WHAT MAKES A great pub? It’s like trying to pin down what makes a good boyfriend or girlfriend.
At the end of the day, you just know.
Here, in no particular order, is an incomplete list of must-visit pubs in Ireland. How many of their bars have you leaned against?
- O’Loclainn’s, Ballyvaughan
Tucked away down an unpromising-looking street is one of the best pubs in Ireland. It’s a small room with a stove, a few seats, and a phenomenal selection of whiskeys. Go there as soon as possible.
- Hi-B, Cork
Source: YouTube
Because mobiles are banned and it’s the size of your front room.
- O Riada’s, Kilkenny
Source: Shadowgate
Tiny, often crowded, strangely labyrinthine and plastered with local GAA announcements and other such community services. Needless to say, the Guinness is exceptional.
If O’Riada’s is full, Cleere’s a few doors down is also excellent.
- The Hatch Bar, Kildare
How many pubs do you know that are (a) this small and (b) right next to the canal? None, that’s how many. Perfection on a summer’s day.
Update: We’ve been informed that The Hatch has closed down. But DO NOT DESPAIR: McEvoys is literally just across the canal.
- Mulligan’s of Poolbeg St, Dublin
Source: infomatique
One of the many places reputed to serve the best Guinness in Ireland, Mulligans is among the last remaining big-name Dublin pubs that hasn’t been dressed up into something else. Pretty much the only concessions to modernity are the large TVs, presumably installed for the sole purpose of giving the barflies something to shout at.
- Tigh Neachtain’s, Galway
Source: Barnacles Hostels
Great stout, great snugs, open fires and just enough music to give you something to listen to. But not too much.
Neachtains also has excellent tables outside for people-watching in summer.
- O’Connells, Portobello, Dublin
Source: Keo the Younger
Drawing a strangely mixed crowd of venerable regulars and Portobello hipsters, O’Connells is an unusual (and great) place. If you’re lucky you’ll get table service, and on very special nights landlord Eddie gets out the karaoke machine.
- O’Shea’s, Borris
Source: James Fennell Photography
The interior of O’Shea’s is basically a museum. Think of it not as drinking, but as cultural enrichment. And thank your lucky stars they didn’t go nuts during the Celtic Tiger and replace it with a superpub.
- The Long Hall, Dublin
Source: peterme
Beautiful Victorian interiors AND a great pint AND some of the best bar staff in Dublin. If it’s good enough for Rihanna, it’s good enough for you.
- Nancy’s, Ardara
Source: sludgegulper
Nancy’s has been owned by the McHugh family for seven generations. Eat the smoked mackerel on toast, have a pint, watch the regulars betting on the horses on the big family TV in the front room. Done.
- Downes, Waterford
Source: johnanthonyloftus
Founded in 1759 and they STILL have a sign demanding that mobile phones be turned off. Oh, also they bottle their own whiskey. Try it.
- Matt Molloy’s, Westport
Source: young shanahan
It’s owned by one of the Chieftains fer Chrissakes. Of course the music is great. The excellent pub is just a bonus.
- L Mulligan Grocer, Stoneybatter, Dublin
Source: bsii
One of the trailblazers of the craft beer movement in Dublin. Features a phenomenal selection of drinks, great food, and friendly faces at the bar. Also just a hop, skip and a jump from the always-excellent Walsh’s down the road if you fancy a change of scene.
- Kenny’s of Lucan
A pub that feels like you’re in your sitting room, but with more booze. Also features an excellent smoking area and barmen who have been there longer than Time itself.
- Smugglers Creek, Rossnowlagh
