22 Best Pubs in Ireland in 2026

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A visit to an Irish pub, having a pint and listening to a traditional music session are experiences that every visitor to Ireland should have. In this article we list the best pubs to visit while in Ireland.

Thomas Connolly Sligo

Sligo’s oldest traditional Irish pub. One of 20 top pubs in Ireland to feature in the Lonely Planet.

A story worth sharing.

There has been a pub here since 1780, opening onto Holborn Street. The Markievicz Road end was originally living quarters. Thomas Connolly’s pub was first licensed in 1861. There’s a great account of Connolly’s in the book The Irish Pub, by James Fennell and Turtle Bunbury. Connolly’s storied past includes at least one visit from Charles Stewart Parnell during the pub’s early days, plus Thomas Connolly himself becoming Mayor of Sligo in 1890 (the same year he acquired the premises).

More information: – Thomas Connolly Sligo

Welcome to Oliver St. John Gogartys, in the Heart of Temple Bar

If you are planning to visit Dublin, then Gogarty’s must be on your list. Our award winning Restaurant serves the best in traditional Irish food & our lively Bar has traditional Live Irish Music sessions every day of the week. Our Accommodation offers Self Catering Apartments & affordable hostel options in the heart of Dublin city.

Music & Entertainment

Gogartys is situated in the centre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar.  Our lively bar is literally bursting with fun every day of the week with lots of different types of music to entertain you!  Enjoy the very best of live traditional music every day from 1pm till 2.30am.

O’Neills Bar & Restaurant

Situated in the historic heart of Dublin just a stones throw from Temple Bar is O´Neill´s Pub. Around the corner from Trinity College, Grafton Street and the world-famous Molly Malone Statue, it´s the perfect place for a quiet pint, a tasty meal or a lively music session or just to rest your feet for a while. You´ll always be sure of a warm, friendly welcome.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/oneills-bar-restaurant/

The Porterhouse Central

The Porterhouse in Temple Bar opened in 1996 as Dublin’s first pub brewery. Ireland then (and now, arguably) was a beer desert and being the cheeky chappies that we are, we managed to gain maximum publicity by naming a beer Weiserbuddy (you’d be a wiser buddy to drink this beer) and Probably, the best lager in the world.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-porterhouse-central/

Sheehans Pub

Sheehan’s is a cosy bar located just a stones throw from Grafton St. With two floors, its the perfect place for after work drinks with friends, or parties to celebrate any occasion. Great pints, hearty food and a warm smile await you upon your visit.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/sheehans-pub/

The Old Storehouse

We are a classic Irish Bar located in the heart of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter at 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. This location is between Dame Street and The Halfpenny Bridge directly behind the Old Central Bank building. We pride ourselves on the warmth of the welcome we extend to all, together with our quality food and drinks service. You may find it helpful to navigate here using our Postcode/Eircode D02CX67. We have 3 bar options ranging from a quiet and intimate snug bar, a lively main bar with live music sessions and our venue bar O’Flaherty’s at The Old Storehouse. In addition we have a covered smoking area.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-old-storehouse/

Brannigans Pub and Kitchen

Brannigan’s is a family-run pub in the centre of Dublin just off the historic O’Connell Street. Brannigan’s is proud of its true local and warm friendly atmosphere. Known for serving up legendary pints of Guinness as well as stocking a wide range of Irish Craft Beers, Whiskeys and Gins.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/brannigans-pub-and-kitchen/

Matt Molloy’s, Bridge Street, Westport, Mayo

Matt Molloy’s is the best known Westport pub in Japan, Alaska and probably Timbuctoo.

Matt and the illustrious band the Chieftains have brought is name to a vast and varied audience, along with a taste of the traditional music that flows from it..

Live Traditional music 7 days a week!

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/matt-molloys-bridge-street-westport-mayo/

The Brazen Head Dublin, Est. 1198

The Brazen Head has a well-deserved reputation for great food, serving both traditional and contemporary dishes. Famed for our traditional stews of beef and guinness and Irish stew, these hearty dishes combine all the ingredients in one bowl.

