The Wild Atlantic Way has attracted over 10 million foreign and domestic visitors to Ireland’s beautiful west coast since it was launched, with millions more to come.
The tourism trail brings you from Malin Head in Donegal all the way to Kinsale in Cork, passing through nine counties and totalling 2,600km.
Along the route you’ll find incredible scenery, mythical Irish folklore, activities aplenty, friendly people, great food and of course, some of Ireland’s finest pubs.
We’ve put together a list of some of the very best of those pubs – broken down by route – so you can try out great bars on your holiday.
Of course, we are always looking for other opinions, so if you think there’s a pub that needs to be on this list, make sure to leave a comment below.
Donegal route
Farren’s bar, Malin Head
A pub situated at the start or end of your journey, right at the tip of Donegal. Beautiful Malin Head is sure to be somewhere you’d like to stop off and take in the views, and Farren’s bar will let you do exactly that.
Ireland’s most northerly pub, family run through six generations, here you can look out at the Atlantic while enjoying a pint of Guinness with your name on the head, listening to music and eating some of their great sandwiches.
And, if you’re very lucky, the Northern Lights might be on show if you’re a nighttime visitor, as these pictures show.
Nancy’s Bar, Ardara
Along your journey down the Donegal coast you’ll come to a little town called Ardara, home of Nancy’s Bar.
This cosy, traditional pub has been owned by the McHugh family for seven generations and is the beating heart of this area. Live music sessions in the evening mean it won’t be a dull night in if you pay a visit, and their bar food is highly recommended.
The Harbour Bar, Downings
Towards the bottom of Donegal, and nearing the end of that section of the Wild Atlantic Way route is The Harbour Bar in Downings.
A traditional bar with spectacular views of Donegal bay, which makes it one of the most popular stop-in points on the route.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere cosy beside the fire in the winter months or for outdoor seating in the summer, they have it all covered here.
Live music and great Guinness attracts big evening crowds and the beautiful wooden interior has people coming to visit from near and far.
Sligo and Leitrim route
The Beach Bar, Aughris
A peaceful pub sitting on top of Aughris Beach, this traditional bar with an old-style thatched roof is an absolute must-visit if you’re heading along this route.
With the Ox Mountains behind you, and the Atlantic Ocean roaring in front of the pub, this is a truly unique venue to enjoy a pint and unwind.
A beer garden for the summer months to compliment the views and a cosy interior with an open fire for the winter, this pub has it all.
And it’s not just drinks here, food is served daily.
Austies, Rosses Point
The picturesque Rosses Point is another place that is sure to be on your stop-off list when travelling along the Sligo route – and Austies is one of the best bars to check out while you’re doing it.
Another waterside beer garden is found here, and maybe one of the best in this entire list – about a dozen benches can hold big crowds as the sun beats down in the summer months.
Their kitchen serves a wide menu so you can stop here whether it’s just a pit-stop or you’re sitting down for the night.
Keep in mind, Austies does not open Monday to Wednesday.
Mayo route
Connolly’s pub, Carrowteige
Discover Ireland says this spot has “one of the most fabulous views in the world”, so if you’re travelling by, it’s hard to pass that up.
Situated in a Gaeltacht area, this is a proper traditional pub setting with beautiful beaches close by and stunning cliff views to go with it.
You could catch a live band playing here in the evenings but it’s also popular during the day with walkers and cyclists stopping in for teas, coffees, a bite to eat and even a few pints.
Gielty’s Bar, Achill Island
Situated at the edge of Dooagh village on the road to Keem beach, Gielty’s is the most westerly pub in Europe.
Enjoy a coffee, a pint and locally sourced food while looking out at the beautiful views of Clew Bay.
This extremely friendly pub, which is well used to visitors from all over the world, you can be cosy near the fireplace in winter and enjoy the outside views on a warmer day.
Galway route
Tigh Mheaic, Carna
Located right out beside the Atlantic ocean, Tigh Mheaic is a beautiful rural pub along the route with stunning views.
Situated in a Gaeltacht area, it’s as traditional as they come, with live music all year round to give you an authentic Irish pub experience.
Food is served daily and of course you can sit in for a few drinks if you’re passing by too.
Donnelly’s, Barna
Further down along the coast is the scenic area of Barna which is full of lovely pubs, no more so than Donnelly’s which is one of the most popular.
This spacious bar is ideal for the summer months with a nice, big outdoor area for groups to enjoy drinks in the sun.
They have a great food menu here which has been recognised with multiple award nominations, and it’s a great place to properly socialise with a bit of a buzz at weekends especially.
Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay, Galway city
If you’re heading along the Wild Atlantic Way you’re probably going to head into Galway city where there are literally dozens of pubs to choose from – we’ve listed some of our favourites here – but for this list we’ll pick out one.
Barr an Chaladh is ideal if you’re touring Ireland and looking for a traditional Irish pub with lovely wooden interiors, trad music played regularly and a true local bar feel, despite it being right in the city.
This spot is a lovely place to have a few drinks and chat with friendly bar staff and even friendlier regulars.
Clare route
Keatings bar, Kilbaha
Clare’s most westerly town, Kilbaha, hugs the Atlantic coastline and Keatings bar is a little gem situated right along it.
In the summertime this is a magical spot to enjoy some drinks with a view and their wide ranging food menu with seafood a highlight.
The reasonable prices too are another great reason to stop by.
Gus O’Connor’s, Doolin
With top class traditional music multiple nights a week, this lovely pub is a stopping point for many before ferrying to the Aran Islands.
Gus O’Connor’s is a beloved spot by locals and tourists and with a real traditional feel combined with a beautiful view, it’s well worth a visit when on the Atlantic coast.
Flanagan’s, Lahinch
Home to locally brewed beer, a great selection of cocktails, live music regularly throughout the week and a nice outdoor area on a sunny day.
Flanagan’s of Lahinch is a fine spot to spend a day and/or night with good entertainment and a lively vibe.
Mother Macs, Limerick city
The Wild Atlantic Way will take you through Limerick and with so many great pubs in the city you’ll be spoiled for choice, but Mother Macs is one of the best for that traditional Irish bar feel.
This old-fashioned bar has been awarded traditional bar of the year in recent years and also included in Lonely Planet’s top 20 Irish pubs to visit.
Craft beer and whiskey are trademarks here.
Kerry route
Murphy’s bar, Brandon
It’s hard to find a pub along the Dingle Peninsula with a bad view but this popular bar boasts one of the very best of them.
Murphy’s sits in the shadow of Mount Brandon and the edge of the Atlantic, so no matter what direction you turn, the views are stunning.
Sit outside in the summer months and enjoy a crisp pint or take a seat beside a toasty fire during the winter months and sample their food menu.
O’Carroll’s Cove, Caherdaniel
If you’re just starting your Wild Atlantic Way journey in Kerry, you might be tempted to cancel any plans to go further, such is the beauty of The Kingdom.
And O’Carroll’s Cove encompasses all that, with one of the most spectacular views from any pub and restaurant in Ireland.
Sitting on their decking outside you can stare out at Kenmare Bay and the turquoise waters of the sandy cove, while enjoying a drink and their highly-rated food menu.
Páidí Ó Sé’s, Ventry
A famous sporting pub in Ventry, along the Dingle peninsula that has welcomed dozens of celebrities through the years, all of whom you can see on pictures on the wall.
Tom Brady, Dolly Parton and Jack Charlton are just a few of the names that have enjoyed a drink in the establishment.
The pub itself is ideal for a big group, and perfect for sport lovers with screens all over and big crowds for big occasions.
Cork route
The Tin Pub, Ahakista
Nestled along the stunning Sheep’s Head Peninsula lies The Tin Pub, an absolute gem for anyone journeying through. Its quaint allure beckons travelers and locals alike.
From its beer garden, one can gaze upon the serene bay, offering a panorama unrivaled by most pubs across Ireland.
When a personality as renowned as Graham Norton graces its doors, it’s a testament to the charm and quality awaiting all who venture there.
O’Sullivans, Crookhaven
Nestled in Crookhaven, O’Sullivans is renowned for offering Ireland’s most southerly pint, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring West Cork.
With a rich history spanning four generations, this family-run pub cherishes its heritage and the breathtaking view it offers, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Recognised with numerous awards, O’Sullivans speaks for itself.
The Bulman, Kinsale
The Bulman is renowned for its excellent selection of drinks, including a wide range of locally brewed beers, fine whiskeys, and refreshing cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey, you’ll find something to satisfy you here.
Outside, the pub boasts a spacious beer garden with stunning views overlooking the scenic harbour, providing the perfect setting to relax and unwind on a sunny day. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to gather and enjoy a drink while soaking in the beauty of the landscape.
Give us your suggestions
We’ve listed out some of our favourite pubs, but we’re sure there are many other gems along the Wild Atlantic Way, please leave a comment below on where else people should try.
The Irish Pub Guide 
Leave a reply to Finian Farrelly Cancel reply