From a student hotspot to award-winning venues, here are the ten best pubs in Carlow.
Located in the Province of Leinster, Carlow is a thousand-year-old settlement that once served a term as the capital of Ireland (circa fourteenth-century).
Nowadays, it is known for being home to numerous hidden gems, such as the oldest working bridge in Europe (Leighlinbridge) and the oldest Catholic college in Ireland (St Patrick’s College).
An excellent choice for short breaks, Carlow’s hospitality industry continues to prove popular with locals and tourists alike.
Read on for our list of the ten best pubs in Carlow.
10. Reddy’s of Carlow – Carlow’s oldest family-run pub
The site of Carlow’s longest family-run pub and restaurant (established in 1768) has been many things in its time: an eighteenth-century inn, stables, a malting company, a potato house, and, in the 1930s, an undertakers.
Today, it offers traditional food and drink alongside live sports and music, and plays hosts to a variety of parties and events (for up to one hundred people).
Address: 67 Tullow St, Carlow, R93 FN44, Ireland
9. Dinn Rí Bar – for an award-winning venue
The premises of this decorated pub is also home to an exclusive nightclub, function room, terraced garden, and café bar.
With its stunning French décor and luxurious lighting features, this bar is a must for those looking to down a pint or two whilst enjoying live music and sports coverage.
Address: Tullow St, Graigue, Carlow, Ireland
8. O’Loughlin’s Bar – great for all ages
One of the best pubs in Carlow, this bar offers craft beers and wines alongside live music and sports.
In addition to its large beer garden and smoking area, it also boasts a games room, complete with a jukebox, poker machine, foosball table, and two pool tables.
Address: 53 Dublin St, Graigue, Carlow, R93 R221, Ireland
7. The Tara Arms Bar and Seasons Restaurant – for a twist on modern Irish Cuisine
Three-time winner of the Carlow ‘Black and White Pub of the Year’ award, this bar is furnished in an ‘Olde World’ style with two open fires and a back bar made out of mahogany.
Offering a diverse menu suitable for various ages and occasions, this is easily one of the best pubs in Carlow!
Address: Tara Arms, Church Street, Tullow, Co. Carlow, R93 T6K9, Ireland
6. Carpe Diem – Carlow’s hidden gem
Another three-time winner, this time of the ‘County Carlow Pub of the Year’ award, this Georgian-style building, complete with open fires, previously acted as a bank and RTÉ regional office.
Said to serve the best pint of Guinness in Carlow, its extensive menu includes a wide selection of world-class Irish gins and whiskeys.
Address: Court Pl, Graigue, Carlow, Ireland
5. The Irishman’s Bar – a famous watering hole
This authentic bar, popular amongst locals, was previously the Nolan’s Railway Hotel where famous Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, stayed as a guest (1918).
Nowadays, it is a popular pub that showcases live sports and accepts bookings for a variety of events.
Address: College St, Graigue, Carlow, Ireland
4. Joyce’s Pub Borris – one of the top best pubs in Carlow
This traditional family-run pub boasts strong sporting associations with golf, horse-racing, and Gaelic games.
Alongside providing live music at the weekends, this quirky pub also features an old bar and grocery counter out front!
Address: Main St, Knocknagundarragh, Borris, Co. Carlow, Ireland
3. Tully’s Bar – Carlow’s ‘number one student bar’
Known for its craft beer, Tully’s Bar is the perfect spot in which to relax and sink a pint.
With a casual dress code and live music in the evenings, this spacious bar is arguably one of the ten best pubs in Carlow.
They also currently offer a ‘Click and Collect’ beer and cocktail takeaway service!
Address: 148-149 Tullow St, Graigue, Carlow, R93 W243, Ireland
2. The Thatch Bar – for a quality pint
One of Carlow town’s busiest pubs, this bar is favoured for its welcoming atmosphere.
It is also known to display live traditional music on Monday evenings, which is a hit amongst locals and visitors alike.
Address: 5 Maryborough St, Graiguecullen, Carlow, R93 H4F8, Ireland
1. Corcoran’s Bar – the oldest original bar in Carlow
This pub homes some of the best examples of hand-carved Victorian mahogany and ebony in the country.
Known for its wide variety of local and international craft beers and Irish whiskeys, Corcoran’s Bar tops our list of the best pubs in Carlow.
Address: Castle Hill, Graigue, Carlow, Ireland
