When you’re looking for the Irish towns with the best pubs, you’ll be spoiled for choice since almost every town in Ireland takes pride in its pub culture.
But there are certain towns that truly shine in providing the best pub scene. These towns offer a range of pubs that suit different moods and occasions and guarantee a memorable night out for anyone who visits them.
So, in this article, we’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the best pub towns in Ireland. Let’s dive in and explore these fantastic places to enjoy a good pint!
What are the best pub towns in Ireland?
The best pub towns in Ireland are Kilkenny, Dingle, Carlingford, Sligo, Howth, and Kinsale, each offering a unique and enjoyable pub experience.
Kilkenny
First in the list, we have Kilkenny, the town with the best nightlife in Ireland. This is the place to be if you want to hop from one pub to another.
The old-world charm of this medieval town will enchant you as you wander along the cobbled streets full of pubs.
For the best pub in Kilkenny, choose from Cleere’s Bar & Theatre, Matt the Millers Bar & Restaurant, or The Field, each with a unique atmosphere and live music, food, and drinks.
Cleere’s Bar & Theatre
Website: https://cleeres.com/
Address: 28 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, R95 YR61
Phone: +353 56 776 2573
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12:30 AM
Kilkenny’s Cleere’s Bar & Theatre is the place to go for music lovers!
This pub has more than just great beer (although Smithwick’s fans will be happy here). It also hosts comedy, poetry, music, and visual arts events in the evenings.
The old wooden bar and tiled floor create a cosy atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying your pint. Or you can join the fun at the 100-seater venue at the back, if you are feeling more adventurous.
Pro Tip
To avoid missing out on the live entertainment, book your tickets in advance as the venue is very popular and often sells out. You can check their website for the upcoming events and contact them by phone or email to reserve your seats.
Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant
Website: http://www.mattthemillers.com/
Address: 1 John Street Lower, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 PY7D
Phone: +353 56 776 1696
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Friday, & Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, & Sunday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Matt the Millers is a must-visit pub for food and music lovers in Kilkenny.
This place attracts both locals and tourists with its amazing music schedule that features musicians and DJs. You can check out their line-up online before you go.
They also have a wide range of drinks and a great location near Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore.
This pub won Ireland’s best music pub award in 2017 and is a popular spot for Hen and Stag nights. It’s a lively and fun place to enjoy a pint and a bite with friends.
Pro Tip
Matt the Millers has specials and offers for local food and drinks. They have different menus to suit your taste, and deals like 2 for 1 cocktails or 2 courses for €20, so don’t miss the chance to try them out.
The Field
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheFieldBar.Kilkenny/
Address: 2 High St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 W429
Phone: +353 56 770 2763
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
The Field is an old Kilkenny pub that dates back to 1620. It used to be called the Castle Tavern, but it still has the same history and old-world charm.
This is the place to go if you want to see what a real Irish pub looks like.
Pro Tip
The Field has many options and activities for a fun Hen or Stag party. You can choose from cocktail classes, perfume making, splatball, treasure hunt, and more.
Dingle
Dingle is a lovely fishing village in Co. Kerry that has a lot of pubs to choose from. Many tourists love this place for its winding streets and charm.
Some of the best pubs in Dingle are Dick Mack’s Pub and Murphy’s Bar. They are very unique venues that stand out from the rest.
Dick Mack’s Pub
Website: https://www.dickmackspub.com/
Address: 47 Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 FF25
Phone: +353 (0) 66 915 1787
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Dick Mack’s is one of the best pubs in Dingle and a personal favourite for many people. It has a long history since 1899 and a unique charm with its leather workshop.
It also has a brewhouse on-site and offers guided tours twice a day in a building from the 1850s.
One of the best spots to sit is the front bar, where people watching is a delight. It’s especially cosy on a stormy winter evening when the place is not too crowded.
Pro Tip
Book a tour of Dick Mack’s brewhouse online and discover their history and craft. You’ll see and taste their beer and cider, visit their leather workshop, and enjoy their pub culture.
Murphy’s Bar
Website: https://murphysbarbrandon.com/
Address: Farran, Brandon, Co. Kerry, V92 T680
Phone: +353(0)87 187 5635
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM until late
Murphy’s Bar is a great pub in Ireland for its location. It’s in the village of Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula.
The pub has an open fire, maritime decorations, tasty seafood and excellent Guinness.
