With the wave of modern pubs around the country, it’s nice at times to return to a pub that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Old-fashioned, traditional pubs are an integral part of Irish culture and to this day, there are some incredible establishments that have not moved with the times, but instead kept their authenticity.
Drinking Guinness out of tankard, sipping pints beside an open fire or sitting in a tightly-packed room surrounded by snugs and quirky artefacts – all of this is possible in some of these pubs we’ve chosen.
Of course there are more than eight pubs like this in Ireland, please leave a comment and let us know other bars that should be included.
J&K Walsh, Waterford city
A Victorian-era pub that has been resurrected to serve Waterford’s visitors and locals with a bar that you can’t help but love.
Originally a grocers and bar back in the late 1800s, the interior remains largely untouched and genuinely feels like you’re in a different era once you step inside.
The seating is wooden, there’s no TV and they pride themselves on serving a fine pint of Guinness, although not out of the glasses you’re now used to.
Old Tayto and Cadbury signs continue to add to this superb spot – whiskey is also a particular strength of the pub which is of course, located in the heart of what the New York Times labelled one of the world’s best city’s to visit.
O’Connell’s, Skryne, Co Meath
Don’t forget to turn the lights out! A phrase the employees at this pub probably have to listen to slightly too often, but for anyone who has seen the famous Guinness ad, it will make sense, as this is where it was filmed.
And it hasn’t changed a bit, in the idyllic location of Skryne in the royal county, O’Connell’s is a gorgeous pub that has been in business for around 200 years now, so they know what they’re doing.
Concrete floors, a timber counter and wooden seats make-up the interior but they also have a lovely beer garden for the odd few sunny days we get each year.
Make sure to put this on your Irish pub bucket list.
McEvoy’s pub, Newcastle, Co Dublin
Another extremely cool, old-fashioned pub that is probably at its peak in the summer time with the lovely seating outside with the Grand Canal beside you.
Also known as the Hatch, the interior is very old-school and the arched bar inside is one of the most unique features at this spot.
Definitely worth a visit.
The Shanty Bar, Ballyfillane, Co Kerry
Another small pub to add to the list, this time one with a floor covered in sawdust, a bathtub operating as a urinal in the men’s bathroom and a pot-bellied stove.
If you’re heading to along the Wild Atlantic Way or towards the Dingle Peninsula, this is definitely one pub you should add to your list of places to visit.
It has long attracted international visitors, with pictures all over the walls depicting the past and present of Kerry.
Sean’s Bar, Athlone, Co Westmeath
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.
In a post on their own website they say: “During renovations in 1970, the walls of the bar were found to be made of “wattle and wicker” dating back to the ninth century.
Matt Molloy’s pub, Westport, Co Mayo
This is one of the most famous pubs in the west of Ireland and with traditional music seven nights a week in a authentic Irish bar, this belongs on this list.
Matt Molloy, the flautist with The Chieftans, is one of the main reasons this pub is absolutely packed all year round – so if you’re looking for trad session, this is the place to be.
Fallon’s Pub, The Liberties, Dublin
A favourite of the Irish Pub Guide, there isn’t many pubs like it in Ireland, located in the Coombe, Fallon’s is the epitome of an old Irish bar.
An institution for locals, this place has been around, in some form or other, since the 1600s – and it manages to keep that old style feel to this day.
Music isn’t played here, there are televisions but they’re rarely on, it’s a place to go and enjoy a pint with friends, surrounded by the wooden charm of the interior.
Grab yourself a toastie and a pint of Guinness for the full experience.
Fisherman’s Thatched Inn, Ballybrittas, Co Laois
Off the beaten track, and easy to miss, this Co Laois pub could well be one of the most well-hidden gems the country has to offer.
Fishing-related memorabilia decorate the walls inside this deceivingly big pub where you can grab a pint while cosied up beside the open fire.
The building dates back as far as the 16th century and while it has been refurbished along the way, you’ll still feel like you’re in a place filled with history and character.
The Irish Pub Guide 
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