The Best Pubs in County Clare According to You

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The Best Pubs in County Clare According to You

County Clare has long been one of Ireland’s most celebrated corners for traditional pub culture. From the wild Atlantic coastline to the lively village streets of Doolin, the pubs here carry a spirit that’s hard to find anywhere else — a blend of world-class traditional music, warm welcomes, and pints pulled with pride. It’s no surprise, then, that Clare’s pubs are making a serious mark on the national pub poll, with hundreds of votes pouring in from people who know and love these places.

Vote for your favourite County Clare pub in Ireland’s biggest pub poll.

With 278 votes cast so far across the country, three County Clare pubs have already climbed into the top ranks. All three sit in the legendary village of Doolin, a place that punches well above its weight when it comes to music, atmosphere, and the craic. Here’s what makes each of them special — and where they currently stand in the poll.

Gus O’Connor’s, Fisher Street, Doolin

If there’s one pub that has come to symbolise the magic of Doolin, it’s Gus O’Connor’s. Sitting proudly on Fisher Street, just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic, this pub has been drawing visitors and locals alike for generations. The traditional music sessions here are the stuff of legend — spontaneous, soulful, and utterly authentic. It’s the kind of place where you walk in as a stranger and leave feeling like you’ve been coming for years. Currently ranked number 5 in the national pub poll with 14 votes, Gus O’Connor’s is leading the charge for County Clare and showing the rest of the country that Doolin means business.

McGann’s Pub, Doolin

Just up the road, McGann’s Pub holds its own with a reputation that’s every bit as strong. Known for its cosy, no-nonsense interior and nightly trad sessions that attract some of Clare’s finest musicians, McGann’s is a pub that stays true to what a real Irish pub should be. There are no gimmicks here — just good music, good company, and a pint that tastes better because of where you’re drinking it. The food is hearty and honest, too, making it a perfect stop after a day exploring the Burren or the Cliffs of Moher. With 11 votes and sitting at number 7 in Ireland’s biggest pub poll, McGann’s is proof that quality speaks for itself.

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McDermott’s Pub, Doolin

Completing Doolin’s remarkable trio is McDermott’s Pub, a venue that has been at the heart of the village’s music scene for decades. McDermott’s has an atmosphere that feels effortlessly timeless — low ceilings, stone walls, and the sound of fiddles and concertinas filling every corner. It’s a pub where the music isn’t a performance put on for tourists; it’s the lifeblood of the place, played by locals who’ve been doing so since they were children. Many a seasoned traveller will tell you that some of their finest nights in Ireland were spent in McDermott’s, lost in conversation and song. Currently sitting at number 12 in the national pub poll with 7 votes, this beloved pub deserves every bit of recognition it gets — and then some.

Doolin’s dominance in the poll so far tells a story that anyone who has visited County Clare already knows: this small stretch of the west coast is home to some of the finest pub experiences in the whole of Ireland. But the poll is still live, the votes are still being counted, and there’s everything to play for. Whether your heart belongs to Gus O’Connor’s, McGann’s, McDermott’s, or another Clare pub that deserves its moment in the spotlight, now is the time to make your voice heard. Cast your vote in Ireland’s biggest pub poll here and help put County Clare at the very top where it belongs.

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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