It also has amazing views of Brandon Bay and the hills and mountains around it. It’s one of the best pubs on the Wild Atlantic Way in the summer.
Pro Tip
As you drive along the Dingle Peninsula, don’t miss the chance to cross the Conor Pass, one of the highest and most scenic mountain passes in Ireland. Enjoy views of lakes, cliffs, and valleys, but be careful as the road is very narrow and twisty.
Carlingford
Carlingford is a lively town in County Louth with many attractions. It has outdoor adventure centres and heritage sites for the day, and good pubs and bars for the night.
One of the best places to have a drink and a laugh in Carlingford is Lilly Finnegan’s. It’s a great spot to visit on any weekend trip to Carlingford.
Lily Finnegans
Website: https://www.lilyfinnegans.com/
Address: Whitestown, Carlingford, Co. Louth, A91 D326
Phone: 042 9373730
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – 5 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 12:30 AM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 11 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – closed
Just 5 km (3.1 miles) from the center of town, along the coast, lies an authentic traditional Irish pub.
Deep in the Cooley Peninsula, this small building has preserved its old-school charm and history, attracting a constant crowd that soaks up the fantastic atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find a bar, a snug, a pool room, an outdoor area, and a giant big screen at the bar for all the sports fans.
Music lovers will enjoy the live music that happens regularly here, on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays all year round. So, every week offers a different experience, making it one of the best pubs and bars in Carlingford.
Pro Tip
If you’re interested in history, visit Carlingford Castle, a medieval fortress that once guarded the lough. Although the castle is not open to the public, you can join a free tour during Heritage Week by contacting the tourist office.
Sligo
Sligo town is the centre of County Sligo and has a lot of local culture and nightlife. It’s one of the best places in Ireland to enjoy the Irish nightlife.
Since Sligo is a small town, it’s easy to walk around and visit many pubs. You should check out some of the best pubs in Sligo, such as Shoot the Crows, Thomas Connolly, and McLynn’s Bar.
Shoot the Crows
Website: https://www.facebook.com/shootthecrows/
Address: Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, F91 RY99
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 11:30 PM
Shoot the Crows is a pub that offers more than just drinks. You’ll love the amazing Guinness, fun, and live Irish and bluegrass music, as well as the vibe and company, at Shoot the Crows four times a week.
The place is always lively, with plenty of Guinness and whiskey to go around. It feels like a real Irish pub that takes you back in time.
The pub also has a unique style, with different furniture and decorations. It’s a charming and cozy spot to enjoy a pint and some tunes. Shoot the Crows is a must-visit when you’re in Sligo.
Pro Tip
Before you relax at Shoot the Crows, join the Sligo Dark Tales Tour and learn about Sligo’s dark history and literary connections. You’ll see and hear stories of Sligo Abbey, Sligo Gaol, Bram Stoker, W.B. Yeats, and more.
Thomas Connolly
Website: https://www.thomasconnollysligo.com/
Address: 1 Markievicz Rd, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo, F91 HC04
Phone: (071) 919 4920
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
Just 5 km (3.1 miles) from the center of town, along the coast, lies an authentic traditional Irish pub.
Deep in the Cooley Peninsula, this small building has preserved its old-school charm and history, attracting a constant crowd that soaks up the fantastic atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find a bar, a snug, a pool room, an outdoor area, and a giant big screen at the bar for all the sports fans.
Music lovers will enjoy the live music that happens regularly here, on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays all year round. So, every week offers a different experience, making it one of the best pubs and bars in Carlingford.
Pro Tip
For a great whiskey experience, visit Thomas Connolly to explore their collection of over 160 Irish, Scotch, Japanese, and Bourbon whiskies. It’s ideal to schedule your visit to their wonderful whiskey-tasting events.
McLynn’s Bar
Website: https://www.mclynnsbar.com/
Address: Old Market St, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo
Phone: +353 (0)71 9142088
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday – 7 PM to 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 6 PM to 12:30 AM
McLynn’s Bar is the kind of Irish bar that you might imagine in your dreams. It’s a family-owned place in the center of Sligo Town on Old Market Street, with a lot of charm and tradition.
It’s been around since 1889, and it’s a wooden pub that invites you to have a pint and some live music when you’re in Sligo.
The pub is full of history, with decorations, pictures, and ornaments that show you the past. It has music nights every weekend and mid-week, so you’ll always have a good time there.
