The island of Ireland is famous for many things. It’s warm welcome, its magical castles, incredible landscapes and gorgeous blue seas. We are also known throughout the world for our traditional (Trad) music, & Guinness both of which can be found in the many pubs of Ireland, in our colourful towns and rural areas and villages, our Islands & Vibrant cities….You may think you have been to every type of pub imaginable but Ireland has some unique pubs to visit. Ancient thatch pubs, pubs that double up as an undertakers and fabulous old traditional pubs hidden away in sleepy towns and villages. When it comes to Craic (fun), Culture and Ceoil (music), Ireland’s pubs are the place to be.
We eagerly await the day when the pubs of Ireland re open on July 20th, but for now grab a virtual stool, get comfortable and let me share some of the best pubs of Ireland…….
The Palace Bar Dublin
Hands down my favourite bar in Dublin City. I was the first female bartender at the Palace back when I was a student in Cathal Brugha Street and have so many wonderful memories of this city center bar -both sides of the counter! It is full of character, charming and homely and yes, serves a great pint of Guinness too! Built in 1823, it has been operating as a bar since. It has been a local for many famous Irish writers over the years and the famous lamp-posts outside even pay tribute to them…
The Crosskeys Inn Co Antrim
This is Irelands oldest thatched pub and famous traditional music venue. A traditional Irish pub dating back to 1654 the Crosskeys is approximately 30 minutes from Belfast. Located centrally in the North of Ireland just north of Lough Neagh and approximately 1 hour drive from the Causeway Coastal route makes it the perfect destination for all visitors to Northern Ireland. With stone floors, uneven walls and low ceilings, it really is an authentic Irish pub!
Seans Bar, County West Meath
Situated in the Heart of Ireland halfway between Dublin and Galway, (great stop for this drive across the country) Sean’s Bar plays host to visitors from all around the world. Whether absorbing the history, listening to music, visiting with friends and family or simply enjoying the perfect pint, the appeal is equally strong for everyone. Listed in both “25 of the Most Incredible Bars in the World” and “50 Bars to Blow Your Mind” by Lonely Planet, a visit to Sean’s is a must!
Joe Watty’s Bar on the Aran Islands
Joe Wattys Bar & Seafood Restaurant is a welcoming local Aran islands bar with good food, music & craic located just a short walk from the pier in Kilronan village. A wide selection of craft beers, wines and whiskeys are available at the bar where you might also learn a cúpla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals. Live music is core to what Joe Wattys is about and there is live traditional Irish music seven nights a week in the summer season with ballads and tunes in the evenings and anything from Trad, Country, Folk to Blues later on, indeed that are very proud to be listed by Lonely Planet in the Top 10 pubs in Ireland for Traditional Music.
Johnnie Fox’s Pub, Glencullen Co Dublin
Johnnie Fox’s is famed as the “highest pub in Ireland”. The setting of Johnnie Fox’s is just like you have been invited to a 19th century rural Irish home, with food and service to 21st century standards. Whether you are looking to simply enjoy a pint, to get a glimpse of ‘old Ireland’, to enjoy a tasty meal, to enjoy the unique Irish atmosphere, or to witness a spectacular cultural show, listen to some traditional Irish music, Johnnie Fox’s most definitely has something for you. Great visit for a trip outside the city and there is a shuttle bus to and from the city center
Kehoes Dublin
This is an award winning traditional Irish pub in the heart of Dublin. You can view stained glass mahogany doors, old Irish snugs (a real favourite of mine), partitions and the entire homely feel throughout the pub – and its home to a great pint! If you are looking for the quintessential pub then this is the place to go. The bar today was completed towards the end of the 19th century and of typical Victorian style
Kellys Cellars Belfast
If you’re looking for a laid-back venue rich in history, local produce and craic choose Kelly’s Cellars in Belfast. You’ll find mid-week trad music sessions and in the summer months you will find live bands at the weekends. Must stop on a visit to Belfast City
Mc Cathy’s Co Tipperary
Not your typical pub McCarthy’s in operates as a pub, restaurant and undertaker. “We wine you, dine you and bury you” is their slogan. Unusual to say the least. It is one of Ireland oldest unchanged pubs that has not changed its interior since the original owners of 1840. It is well worth a visit and if you have doubts as to whether there is an undertaker just ask the owner who will show you the evidence.
Kate Kearney’s Cottage Co Kerry
Nestled at the entrance to the world-famous Gap of Dunloe lies Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment. The pub/restaurant is the perfect way to end a day’s sightseeing washed down with apparently the finest pint in the kingdom of Kerry. Great history with this bar, Kate was quite the business lady in her day and a legend in the area, it was here that she distilled her famous “poitin”
Brays Pub Co Meath
My first ever job (at 15 years young!) was in this traditional pub in Co Meath. It is one of the oldest pubs in Meath having had a liquor licence for over 160 years in the 1850’s. It is located in the picturesque village of Fordstown which is just up the road from where I grew up. It is still a popular establishment for the friendly locals and visitors with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and of course in the winter months the large open fire and traditional Irish music on Sunday mornings make it the perfect place to pull up a bar stool.
O’ Connors Pub Co Meath
Situated in the heritage town of Kells Co Meath is O Connors. It also happens to be my brother’s pub. Great bar with live music at weekends and a friendly atmosphere…..Great place to meet the locals!
The list of pubs could go on with over 7000 pubs on the island but I hope to have given you a taste of a few. As you can see no trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to an Irish pub. Not necessarily just for a pint of Guinness or an Irish whiskey. It is here you will find the unique characters of the local areas and you will hear the tall tales and hidden secrets. It is here you will have the greatest craic of all and you will hear some of the greatest traditional music. If music is your thing you might even be asked to join in.
Katie Daly’s Ireland looks forward to welcoming you back to the warmth and embrace of the Irish pub #WhenWeTravelAgain.
Contact us now to plan your trip to Ireland!
