After spending a significant portion of my life in Glasgow, I’ve compiled a list of the ten best Irish bars in the city based on my personal experiences.
Glasgow, with its lively nightlife and rich cultural vibe, is a city that knows how to enjoy a good time.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Irish bar, you’re in luck. From cosy corners with traditional music to bustling spots filled with sports fans, Glasgow’s Irish pubs offer something for everyone.
Having spent countless evenings exploring these gems, I’ve put together a personal ranking of my top ten best Irish bars Glasgow.
Along the way, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about these great spots.
10. O’Neill’s (Merchant City) – for sports and Irish charm
Located in Merchant Square, O’Neill’s is the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts.
This bar combines the best of Irish charm with a love for sports, making it an ideal location to catch the latest games. Whether you are a football fanatic or a rugby enthusiast, O’Neill’s provides the perfect setting for those who love sports.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the selection of Irish beers and wines ensures there is something for everyone.
One of the standout features of O’Neill’s is its spacious interior, which can accommodate large groups, making it a great place for social gatherings. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that every visit feels better than the last.
Address: 71-73 Albion St, Glasgow G1 1NY
9. Grace’s (Merchant City) – a top Glasgow sports bar
Grace’s is another great sports bar and another great place in Merchant City for any big game, especially Celtic Games or pre-match pints.
The interior of Grace’s is modern, with lots of TVs, so you are guaranteed to get a good view of the game. However, although there are lots of seats, be sure to arrive early as it gets packed quickly, and you will end up standing – I’ve done this many times.
The bar is a popular choice for Celtic fans before games and always offers a great atmosphere. They have regular live music and lots of famous Celtic Legends such as Neil Lennon have visited.
Address: 16 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1LD
8. Brazen Head (Gorbals) – the best Irish pub for Celtic fans
Probably the most well-known Celtic bar in Glasgow, the Brazen Head is the place to be for an incredible match-day atmosphere.
Otherwise known as the Gorbals, this pub is renowned for its electric atmosphere on game days, making it the perfect spot to connect with fellow supporters.
The interior is adorned with Celtic memorabilia, creating a haven for fans of the team.
The Brazen Head is more than just a sports bar; it’s a place where fans can come together and share their passion for Celtic.
Whether you are a die-hard Celtic fan or just curious to see what a proper Celtic bar is like, the Brazen Head is a must-visit spot.
Address: 1-3 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 7BE
7. Molly Malones (City Centre) – for a relaxed atmosphere and traditional Irish live music
Molly Malones provides a wholesome Irish experience with excellent food (make sure to check out the Irish stew), live music, and Guinness.
More of a restaurant bar than the rest of the pubs on the list, Molly Malones offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day.
What makes Molly Malones stand out is its focus on creating a welcoming environment for all. So, it had to make the list of best Irish bars in Glasgow!
Whether you are there to enjoy the music, watch a Celtic match, or simply relax with friends, this bar has something for everyone.
The food menu is extensive, offering a variety of traditional Irish dishes that perfectly complement the drinks.
Address: 224 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2UG
6. Waxy O’Connor’s (City Centre) – quirky interior with multiple levels
Waxy O’Connor’s (Waxy’s) offers a breathtaking Irish pub experience with intricate woodwork and stained glass.
The maze-like structure of the bar adds to its charm, making it a must-visit for beer lovers in Glasgow. Meanwhile, the multiple levels and hidden nooks create one of the most unique Irish bars in Glasgow.
The attention to detail in the interior design of Waxy O’Connor’s is remarkable. Every corner of the bar tells a story, from the beautifully crafted woodwork to the stunning stained-glass windows.
This bar is not just a place to drink; it’s an experience that transports you to a different world. Whether you are exploring the different levels or enjoying a pint with friends, Waxy O’Connor’s never fails to impress.
Address: 44 W George St, Glasgow G2 1DH
5. Tolbooth (Merchant City) – for a proper old-school pub with friendly locals
The Tolbooth is famous for its budget-friendly prices (hard to beat), welcoming locals, and old-school setting.
This bar offers a glimpse into the past, with its traditional décor and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy a cracking pint of Guinness and what it truly feels like to be a local in Glasgow.
One of the key highlights of the Tolbooth is its community of friendly locals who are always ready to strike up a conversation. If you want to experience the true essence of Glasgow, the Tolbooth is the place to be.
Address: 11 Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5NA
4. Connolly’s (Merchant City) – for an authentic Irish pub experience
Connolly’s is renowned for its traditional Irish pub feel, reminiscent of Donegal. This bar offers a wide variety of Irish whiskeys, making it a haven for whisky enthusiasts.
