Fancy a pint on the UK mainland? Here we’ve rounded up the ten best Irish pubs in England.
England may be only across the pond from Ireland, separated by the Irish Sea, but when you’re there, you can feel a million miles away from home (Ireland).
With a closely connected and turbulent history, much of the Irish culture and its customs can be seen in England.
Should you be on the UK mainland, here are the ten best Irish pubs in England!
10. Shenanigans – for the best Guinness on the south coast
Shenanigans prides itself on serving the finest Guinness on the south coast of Britain, and we’re not going to argue with that!
This upbeat and quirky Irish pub offers an awesome selection of local Irish brews and whiskeys, an impressive breakfast selection (vegan and veggie options, too), and top-notch live music, making it the go-to Irish pub in Southsea.
This pub is one you can’t miss if you’re travelling England.
Address: 57 Osborne Rd, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3LS, UK
9. Raglan Road – the locals’ favourite
This Irish pub in Nottingham is a fine community affair. With live music, live sport, and an atmosphere in tune with what you would find on the Emerald Isle, it comes as no surprise that Raglan Road was nominated for “Best Irish Community Pub in the UK” in 2017.
Address: 69-73, Derby Rd, Nottingham NG1 5BA, UK
8. Philomena’s Irish Bar & Kitchen – the Irish sports pub
Located in London, Philomena’s Irish Bar & Kitchen is a home away from home for Irish sports fans and those keen to wash down several pints with solid pub grub.
They have tonnes of screens and three Sky boxes, too, ensuring no major game will be missed here.
Address: 40 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AA, UK
7. The Auld Shillelagh – the all-rounder
The Auld Shillelagh, also located in London, is one of the best Irish pubs in England. Founded in 1991, this long-standing venue on the city bar-scene is favoured by those who are keen for beer garden bevvies on a sunny day, after work pints or a place to watch the match.
This spot has received praise from pub critics across Ireland and the British Isles, and with such a hefty local following, The Auld Shillelagh must be doing something right.
Address: 105 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0UD, UK
6. O’Neill’s – the casual chain-pub
O’Neill’s is a chain of Irish pubs across the British Isles. Proudly promising authentic Irish vibes, these Irish bars are highly-rated across the board.
If you so happen to be in London, however, we vote you check out the O’Neill’s in King’s Cross. Now, O’Neill’s may have not invented the wheel, but what they do is solid Irish pub grub in a casual setting—and that is definitely something we can get on board with.
Address: 73-77 Euston Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 2QS, UK
5. The Porterhouse – the true Irish pub
The Porterhouse is one of the best Irish pubs in England, located in Covent Garden, London. The pub itself spawns from the Porterhouse Brewing Company, which is Ireland’s largest independent Irish brewery.
While it may not be as good as the Porterhouse pubs on the Emerald Isle, it is pretty damn decent for an Irish pub abroad. The space itself is large in size, set over numerous floors complete with a cocktail area, a Dingle Whiskey Bar, a sports TV area, and live music basement.
Address: 21-22, Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NA, UK
4. Ganley’s – the one for the craic
This lively Irish bar is located in Surrey. Whether you’re looking for after-work drinks or late-night shenanigans, this is the spot to be at. One thing Ganley’s does well is the craic.
Running since 2003, this family-run business nails the essence of true Irish hospitality.
Address: 43-47 London Rd, Morden SM4 5HP, UK
3. Blythe Hill Tavern – the Victorian Irish pub
This simple Irish pub is located in London. With cosy open fires and traditional Victorian pub décor, you’re bound to feel back on the Emerald Isle in this watering hole.
The spot is an award winner, too, having been voted “CAMRA South East London Pub of the Year” in 2012 and 2015, amongst other accolades. Stop by for a Guinness; they say it’s the best in London.
Address: 319 Stanstead Road, London, Greater London SE23 1JB, UK
2. Waxy O’Connor’s – the award-winning Irish pub
This mega-venue consists of four unique atmospheres over six separate levels making it one of the best Irish pubs in England.
Utterly Irish and with a world-class reputation, Waxy O’Connor’s has even been voted the “Irish Pub of the Year, Europe” in 2018 by the Irish Hospitality Global Awards.
Address: 14-16 Rupert St, London W1D 6DD, UK
1. The Faltering Fullback – the cool and quirky Irish pub
This Irish pub in London is a solid choice for those looking for something a little more alternative. Giving it 100% on design and décor, this is a fun spot to explore on a quiet day or enjoy on the weekends, equally.
Utterly eccentric, the classic Irish décor is punctuated by an authentic Asian street food menu, live acoustic music sessions, a killer beer garden, and live sports, too – all of which add up to make it one of the best Irish pubs in England.
Address: 19 Perth Rd, Stroud Green, London N4 3HB, UK