The staff and the locals are very friendly and welcoming at McLynn’s Bar. You’ll feel so comfortable that you might want to stay longer than planned!
Pro Tip
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get weekly live music event updates and see what kind of music sessions they have, from Irish folk to bluegrass to acoustic jam sessions and more.
Howth
If you’re looking for a seaside town in Dublin, Howth is a great option. It’s not far from Dublin City Centre and it attracts many tourists.
Howth has many traditional Irish pubs and late-night bars for you to enjoy, such as The Abbey Tavern or O’Connells Pub & Restaurant. They serve a very smooth pint of Guinness.
Abbey Tavern
Website: https://www.abbeytavern.ie/
Address: 28 Abbey St, Howth, Dublin, D13 E9V4
Phone: 01 839 0307
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
The Abbey Tavern is a historic and lively pub in Howth Village. It has a cream and blue exterior that dates back to the 16th-century, and a cozy interior with stone walls and ceiling beams.
You can see the coast from the pub, and enjoy a delicious meal of seafood or pub classics. They have a tempting food menu that includes beef and Guinness pie.
The Abbey Tavern also offers cultural shows in a traditional setting. You can watch ballad singing, Irish dancing, traditional music, and more throughout the year.
Pro Tip
When dining at Abbey Tavern, try out on their delicious comfort foods like the Chowder, the Fisherman’s Platter, and the Beef & Guinness Pie. Enjoy these tasty dishes next to the cozy turf fires for an authentic Irish experience you won’t forget.
O’Connells Pub and Restaurant
Website: https://www.oconnellshowth.ie/
Address: E Pier, Howth, Dublin
Phone: (01) 839 5087
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 120:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
O’Connells Pub and Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a pint with a view. It’s right on the harbour, where you can see the marina and the sea, as well as Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island.
As you make your way back into town after the Howth Cliff Walk, O’Connell’s stands as one of the first pubs, making it a convenient and tempting stop for a pint.
You can sit on the terrace or by the window, and watch the world go by. You can also catch some sports on the screens inside.
Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the diverse selection of seafood dishes served here all day, starting from noon. Don’t pass up the chance to taste their delectable seafood chowder, a perfect complement to a Guinness.
Pro Tip
To catch some lively trad sessions, Sunday is the day to visit O’Connell’s and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Remember to check their website’s events section beforehand.
Kinsale
Kinsale, a colorful town in County Cork, is well-known for its fantastic local seafood and picturesque shop fronts. Aside from that, it also has a vibrant nightlife to offer.
Along its charming streets, you can find numerous great pubs. For those eager to dance the night away, The Bulman Bar and Folk House are the places to be.
The Bulman Bar
Website: https://www.thebulman.ie/
Address: The Bulman Bar, Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 4772131
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 11:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
When you visit The Bulman, you’ll love the cozy atmosphere for enjoying a pint. It has brick walls and wooden beams, and a fireplace and many decorations that make it lively.
And the best part is that you can see the ocean from just 10 meters away! People often gather outside, sitting on a stone wall, sipping their pints, and enjoying the gentle splashes of the sea.
At The Bulman, you’ll find a wide variety of drinks, both local and from other places, and they have an amazing selection of wines.
Pro Tip
The Bulman Kinsale is a popular and award-winning destination, so it can get busy during peak times.Don’t forget about Toddies Restaurant, which is right there in the pub. They serve fantastic food, including fresh seafood sushi.
The Folk House
Website: https://www.facebook.com/folkhousekinsale/
Address: Guardwell, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 477 2382
At the Folk House, you’ll find one of the largest lineups of beers on tap in Kinsale, featuring selections from around the world and offerings from local breweries.
But beer is not the only thing they offer; they also have cider, wine, whiskey, coffee, and more to suit your taste. Plus, they have a decent pub grub menu, making it a perfect spot for a late lunch.
As you step in, you’ll be greeted by a warm and relaxed atmosphere, thanks to the comfy couches, roaring fireplace, wooden floors, and brick and stone walls blending together harmoniously.
On top of that, regular live music adds to the fun, and you might find yourself dancing a jig to the tunes of some of the best bands in Ireland that the Folk House is known for attracting.
Pro Tip
The pub is located in the heart of Kinsale, a charming and historic town on the south coast of Ireland. You can explore the town’s attractions, such as the Kinsale Regional Museum, the St Multose Church, or the Kinsale Harbour.