The Brazen Head hosts the very best of Irish Traditional music. Musicians from all over Ireland come together to share their love of music. Depending on the night you visit, you may catch a traditional session or a more contemporary band playing well known ballads.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-brazen-head-dublin-est-1198/

Gus O’Connor’s Pub

Legendary music sessions, delicious Irish food and a warm welcome are the key ingredients to one of Ireland’s best loved traditional pub.

Established in 1832, Gus O’Connor’s Pub is located in Doolin, co. Clare, along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. It is an atmospheric pub where friendships are made on a daily basis and where you are guaranteed to make great memories.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/gus-oconnors-pub/

Sean’s Bar

Situated in the Heart of Ireland, halfway between Dublin and Galway, Sean’s Bar is part of the life and soul of Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Sean’s plays host to visitors from all around the world. Whether absorbing the history, listening to music, visiting with friends and family, or simply enjoying the perfect pint, the appeal is equally strong for everyone. Listed in both “25 of the Most Incredible Bars in the World” and “50 Bars to Blow Your Mind” by Lonely Planet, a visit to Sean’s is a must! Even more amazing, Sean’s Bar was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as Ireland’s Oldest Pub. Find out more about why Sean’s is not only the oldest, but one of the best-loved pubs in world.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/seans-bar/

Rosato’s Bar & Restaurant

Award winning pub in Moville, Inishowen, Co, Donegal. Family friendly bar serving great food daily, Booking Advised.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/rosatos-bar-restaurant/

Durty Nelly’s

If you wanted to define a quintessential Irish pub, you’ll find it hard to find a better example of it than Durty Nelly’s.

We’ve been part of the landscape at Bunratty for almost four hundred years, and today we continue to be the favourite ‘watering hole’ of both locals and visitors alike.
We’re famous for our food, we’re famous for our drink, but most of all, we’re famous for the warmth of our welcome and the sense of fun and conviviality that’s such a part of our makeup.
Durty Nelly’s can truly be described as one of Ireland’s landmark pubs. Nestling in the shadow of the magnificent Bunratty Castle and the adjoining Folk Park, it is the first stopping off point for generations of visitors to Ireland arriving at nearby Shannon Airport.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/durty-nellys/

Hargadon Bros

Hargadon Bros in Sligo is an award winning, traditional Irish grocery pub serving lunch & dinner.

Walking off Sligo main shopping street into Hargadons is like taking a step back in time, as its delightful and charismatic interior is almost the same as when it first opened.

The present building situated at 4 & 5 O’Connell Street, Sligo was built in 1864 by Bernard Collery, a local merchant, who was also a member of Sligo Town Council and a Member of Parliament representing Sligo.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/hargadon-brothers/

Flannerys Bar Limerick

Welcome to Flannerys Bar Limerick, located at 17 Upper Denmark Street.

We are located at the heart of Limerick’s City Centre for both for daytime shopping with Cruises Street and the famous Limerick Milk Market on our doorstep. By night, Denmark Street is the main hub of The Treaty City’s nightlife with the main hotels and restaurants located just a stones throw away.

Flannerys Bar Limerick has so much to offer our customers. There are 4 bars located over two floors, with a first floor outdoor sun terrace overlooking our spacious courtyard.

A warm welcome is given by our traditional bar, Michael Flannerys Pub which is the ideal environment to enjoy an evening pint. Michael Flannerys has the largest Irish Whiskey collection in any pub in Ireland. Our wings, brugers and loaded fries menu is served in the main bar from Wednesday to Sunday from 12-8pm. Late Bar every Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/flannerys-bar/

The Long Hall

Estd 1766 One of Dublin’s oldest, most beautiful and best loved pubs. Attentive Bartenders, a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere await you.

