The vibrant town of Carrick-on-Shannon is one of Ireland’s most popular night-out spots with stags and hens commonplace in local pubs.
With boating and water activities popular by day, it’s the array of pubs and nightclubs that keep people’s interest into the later hours.
And Carrick is thronged with great pubs for live music, pub grub and options to drink in the sun – we’ve picked out some of the best options here.
First on our list would have been the iconic destination of Gings, with one of the best beer gardens in the country, but sadly after a fire in 2022 it is yet to reopen.
Dunnes Bar – Main Street
A huge bar in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon, Dunnes is the perfect location if you do happen to be in the town as part of a big group.
Spanning over three floors, the modern boozer boasts 14 screens to watch sport on, a heated beer garden and live music multiple nights a week.
It’s extremely roomy and usually attracts big crowds, especially at weekends, so if it’s a night-out you’re looking for, this is the place to be.
Murtagh’s Bar – Townparks
As you’ll gather from this list, Carrick-on-Shannon is full of spots to watch sport and Murtagh’s is similarly brilliant when it comes to pints while watching a game.
Whether it be rugby, soccer or GAA, large screens scattered throughout the traditional pub make it an ideal place to enjoy a drink while cheering on your team of choice.
But it’s not limited to sporting fans in here, live music, a traditional Irish pub charm and friendly patrons make this another top spot for a few drinks or a full night-out.
Cryan’s Teach Ceoil – Bridge Street
A bit of a different vibe from our previous two on the list, Cryan’s is a proper small traditional pub with a massive emphasis on live music – hence the Teach Ceoil in the name.
A traditional decor inside makes it a fine spot to sup on a pint of Guinness and have a chat, or listen to some live music in an authentic Irish pub.
The quaint bar is a bit quieter than some of the other spots you’ll find in Carrick so might suit you a bit better if you’re not looking for a huge night-out.
They also have a lovely little outdoor area if there’s a bit of sun.
The Barrelstore – Bridge Street
If it’s craft beers, cocktails, a great selection of whiskeys and lovely wine you’re after, The Barrelstore is the place for you in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A modern but still very appealing interior greets you here, and a laid back atmosphere makes it a great spot for a few drinks at any time of the day.
They really pride themselves on wine and their very broad cocktail menu, making it the perfect spot if pints aren’t all you’re looking for.
In saying that, they have a terrific selection of pints from the usuals to some craft beers to give a go.
The Oarsman – Bridge Street
A characterful gastropub with some of the best pub food you’re likely to find in the Carrick-on-Shannon area – could be a great place to start your night with a bite to eat and a few drinks.
It combines a traditional pub feel with a modern restaurant very well and it also has a great outdoor area for eating and drinking in the sun.
Any others?
This is just our selection of some of the best pubs on offer, let us know in the comments if there are any others that people should try.
The Irish Pub Guide 
Leave a comment