Here we round up the ten best Irish pubs in Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city.
Living in (or even visiting) Australia can make you feel a million miles away from home. Saying that with such dense amounts of Irish diaspora across the globe nowadays – and given the healthy numbers that live in Australia – you’ll never be too far from your fellow country folk.
Melbourne, a trendy city located on the east coast of the country, is home to thousands of Irish people, many of which have emigrated to Australia and even more who share in Irish heritage.
Now, Melbourne may be some 17,213 kilometres (10,696 miles) from the Emerald Isle but if you’re looking to feel a little closer to home check out these ten best Irish pubs in Melbourne.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Irish pubs in Melbourne
- As you will see below, there are plenty of Irish pubs to choose from in Melbourne! So, do your research, see what suits you best, and head to the pub for an Irish experience away from home.
- If you are in Irish bars, then try some of the Irish beers. You have your traditional pint of Guinness, but you may also get drinks like Smithwick’s or Murphy’s.
- A lot of Irish bars in Melborune will include live traditional Irish music, and it is also will have on offer some traditional Irish food, so you will get a full cultural experience.
- A great time to visit an Irish bar in Melbourne would be when a huge Irish sporting event is on, such as the All-Ireland Football final, or an Irish soccer or rugby game.
- Lastly, talk with the locals and friendly bar staff. Find out more about how the bar works, the Irish diaspora, and the Australian people who frequent the bar, too.
10. P.J. O’Brien’s – the lively Irish pub
If you want a vibrant Irish pub which embraces the twee and throws in a side of good craic, too, check out P.J. O’Brien’s.
This is the type of place that lets loose on Paddy’s Day or for any reasonably significant sports match.
It’s silly and loose and you’re always bound to have some night in P.J. O’Brien’s. They also do music nightly for those of you looking for a trad-fix.
Address: Southgate, G14 / 15 / 16/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
9. The Fifth Province Irish Bar & Restaurant – the Irish pub with atmosphere
The Fifth Province is a classic Irish bar which excels in atmosphere and ambience. Intricately carved wood panelling, stone-work and mosaic, wooden furniture and classic pub screens which offer a level of intimacy, denote the décor.
This spot is perfect for Irish expats who want to brush shoulders with locals over a Guinness or two.
Address: 3/60 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
8. The Irish Times Pub – the traditional pub
The Irish Times Pub is located in the heart of the city’s Central Business District (CBD). As if lifted right out of Ireland, this pub nails traditional pub décor.
A wrap-around bar is teamed with old-school stools. Wood finishes and roaring fires offer cosy elements to this venue that is certainly one of the best Irish pubs in Melbourne.
This is the kind of Irish pub which has that living room type vibe, and the food tastes like home too.
Address: 427 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
7. Seamus O’Toole – the out-of-the-city Irish pub
Located in Wantirna South about 30 minutes outside of the city is this little neighbourhood gem. Seamus O’Toole is your classic Irish pub.
It offers warm welcomes with long-standing staff, and it is the type of place where you can pop in for some grub of dance the night away; it is an all in one.
Address: 2215/509 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South VIC 3152, Australia
6. Bridie O’Reilly’s – the original Irish pub
Bridie O’Reilly’s promotes itself as the original Irish pub. The building façade (which is quite grand) may not reflect that of a quaint Irish bar, but it does have a killer beer garden and it is a popular hangout for Irish expats and the trendy Melbourne crowd.
Expect daily specials, happy hours and loose nights at Bridie O’Reilly’s – one of the best Irish pubs in Melbourne!
Address: 462 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
5. Jimmy O’Neill’s – the whiskey-lovers Irish pub
For those of you craving a top Melbourne pub with a killer whiskey selection, this one is for you!
This spot, which is located in the all-too-cool locale of St Kilda, promises to be booming with bodies seven nights a week and has an awesome line-up of locals musicians nightly.
Address: 154-156 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
4. The Last Jar – the no-frills Irish pub and restaurant
Step inside this Melbourne pub and restaurant and you’ll feel transported back to the Emerald Isle.
This is a simple, no-frills kind of place where the “black stuff” (a.k.a. Guinness) flows freely and banter comes by the bucket load.
Hefty portions of freshly made Irish-European dishes are one of the main draws to this joint, so keep an eye on its social media for daily specials.
Address: 616 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
3. The Quiet Man Irish Pub – the award-winning venue
If you’re looking for somewhere to let your hair down, have some craic with Melbourne locals and Irish expats, The Quiet Man Irish Pub in Melbourne is for you.
It’s always a party at The Quiet Man, so expect to get your dancing shoes on and experience the closest thing to Irish hospitality on the other side of the globe.
Address: 271 Racecourse Rd, Flemington VIC 3031, Australia
READ MORE: Check out where The Quiet Man Irish Pub ranks on our list of the 30 best Irish pubs in the world
2. Paddy’s Tavern – the warm and friendly pub
Paddy’s Tavern, like Seamus O’Toole, is located a bit outside of the city, about a half-hour drive from the city centre. This community watering hole is family-owned and offers a warm atmosphere for pub-goers.
With live music and Guinness on tap, this has got to be one of the best Irish pubs in Melbourne.
Address: 34 Forest Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Australia
1. The Drunken Poet – the arts and entertainment Irish pub
The Drunken Poet is a top Irish pub in Melbourne which perfectly walks the line between being vibrant and exciting (with a schedule of live poetry, music, entertainment) without being over the top or twee.
It was even listed as one of the 10 Best Irish Pubs In The World (Outside Ireland by The Irish Times and was the only Irish pub in Australia to make it onto the list.
Simply put: The Drunken Poet is a home away from home.
Address: 65 Peel St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia
Your questions answered about the best Irish pubs in Melbourne
After reading our article, you may still have some questions. Not to worry, we have you covered! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best Irish pubs in Melbourne from our readers and from online.
Where can I hear Irish music in Melbourne?
Any of these ten Irish pubs in Melbourne that we have listed will play Irish music. The best spot is arguably The Drunken Poet.
What is the highest Irish owned pub?
The highest Irish owned pub is Paddy’s Irish Pub in Cusco, sitting at 11,156 feet (3,400 metres) high.
What city has the most Irish bars?
Being the capital, Dublin is the city with the most Irish bars. In 2022, it was recorded as having 775 pubs.
Why do Irish people live in Melbourne?
Melbourne is often described as the most ‘European’ of Australian cities, and has historical links to the Irish.
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