One of the oldest pubs in Dublin, this pub was named after a chapel dedicated to Saint George in 1181. The Long Hall preserves a Victorian atmosphere evoking a by-gone age. The original pub which backs on to Dublin Castle opened in the 1860’s and was muchused by the Fenians. Today, The Long Hall retains much of its old charm; on the walls are engravings of the dealings of the Russian Emperor Paul I with the Polish patriot Kosiusko as well as prints of Gainsborough ladies. Over the entrance to the toilets are panels of art nouveau glass. The woodwork interior adds an air of authenticity to the premises.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-long-hall/

Mutton Lane Inn

A Cork pub much admired, the Mutton Lane Inn is probably one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city outside of the North/ South Main Street axis. Situated off St. Patrick’s Street, Mutton Lane is one of many alleyways that lead into the famed English Market and used to be where live sheep were run into the market at one time.

Take some time to appreciate the important mural running the length of the lane.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/mutton-lane-inn/

The Stag’s Head

Traditional Irish Pub Established 1780s. Traditional Irish Food 7 days. whiskey tastings. Great Craic.

You truly capture a sense of the hidden Ireland when you accidentally stumble upon The Stag’s Head. Finding it is akin to discovering a rare treasure as it is concealed through a narrow passageway off Dame Street, although access can also be gained through Exchequer Street or Georges Street.

When you enter inside this feeling of discovered booty is greatly intensified as a virtual paradise of culture and old world values confronts you. This is probably Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pub – and everything here is of authentic Victorian origin. Take time to look around and savour the sumptuously carved Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops.

Visiting the Stag’s Head is a wondrous experience wether you call when the premises is cosy, warm and glowing at night time, or in early morning when this is old repository of liquid culture is radiantly illuminated by wafts of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows.

The mahogany bar, capped with red Connemara marble, follows the classic Victorian architectural pattern, being long and punctuated by exquisite partitions that divide into private compartments or stalls.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-stags-head/

Tigh Neachtain

Founded in 1894, some of the most talented Irish traditional musicians on the planet have played in Tigh Neachtain including Sharon Shannon, Brendan O’Regan, Deirbhile Ni Bhrolchain, Kevin Hough, Breda Smyth and Brian Lennon.

Tigh Neachtains stocks a large and varied selection of drinks at the bar, from little known craft beers to rare and vintage whiskey’s and scotch we are positive there is something for everyone at Tigh Neachtains. And if your looking for something special we also stock our own home brewed beers which we hope you will love as much as we do.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/tigh-neachtain/

The Brewery

A pub in County Cavan serving all manner of Irish favourites, from Guinness lamb stew to Fish & Chips, plus beer, wine and spirits in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/the-brewery/

Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Nestled high in the Mountains, in the peaceful township of Glencullen and surrounded by the beautiful scenery and serenity of the Wicklow & Dublin’s countryside, Johnnie Fox’s is just a 20 minute drive from Bray.

The majority of ingredients for the restaurant are sourced locally, from high-quality “farm to fork suppliers”. Great food comes from great ingredients, and it is for this reason that customers are drawn to Johnnie Fox’s year after year. Our menu boasts classic Irish dishes along with impressive seafood platters and a few modern favourites for balance.

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/johnnie-foxs-pub/

Temple Bar Pub, Dublin

A tradition of a genuine, warm welcome and first rate friendly service, is the hallmark of the friendliest watering hole in Dublin. Whether you are alone, with a group of friends, the craic is mighty and you will always feel at home at The Temple Bar.

If it’s a quiet pint, some lunch, dinner or an all night session you’re after, look no further than The Temple Bar Pub.

You can relax in our heated beer garden and choose something to eat from our extensive food and drinks menu.

We have the largest selection of whiskey in Ireland, so if its a bit of “uisce beatha” we’ve got that covered too.

At least 3 music sessions daily from 2pm until closing time 7 days a week, as winner of the Irish Music Pub of the Year every year from 2002 to 2013, we pride ourselves on our traditional Irish Music sessions daily. Check out our music session listings. There is no cover charge!

More information: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/temple-bar-pub/

Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!

Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.

Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!

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