The interior is cosy and inviting, with a warm atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
What sets Connolly’s apart is its dedication to creating an authentic Irish pub experience. From the décor to the drinks menu, every detail has been carefully curated to ensure that patrons feel like they are in Ireland.
The bar staff are knowledgeable about the different whiskeys on offer and are always ready to make recommendations.
Address: 45 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1NX
3. Malone’s Irish Bar (City Centre) – for traditional Irish music and a vibrant atmosphere
Known for its lively atmosphere and live Irish music sessions, Malone’s is an extremely popular spot for Glasgow locals on Saturday night.
The live music at Malone’s is one of its main attractions. Every week they have a lineup of top local musicians who play Irish music and create an electric atmosphere that keeps people coming back every week.
Whether you are there to dance the night away or simply enjoy the music, Malone’s has something for everyone. So, it’s certainly one of the best Irish bars in Glasgow.
Address: 57-59 Sauchiehall Ln, Glasgow G2 4AB
2. Jinty McGuinty’s (West End) – Aston Lane’s best boozer
Jinty McGuinty’s is famous for its vibrant, lively crowd and popular outdoor seating area. This bar offers a great atmosphere for socialising, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The bar is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends. Thus, making it a great place to meet new people and enjoy a fun night out.
The beer garden area is a major draw, especially during sunny days (when they happen in Glasgow), providing a great spot to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 29 Ashton Ln, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SJ
1. Kitty O’Shea’s (City Centre) – for a genuine Irish experience
Kitty O’Shea’s tops my list of the best bars in Glasgow as it has everything you want from an Irish pub – beautiful décor, great Guinness, live music nights, and friendly, welcoming staff and regulars.
The only thing this Waterloo Street pub doesn’t do is serve food (it used to years ago but now only serves drinks). The pub had a recent renovation after taking over a former pub upstairs and turning the pub into a massive venue.
The live music here is the main attraction – every night out is an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Address: 15 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6AY
Other notable mentions
Bar 67 (Gallowgate): Known for its vibrant atmosphere on the match day with Celtic games combined with friendly locals, and reasonable beer prices, Bar 67 is a great spot for those looking to enjoy a lively atmosphere and meet new people.
Murphy’s (Merchant City): Offers friendly service and a great selection of Irish beers. Murphy’s is renowned for its friendly service and extensive drinks menu, making it a great spot for a night out.
Gallagher’s (City Centre): A new bar in town after a change of ownership and a recent renovation, Gallagher’s is great for live music and reasonably priced drinks. Gallagher’s also offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a relaxed night out with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about the best Irish bars in Glasgow
Which Irish bar in Glasgow is best for watching sports?
Grace’s and O’Neill’s are both among the best Irish bars for watching sports events. The good thing about them is that they are close by. So, if you don’t get a seat at one, you have a good chance you will get a seat at the other.
Where can I find a relaxed Irish bar atmosphere in Glasgow?
Waxy O’Connor’s probably has the most laid-back environment with its intricate woodwork and cosy ambience.
Molly Malones also has a relaxed atmosphere, offering traditional Irish music, excellent food, and Guinness. It’s a lot less rowdy than other Irish pubs, especially during Celtic matches.
Which Irish bar in Glasgow is popular among Celtic fans?
The Brazen Head is the go-to pub for Celtic fans, known for its lively and vibrant match-day atmosphere. Bar 67 follows closely behind.
Which Irish bar in Glasgow has a quirky interior?
Waxy O’Connor’s stands out with its intricate woodwork and stained glass, offering a unique pub experience with its maze-like structure.
Where can I enjoy live Irish music in Glasgow?
Malone’s Irish Bar is a great spot for live Irish music sessions, known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s especially popular on Saturday nights.
What is the toughest pub in Glasgow?
None of the bars on this list would be dangerous to go to. Some might argue that The Brazen Head would be the toughest pub on this list, but that would be a matter of opinion.
I don’t believe any pub on this list would be among the toughest pubs in Glasgow.
What are the best streets in Glasgow for bars?
The best streets for bars in Glasgow are probably Ashton Lane and Argyle Street (Finnieston area). These areas are packed with a variety of pubs, bars, and restaurants.
What is the oldest bar in Glasgow?
The Scotia Bar, established in 1792, is one of the oldest pubs in Glasgow and offers a rich history alongside its traditional pub experience.
Which areas in Glasgow are considered rough?
Certain parts of Glasgow, such as some areas in the East End and parts of the South Side, have reputations for being rough. However, all the pubs mentioned in this list are very safe.
