Bush Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon: A Traditional Irish Pub with the Best Guinness in Town
When you find yourself in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, the Bush Bar on Main Street is exactly the kind of place you want to walk into. Part of the Bush Hotel, this is an off-street traditional Irish pub that takes its identity seriously — and pours what it proudly calls the best pint of creamy Guinness in Carrick. That is a bold claim, and one that plenty of visitors seem happy to put to the test.
A Pub with a Personal Touch
What sets the Bush Bar apart from a generic hotel bar is the care that has gone into giving it a genuine sense of place and personality. The bar is themed on local angling and game — a nod to the landscape and sporting life of County Leitrim that surrounds this part of the world. The centrepiece that draws the eye is Jack’s lake boat, suspended from the ceiling. Jack was the proprietor’s late father, and having that boat up there transforms the space from simply a bar into something that feels lived-in and loved. It is a quiet, meaningful tribute that adds real character to every visit.
The Bush Gin Bar
Alongside the traditional Irish pub atmosphere, the Bush Bar has more recently welcomed a dedicated gin corner — now known as the Bush Gin Bar. This section invites guests to follow the curious journey of P J Rigney and his path to establishing one of Ireland’s newest authentic distilleries: The Shed Distillery in nearby Drumshanbo. The connection to a local distillery gives the gin offering a genuine regional story rather than a generic spirits list.
The recommendation here is simple and well worth taking up: a refreshing Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Elderflower Tonic. It is a combination that suits the relaxed, unhurried pace of an afternoon or evening in Carrick-on-Shannon perfectly.
More Than Just the Bar
The Bush Hotel also offers a Bush Lounge for those who prefer something quieter — a comfortable space set up for reading and relaxation, with board and card games available if you fancy a different kind of unwinding. There is also a Private Bar and a Visitors Lounge, meaning there is a space to suit whatever mood you arrive in.
Carrick-on-Shannon: Worth the Journey
Carrick-on-Shannon itself is the county town of County Leitrim and sits on the River Shannon, making it a lively and welcoming base for exploring the northwest of Ireland. The town has a genuine warmth to it, and Main Street — where the Bush Hotel sits — puts you right at the heart of things. Whether you are passing through or staying for a few nights, Carrick-on-Shannon rewards time spent exploring at a slow pace, and pairs well with a wider visit to Leitrim’s waterfalls and waterways.
- Traditional Irish pub atmosphere themed on local angling and game
- Jack’s lake boat suspended from the ceiling — a tribute to the proprietor’s late father
- Widely regarded as serving the best pint of creamy Guinness in Carrick
- The Bush Gin Bar featuring Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin from The Shed Distillery
- Additional lounges for quieter relaxation, including board and card games
- Located on Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim
Plan Your Visit
The Bush Bar is located at the Bush Hotel, Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 H5P1. You can reach the hotel by phone on +353 71 96 71000 or by email at [email protected]. For bar menus, lounge details, and everything else you need to plan your trip, head over to the Bush Bar page on the Bush Hotel website. Whether you are stopping in for that famed pint of Guinness, a Drumshanbo gin and tonic, or simply a comfortable seat and good company, this is a pub well worth making time for on any visit to County Leitrim.
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