There are over 6,500 licensed pubs in Ireland as of 2024, so choosing which ones you should spend your hard earned cash in can be difficult.
From down in Kerry to up in Donegal, you can find incredible bars in the many towns and cities that Ireland has to offer – but we’ve decided on 11 that we think should be at the top of your list to try.
We’ve picked some of the most famous pubs in the country, those that unique for various reasons and some of the most beautiful spots to have a pint.
Of course, this is to help readers find the best pubs to visit, so if you’ve been to one of these, or have a different opinion, please leave a comment below.
The South Pole Inn – Annascaul, Co Kerry
Halfway between Dingle and Tralee you’ll find the little village of Annascaul, home of one of Ireland’s most iconic and uniquely named pubs – The South Pole Inn.
It gets its name from being the home of a local Antarctic hero, Tom Crean, who was part of three expeditions to the South Pole in the first decade of the 20th century.
While it won’t quite be as cold as what he experienced in this little pub, the pints certainly aim to be, while the food is the opposite, warm and hearty to heat you up while visiting the area.
A gem in the south-west, without doubt.
The Meetings – Co Wicklow
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ireland’s east coast with a trip to what is the definition of a hidden gem nestled in Avoca, Co Wicklow.
The beautiful pub and restaurant sits alongside a BnB just an hour’s drive out of Dublin down south.
Sitting where two rivers, the Avonmore and Avonbeg, meet, it is one of the most naturally beautiful settings for a drink beside the water – of course, most well suited to a sunny day.
Dating back to the 19th century, it has all the charm of a traditional Irish bar just with the added view that few can compete with – you’ll also find a beautiful food menu inside.
Tin Pub – Ahakista, West Cork
Also known as Ahakista bar, the Tin Pub only recently announced they would be open again for summer 2023, which is great news if you’re heading to West Cork.
The famous little pub, which is known to welcome celebrities like local TV host Graham Norton, enjoys a stunning backdrop of coastal beauty so you can enjoy the views while sipping on your pint.
Stepping inside is like a trip back in time such is the well-preserved olden feel they’ve got – but it’s really all about the beer garden and the view – the pictures say it all.
Blakes of the Hollow – Enniskillen, Fermanagh
One of the most famous Victorian pubs in Ireland, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the gems of the town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.
It’s been a part of the local community for over 125 years now and has garnered a reputation as having some of the most beautiful pints of Guinness you can find, certainly outside of Dublin.
It’s a big tourist attraction these days too and with a cosy interior and lovely little snugs, it’s a great spot for a pint and to listen to trad music, which is played every Friday night.
The Beach Bar – Sligo
Set in a beautiful location beside the sea, The Beach Bar in Aughris, Co Sligo sits alongside the unspoiled Aughris Beach and could be the most beautiful destination for a pint in Ireland – on a sunny day at least.
The thatched pub itself looks like something out of a postcard – you can probably get one – and has a cosy interior with fireplaces to keep you warm during the winter.
If you happen to visit in the summertime, their large beer garden is the perfect setting for a drink as you feel the Atlantic breeze at your neck.
Anne’s Bar – Temple Bar, Dublin
Not exactly the most famous pub in Temple Bar, you’d probably give that to the one with Temple Bar in its name, but Anne’s Bar just a small walk along those cobbled streets away is a quieter and more relaxed side to the tourist hotspot.
Small in size, Anne’s can be hard to get a seat at times but once in there you can enjoy a lovely ambience with nice people-watching views out the windows, somewhat away from the real Temple Bar hustle and bustle.
They’ve a great array of pint options as well as being home to live music multiple nights a week – so it’s a great alternative to the Temple Bar spots you see recommended most often.
Paidi O’Se’s pub – Dingle, Co Kerry
A quaint sporting pub right along the Wild Atlantic Way, Paidi O’Se’s is everything that’s good about local pubs in Ireland.
Sports stars, political figures and just famous faces have walked through the door of the popular watering hole over the years and pictures adorn the walls of some of those exact people.
Great food, a big lively pub with tons of screens for live sport and the smell of fresh Atlantic air that whistles through it, make this one of Ireland’s finest spots.
JJ Hough’s Singing Pub – Banagher, Co Offaly
A family-run pub in Banagher, Co Offaly, JJ Hough’s aim to give you the authentic Irish pub experience and do so with aplomb.
Traditional music is a constant feature of the business and with pizzas, a buzzing crowd of locals and visitors, and a beautiful setting along by the River Shannon, it’s one of Ireland’s best – just ask the Guardian readers.
They’re also very well-priced, while things have changed since with inflation, back in 2022 when Dublin pubs were hitting customers for over €8 for a Guinness, here it was still under a fiver.
Sean’s Bar – Athlone, Co Westmeath – Ireland’s oldest bar
Situated halfway between Dublin and Galway, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Co Westmeath has been serving up pints to customers for over 1,000 years – said to be opened back in 900AD.
It is a traditional watering hold that has been recognised by the Guinness book of records as the oldest pub on the Emerald Isle.
And it could soon be given the same accolade for the entire world, with research ongoing and no older pubs found just yet – read more about this pub here.
Johnnie Fox’s – Glencullen, Dublin – Ireland’s highest pub
Located south of the city, Johnnie Fox’s is literally in the Dublin mountains – hence being labelled Ireland’s highest pub – in an area called Glencullen.
It’s perfect if you’re in a car as it will likely only take you about 40 minutes to get there from Dublin city centre with moderate traffic.
It may be a bit of a trek out of the city, but ask anyone who has taken that trip and they’ll tell you it’s well worth it.
Once you step inside the door you’ll see the picturesque, rustic style pub that screams traditional – the walls are laden with old photos, antique furniture and memorabilia giving it a unique charm – read more about it here.
The Hole in the Wall – Eyre Street, Galway
Right in the centre of Galway city, The Hole in the Wall is arguably the county’s most famed pubs and perfectly mixes the old with the new.
A protected structure such is its heritage, and boasting a thatched roof, it was extensively refurbished in 2019 and is one of the most popular destinations for a drink in the area.
They serve great food, a wide selection of drinks and offer an authentic Irish charm that not many places can replicate.
Any others?
Of course there is, let us know in the comments which pubs you think need to be on the list.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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