Ireland's Top 12 Pubs
Ireland is blessed with some of the best pubs and bars in the world. List of the World’s 50 Best Bars we’re looking at you. Niamh O’Reilly looks at our top 12 Irish bars, including everything from the older, more traditional, to the newer, effortlessly cool spots.
The Crosskeys Inn
TRADITIONAL
The Crosskeys Inn, Antrim
This is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland, dating back to 1654. Steeped in history, today the pub offers a warm welcome and regular traditional music for its many visitors.
Teach Beag, Clonakilty
The ‘little house’ with the big welcome, this traditional Irish pub holds not only regular trad sessions, but storytelling too. Right in the centre of Clonakilty in West Cork it often refers to itself as “an oasis of calm in the middle of the chaos”.
O’Connell’s, Meath
Yes, this really is the pub from the Guinness Christmas ad, making it a bit of a cultural icon and an absolute must for any top pub list.
Smugglers Creek Inn, Donegal
Overlooking Donegal Bay and the Blue Stack Mountains in South Donegal, this pub dates back to the early 1900s and offers guests simply outstanding views.
The Harbour Bar, Bray, Wicklow
Once voted the best pub in the world by Lonely Planet, the Harbour Bar successfully fuses the best of the old-fashioned traditional pub, with a modern vintage twist. Worth a visit for an unforgettable experience right at Bray’s beloved harbour.
South Pole Inn, Annascaul, Kerry
Home of the legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, the aptly named South Pole is bursting with history about this incredible local man who lived a life of adventure, but never forgot his home town. Ambiance and history combined.
CONTEMPORARY
The G Hotel Cocktail Bar, Galway
Known for its sophisticated styling, bold colours and modern designs, the G Hotel is a must for cocktail lovers looking to ‘paint the town pink.’
The Observatory at Grand Central Hotel, Belfast
Offering patrons ‘sky-high sips’, The Observatory boasts unparalleled views of Belfast city in an elegant and smart setting that’s an absolute must visit.
The Boathouse Wine Bar, Kerry
Views of a different kind are the order of the day at the spectacular Boathouse Wine Bar in Kerry. Situated in Dromquinna Manor Estate, the Boathouse which dates back to the 1800s, looks out over the beautiful waters of Kenmare Bay and offers guests delicious food and drinks.
NoLIta, Dublin
Bringing the best of the New York state of mind to Dublin, NoLIta has fast become one of the hottest night-time spots in the capital for both delicious food and unforgettable cocktails alike.
The Marker Rooftop Bar, Dublin
No visit to Dublin is complete without a cocktail on the rooftop bar at the Marker Hotel. Offering guests a stunning 360 degree view of the city, this wrap-around terrace is the place to be seen.
Café en Seine, Dublin
One of Dublin's long-established shining stars, Café en Seine is looking even brighter since its revamp in 2018 . Extending over three floors, expect to be dazzled by its art nouveau atmosphere and impressive cocktail list
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