Splitting the G just made the No1. pub challenge, but the real winner here are the visitors to these amazing Irish pubs.
Pub challenges have been around since public houses starting trading; in fact, arguably one of the oldest is the ‘Yard of Ale’ challenge, which dates back to the 17th century.
Splitting the G has been around for the last ten years or more and is one of Ireland’s most talked-about modern pub challenges because of its sheer difficulty.
However, the real excitement is really about trying this challenge out with good friends, a great atmosphere and a well-poured pint in one of Ireland’s legendary watering holes.
5. The Harbour Bar, Co. Wicklow – where traditional music itself, splits the G
Visitors from all over the world flock to this legendary bar for its traditional Irish folk music and inviting décor. This seaside bar on 1 Strand Rd, in Bray, County Wicklow, is renowned for its great-tasting stout, each pint served traditionally with a steady hand.
Folk can’t go wrong with the choice of food in the Harbour Bar either, with a fantastic array of seafood to choose from, along with good old homemade Irish heartwarming favourites.
Address: 1 Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 D308, Ireland
4. Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden, Co. Galway – sport, food and good vibes
Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden can be found on 7 Dominick St Upper in Galway, and whether you are placing a small wager on splitting the G or on your favourite sports team at this legendary meeting place, you can be sure of a memorable visit.
Few places receive more thumbs up than Taylor’s Bar for their delicious range of pub food to their thirst-quenching pints of black gold, where every drop that’s poured is poured with love and attention every time.
Address: s Westend, 7 Dominick St Upper, Galway, H91 RP48, Ireland
3. The Welcome Inn, Co. Cork – where food is debated and pints are shared
The Welcome Inn, established in 1845, is the ideal place to conquer the split the G pint challenge while philosophising over the exact way to do it.
The legendary Inn dedicates itself to pouring flawless stouts and the deliberate choice not to sell food means there’s nothing to distract from serving the perfect pint.
As one of the city’s oldest and last remaining traditional pubs, its dark-wood bar, antique brass taps, and friendly atmosphere have made The Welcome Inn a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors seeking both a masterfully poured pint and a bit of banter.
Address: 24 Parnell Pl, Centre, Cork, T12 HV2X, Ireland
2. The Harbour Bar, Co. Dublin – salty sea air outside & travellers’ tales inside
Nestled at 18 Church Street in the picturesque Howth fishing village is The Harbour Bar. Established in 1740, it masters the art of pouring the perfect pint by hand using a slow, two-part pour to achieve the ideal balance of rich, dark liquid and creamy head.
The bartenders follow time-honoured techniques, settling the beer mid-pour and topping it gently. This ensures every serving has a velvety texture and an inviting finish.
After nearly three centuries of welcoming sailors, international travellers, artists, and locals alike, this village landmark has earned legendary status for its unwavering consistency, cosy maritime charm, and the countless cliff-hanging tales shared over its bar.
Address: 18 Church St, Howth, Dublin, D13 V048, Ireland
1. The Celt Bar, Co. Dublin – the legendary pub with the perfect pint
Established in 1898, the Celt pub at 81 Talbot Street, topping this list, still pours every pint through its original brass taps and over a gleaming mahogany bar, ensuring the perfect ratio of dark liquid to creamy head.
The seasoned bartenders here use a slow, deliberate pull-and-settle technique that produces a remarkably smooth, velvety pint every time.
With over a century of service under its belt, this Dublin landmark has become legendary for its unwavering consistency and warm, convivial atmosphere—truly a living emblem of Ireland’s proud pub tradition.
Address: 81 Talbot St, North City, Dublin, D01 YK51, Ireland
FAQs – quick answers for travelling pub culture fans
What does splitting the G mean exactly?
It usually means drinking from a pint glass so the liquid line finishes through the “G” on the glass.
Is splitting the G an official Irish tradition?
No. It is more of a modern social challenge than a formal tradition.
Should everyone try splitting the G?
No. Only people of legal drinking age should take part, and always responsibly.
Whether you split the G with careful precision or get very close, the Irish pub memories that really last are not found in the pint glass alone.
They are found in the thousand welcomes, the laughter, and the banter you share. Legendary Irish pubs are legendary because it is good folk like you that make them so!
