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We Asked 1.2 Million People to Name the Best Pub in Ireland — These Were the Shocking Results
INTRODUCTION
We didn’t pick these pubs. You did.
When we asked our 1.2 million-strong Love Ireland community to name the best pub in Ireland, we expected a few clear favourites. What we got instead? Passion. Memories. Loyalty. Fights (mostly friendly).
So here it is – Ireland’s ultimate pub list, built from real votes and real stories shared by Irish people and Ireland lovers all over the world.
It’s more than a list.
It’s a love letter to Irish pub culture.
#1. Matt Molloy’s (Westport, County Mayo)
“Music, music, music. That place sings even when the band’s asleep.”
Owned by a member of The Chieftains, Matt Molloy’s is a living, breathing tribute to traditional Irish music. Located in the heart of Westport, it draws locals and visitors into its snug for nightly music sessions and timeless Mayo hospitality.
It’s not a tourist trap. It’s a cultural rite of passage.
#2. The Brazen Head (Dublin)
“Feels like history, smells like Guinness, sounds like trad. The holy trinity.”
Claiming the title of Ireland’s oldest pub (est. 1198), The Brazen Head delivers atmosphere in spades. With centuries of stories echoing through the low-ceilinged walls, it’s where rebels, writers and weary travellers all once found their seat and their story.
#3. Sean’s Bar (Athlone, County Westmeath)
“My family came from Athlone. I walked in and felt like I’d come home.”
Possibly the oldest continuously operating pub in the world (900 AD), Sean’s Bar is more than just a pint – it’s a time machine. Walls lined with memorabilia, sawdust floors, and a fire that’s seen a millennium of laughter and song.
#4. Gravediggers (Dublin)
“4 nominations. Says it all, really.”
Technically named John Kavanagh’s, but known by all as “Gravediggers” (due to its proximity to Glasnevin Cemetery), this no-frills gem serves what many consider to be the best pint of Guinness in Ireland. No music, no TV, just pure pub soul.
#5. Gus O’Connor’s (Doolin, County Clare)
“Music in the walls, wind at the door, and a seat by the fire. Heaven.”
Located in one of Ireland’s traditional music capitals, Gus O’Connor’s is everything you hope for in a Doolin pub: live trad every night, pints pulled with a smile, and the gateway to wild Atlantic evenings.
#6. The Cobblestone (Dublin)
“It’s not a pub with music. It’s music that built itself a pub.”
In the heart of Dublin’s Smithfield, The Cobblestone is fiercely independent and unapologetically traditional. It’s where generations of musicians gather in the front bar for spontaneous sessions while students, tourists, and locals squeeze in for a listen.
#7. Leo’s Tavern (Meenaleck, County Donegal)
“You walk in a stranger. You leave with a song and a story.”
Famous as the musical home of Clannad and Enya, Leo’s is where music and myth meet. Nestled in the Donegal landscape, it’s one of the few places where pub, family, and folklore truly blend.
#8. The Blue Light (Sandyford, Dublin Mountains)
“Best view in Ireland. Bring a pint outside at sunset.”
Tucked up in the hills with sweeping views over Dublin Bay, The Blue Light is the rare pub that pairs music and Guinness with a front-row seat to one of Ireland’s finest skylines.
#9. Durty Nelly’s (Bunratty, County Clare)
“Right next to the castle. But the real magic is in the bar.”
Situated beside Bunratty Castle, Durty Nelly’s combines location with legacy. Centuries of hospitality, laughter, and late-night toasts flow through this multi-level landmark.
#10. John B Keane’s Pub (Listowel, County Kerry)
“You feel like he’s still there, telling stories at the bar.”
Owned by the late, great Irish playwright John B. Keane, this pub in Listowel is still filled with the warmth and wit of its famous landlord. A place for stories, pints, and a bit of old-school Kerry wisdom.
Honourable Mentions
Not every pub can crack the Top 10, but that doesn’t mean they’re forgotten. Here are some of the beloved locals our community couldn’t stop talking about:
- O’Donoghue’s (Dublin) – “Love those different corners. A perfect place to disappear into the music.”
- Fibber Magee’s (Belfast) – “It’s a melting pot. Young, old, everyone’s welcome.”
- The Crown & Kelly’s Cellars (Belfast) – “Historic, hearty, and brilliant Guinness.”
- Tig Coili (Galway) – “Sessions every night and the best people-watching.”
- Giddy Dolphin (Dublin) – “You never know who you’ll meet there.”
- Johnny McHale’s (Castlebar) – “A proper Mayo welcome and strong pints.”
- Twomys Ivy Bar (Castletownbere) – “Hard to find. Harder to leave.”
- The Celt (Galway) – “Guinness, fiddle, and fire. That’s all I need.”
- Left Bank (Kilkenny) – “Feels like a cathedral of craic.”
- P. Lucas (Ennis) – “Small, hidden, and unforgettable.”
These pubs are living proof that no matter where you go in Ireland, you’re never far from a story, a laugh, and the perfect pint.
📖 Want even more hidden gems? Explore our [Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide].
What Makes a Great Irish Pub?
It’s not just the Guinness.
It’s the music echoing off the walls before a note is even played. It’s the barman who remembers your name. It’s the old man in the corner telling a story that may or may not be true — and you don’t care either way.
A great Irish pub feels like someone left the front door open on purpose. It’s where time slows down, the rain doesn’t matter, and strangers become friends without needing a reason.
It’s not about the biggest screen or the longest tap list.
It’s about the craic, the comfort, and the connection.
And if you’re lucky, the music will carry you out the door and follow you home.
Want More Hidden Gems Like These?
If these pubs made your heart ache for Ireland — or reminded you of a night you’ll never forget — don’t stop here.
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