The Best Pubs in County Mayo According to You
County Mayo has a pub culture that runs deep — shaped by wild Atlantic winds, centuries of tradition, and the kind of warmth you only find west of the Shannon. From the lively streets of Westport to quiet village locals tucked along the coast, Mayo’s pubs are places where music fills the air, strangers become friends, and every pint comes with a story. With 287 votes already cast in the national pub poll, the people have been having their say — and Mayo is making its mark.
🍺 Vote for the Best Pubs in County Mayo
Cast your vote in Ireland’s biggest pub poll and help decide which County Mayo pub takes the crown. Takes 30 seconds. Results day: 1 June 2026.
Vote for your favourite County Mayo pub in Ireland’s biggest pub poll.
Matt Molloy’s, Bridge Street, Westport
If there is one pub in Mayo that needs no introduction, it’s Matt Molloy’s. Owned by Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, this legendary spot on Bridge Street in Westport is widely regarded as one of the finest traditional music pubs in all of Ireland. Step inside on any given evening and you’ll find sessions in full swing — fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns filling the low-ceilinged rooms with music that feels timeless. The atmosphere is authentic, unpretentious, and utterly magnetic.
Currently sitting at number 3 in the entire country in Ireland’s biggest pub poll with 21 votes, Matt Molloy’s is clearly a pub that holds a very special place in people’s hearts. It’s the kind of place visitors never forget and locals never tire of. Whether you’re a trad music devotee or simply someone who appreciates a proper Irish pub done right, this is an essential stop. If you’ve been lucky enough to experience a night here, make sure you cast your vote and help keep it near the top.
The Helm Bar, The Quay, Westport
Down on the Quay in Westport, The Helm Bar offers something a little different. Overlooking the water where Clew Bay begins to open out towards the Atlantic, this is a pub with a setting that’s hard to beat. It’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike, known for its relaxed vibe, friendly staff, and a menu that makes the most of what the west of Ireland has to offer. On a summer’s evening, there are few better places in Mayo to sit back with a cold drink and watch the world drift by.
The Helm Bar currently holds the number 39 spot in the national pub poll with 2 votes, but anyone who has spent time here will tell you it deserves far more recognition. It’s still early days in the poll, and this is a pub that could climb quickly with a bit of support. If The Helm Bar is your local or a place that holds fond memories for you, now is the time to show it some love and get those votes in.
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Which Mayo Pub Deserves the Crown?
County Mayo may only have two pubs on the poll so far, but what a pair they are — one a world-famous institution of Irish music, the other a gorgeous quayside gem that deserves to be better known. Between them, they capture two sides of what makes Mayo’s pub scene so special: the roaring, foot-stomping energy of a packed trad session and the quieter magic of a pint by the water as the sun dips behind Croagh Patrick.
Of course, Mayo is home to countless other brilliant pubs — from cosy spots in Ballina and Castlebar to hidden treasures in Louisburgh, Achill, and beyond. If your favourite Mayo pub isn’t on the list yet, spread the word and help put it on the map. With 287 votes cast across the country so far, every single vote counts. This is your chance to champion the pubs that make this county so special. Head over to Ireland’s biggest pub poll now and have your say.
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