P. Bermingham in Navan, County Meath: The Oldest Pub in Town and Worth Every Minute
Some pubs are simply places to drink. Others are places to slow down, look around, and feel connected to something that stretches back well over a century. P. Bermingham’s on Ludlow Street in Navan, County Meath, falls firmly into the second category. Established in 1884, it holds the distinction of being the oldest pub in Navan, and stepping through its door is about as close as you can get to stepping through time itself.
A True Traditional Irish Pub
What makes P. Bermingham’s genuinely special is what has not changed. The original grocer’s counter is still there. The traditional snug is still there. The bar itself remains much as it has been for well over 135 years. This is not a pub that has been dressed up to look old — it simply is old, and it wears that with quiet confidence.
Throughout the pub you will find photographs and antiquities on display, each one a moment from the pub’s own history. Among them is the original Guinness bottling machine, a fascinating piece of brewing heritage from the days when Guinness delivered stout in barrels and supplied each publican with their own unique bottle label. It is the kind of detail that sparks a real conversation and reminds us how much the world of Irish pub culture has changed over the generations.
Featured in Print
Back in 2008, Bermingham’s earned a place in The Irish Pub, a beautifully produced book by Turtle Bunbury and James Fennell, published by Thames & Hudson. The book captured a snapshot of life at Bermingham’s while also charting its history from 1884. It is a lovely piece of recognition for a pub that has never needed to shout about itself.
Live Music and Something Warm in the Glass
The pub has a lively what’s on calendar that gives every night of the weekend its own character:
- Fridays: Acoustic live music from 9:00 PM
- Saturdays: Acoustic live music from 9:00 PM
- Sundays: A traditional trad music session from 5:30 PM
Sunday’s trad session in particular is the kind of thing that makes a visit to an Irish pub feel exactly as it should. And while you are there, the pub itself recommends two things above all else: the Irish Coffee and the Hot Whiskey. Both are worth taking seriously.
The Beer Garden and the Parlour Room
Beyond the main bar, Bermingham’s also offers a beer garden and a parlour room, giving the pub a little more breathing space for those who want it. The vibe is relaxed — the pub’s own words on booking put it well: “Things going back to normal now. Show up like the olden days and just sit down.” That said, a booking form and email contact are available for those who prefer to plan ahead.
On the food front, Bermingham’s keeps things straightforward and honest with itself: there is no regular food offering at present, though on occasion the pub does team up with Luvida across the road.
Navan and County Meath
Navan sits at the heart of County Meath, a county with deep roots in Irish history and a landscape that draws visitors from across Ireland and beyond. The town itself is a busy, welcoming place, and Ludlow Street puts P. Bermingham’s right in the mix. Whether you are passing through Meath or making a dedicated trip, a stop at Bermingham’s gives you something that most modern pubs simply cannot offer: a sense of genuine continuity with the past.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 5PM until close
- Friday: 4PM until close
- Saturday: 5PM until close
- Sunday: 4PM until close
Plan Your Visit
P. Bermingham’s is located at 7 Ludlow Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland (Eircode: C15 A337). You can call ahead on +353 46 9028483 or drop an email to [email protected]. For opening hours, what’s on listings, the whiskey shop, and booking details, everything you need is over at the pub’s own website: P. Bermingham. Go on a Sunday if you can — the trad session and a hot whiskey is a combination that is hard to argue with.
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