland
5. Clare – Gus O’Connor’s Pub
This pub is a famous listening venue in the heart of the coastal village of Doolin.
Address: Fisher St, Ballyvara, Doolin, Co. Clare, V95 FY67, Ireland
6. Cork – Sin É
‘Sin É’ – means ‘this is it’ in Gaelic, and is a perfectly suited name for this pub because if you are looking for a great pub, then this is it.
With its central location, you are within walking distance from all the best places to eat and drink in Cork City. This is certainly one of the best pubs in Ireland.
Address: 8 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 KF5N, Ireland
7. Derry – Peadar O’Donnell’s
This pub in Derry City is famed for its great pints of Guinness and its performances of both conventional and contemporary music.
Address: 63 Waterloo St, Derry BT48 6HD
8. Donegal – The Singing Pub
The Singing Pub, true to its name, hosts an amazing amount of musical talent.
Address: Unnamed Road, Mevagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland
9. Down – The Maghera Inn
The Maghera Inn, due to its location, is a great place to enjoy a quiet pint after a day of adventuring.
Address: 86 Ballyloughlin Rd, Castlewellan BT31 9HE
10. Dublin – The Gravediggers
The Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin is commonly regarded as having the best pint of Guinness in Dublin.
Address: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin, D09 CF72, Ireland
11. Fermanagh – Blakes of the Hollow
Blakes of the Hollow is one of the best-known Victorian pubs in Ireland and has been running for over 125 years. Sit back with a perfect pint or a stunning Irish coffee while listening to fantastic Irish music sessions.
Address: 6 Church St, Enniskillen BT74 7EJ
12. Galway – O’Connell’s Bar
O’Connells is a major sporting pub and is the perfect place to catch a game in the city!
Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway, H91 FT22, Ireland!
13. Kerry – Foxy Johns
Foxy John’s is one of the most unique pubs in Ireland, as it’s both a hardware store and a pub in the heart of Dingle.
Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 PD6F, Ireland
14. Kildare – Kavanaghs
Kavanaghs is situated ideally in the middle of Naas town and has something to offer every customer.
Address: 10 S Main St, Naas East, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 ANP2, Ireland
15. Kilkenny – Kytelers Inn
Kytelers Inn was established in 1263 by Dame Alice de Kyteler, who is famous for being the first person to be condemned for witchcraft in Ireland.
Address: St Kieran’s St, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
16. Laois – Morrissey’s Pub
Morrisey’s Pub has a unique interior which can bring you back in time to when it used to be a Grocery.
Address: Main St, Knocknamoe, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, Ireland
17. Leitrim – Murtagh’s Bar
Murtagh’s Bar makes for a great night with friends with entertainment across three floors. This is a unique old-world pub in County Leitrim that is well worth visiting.
Address: 4 Park Dr, Townparks, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 DX92, Ireland
18. Limerick – Dolan’s
The perfect place for those wishing to enjoy some great pints and dance to live music.
Address: V94 PD79, 4 St Alphonsus St, Limerick, V94 NTV7, Ireland
19. Longford – Duignan’s Tallyho
An institution in Longford, Duignan’s Tallyho offers excellent pints in cosy and relaxing surroundings.
Address: New St, Deanscurragh, Longford, Ireland
20. Louth – The Glyde Inn
This traditional Irish pub has recently achieved much success at the Irish Pub Awards.
Address: Main Street, Linns, Annagassan, Co. Louth, Ireland
21. Mayo – Matt Molloy’s
This is widely regarded as one of the best pubs not only in Mayo but also in Ireland for live traditional Irish music.
Address: Bridge St, Cahernamart, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
22. Meath – James O’Connell
This pub is instantly recognisable as it was featured in the popular Guinness Christmas ad.
Address: Skreen, Co. Meath, C15 EY76, Ireland
23. Monaghan – Terry’s Bar
Terry’s Bar was established in 1981 and can be found in the heart of Monaghan town.
Address: 6 Market St, Mullaghmonaghan, Monaghan, H18 WR53, Ireland
24. Offaly – The Thatch Crinkill
This pub has been owned by the same family for over 200 years and offers a traditional Irish welcome.
Address: Military Rd, Ballinree, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
25. Roscommon – Andersons Thatch Pub
Andersons, or “The Thatch” as it’s referred to locally, is a pub full of great historical interest.
Address: Elphin Road, Ballindrehid, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
26. Sligo – Hargadon’s
With its old stone floors and panelled snugs, going to this pub is a trip back in time.
Address: O’Connell St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, Ireland
27. Tipperary – McCarthy’s
A pub that doubles as an undertakers is too intriguing not to visit! This is one of the best pubs in Ireland purely for its quirky charm.
Address: 17 Main St, Spitalfield, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 HP86, Ireland
28. Tyrone – O’Connor’s Restaurant and Bar
This new pub has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its excellent quality food and service.
Address: 48 Main St, Dromore, Omagh BT78 3AD
29. Waterford – Geoff’s Bar
Geoff’s is an old-school pub that oozes charm and class.
Address: 9 John St, Waterford, X91 WP98, Ireland
30. Westmeath – Sean’s Bar
The oldest bar in Ireland is located in County Westmeath and is the pride and joy of Athlone Town.
Address: 13 Main St, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 DW76, Ireland
31. Wexford – The Sky and The Ground
Besides being reasonably priced, there is also live music from local bands and great craft beers to enjoy.
Address: 112 S Main St, Whitewell, Wexford, Y35 C65F, Ireland
32. Wicklow – The Harbour Bar
An old-school Irish pub full of character that is said to be immortalised in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake.
Address: 1 Strand Rd, Ravenswell, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Other notable mentions
The Brazen Head, Dublin: Not only is this pub one of the best bars in Dublin for live music, it is among the oldest in Ireland and the likes of Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell would hang out here.
The Duke of York, Antrim: A famous pub down a beautiful cobbled lane in Belfast City, this is one popular spot you don’t want to miss.
Teach Hiúdaí Beag, Donegal: County Donegal is a must on anyone’s Irish Bucket List and at this pub, you’ll find some of Ireland’s best traditional music sessions.
Crosskeys Inn, Antrim: This is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and is well worth a visit for delicious pints and a cosy atmosphere.
De Barra’s Folk Club, Cork: Located in Clonakilty, this popular music spot has hosted every Irish folk musician you can think of from Christy Moore to Damien Dempsey.
Tigh Neachtain’s, Galway: Located in the heart of Galway City, Tigh Neachtain’s is an all-wood, cosy pub that oozes Irish charm.
FAQs about the best pubs in Ireland
Which county in Ireland has the most pubs?
County Cork has the most pubs in Ireland at 955.
How much is a pint of Guinness in Ireland?
The average price of a pint around the country is around €5 but could rise to anything between €7-8.
How many pubs are there in Ireland?
The island of Ireland is home to over 7,000 pubs which all offer you a unique and memorable experience.
