Best Bars in Ireland, by City: The Ultimate Guide to Over 80 Great Bars

The Best Bars in Ireland

Ireland has a thriving pub culture that is part of our friendly village feel. There are many fantastic places to enjoy a pint on this green island, so this article aims to help you pick one. This list uses Google reviews and TripAdvisor scores to find the best bars in Ireland. Most lists are top ten, but there may be a few extra if there’s a tie. Don’t be too sad if your favourite doesn’t make the list; there are always more pubs in the sea.

We have written lists of great Irish pubs before, but this ultimate guide aims to give you insight into the best each region has to offer. Read on to find where to find the best bars in Ireland by region.  

Locations in this Article

• Best bars in Belfast, Ireland
• Best bars in Cork, Ireland
• Best bars in Donegal, Ireland
• Best bars in Dublin, Ireland
• Best bars in Galway, Ireland
• Best bars in Kilkenny, Ireland
• Best bars in Killarney, Ireland
• Best bars in Limerick, Ireland
• Best bars in Waterford, Ireland

Best Bars in Belfast, Ireland

1. Kelly’s Cellars

Belfast’s oldest traditional bar and a slice of Irish comfort, with warm fires to sit by and servings of stew. Kelly’s Cellars is unique in its cellar architecture and exciting nicknacks. Their friendly staff will ensure you have a great time and local drink.

2. Bert’s Jazz Bar

Bert’s Jazz Bar is located in the high-end Merchant Hotel. This beautiful venue hosts live music, great cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

3. Maddens

Madden’s is an excellent example of an old traditional pub; you will get some of the best pints of Guinness in the city here. They also have traditional Irish music every night of the week in their upstairs performance area.

4. Jeggy Nettle

This cosy pub is in Belfast’s University district. They are home to pub quizzes, live music, a friendly atmosphere and great staff. They are also a dog-friendly pub so you can bring your furry friend along.

5. Duke of York

Housed in the iconic Commercial Court is The Duke of York. This bar is covered floor to ceiling in amazing breweriana (bar memorabilia). The entire bar is a feast for the senses, and the selection of Irish and Northern Irish tipples makes it a great stop. Check out the gallery on their website to see more of their stunning interior.

6. The Sunflower

Still maintaining their security gates from The Troubles in Belfast as a reminder of the city’s social history is The Sunflower Public House. This pub serves excellent craft beer inside and outside in their beer garden. A hidden gem of their pub is the woodfired pizza oven in their beer garden, perfect for soaking up rays and the beers.

7. The Harp Bar

The Harp Bar was a significant venue for punk bands in the 70s and 80s in Belfast and is still a great place to catch live music in Belfast today. If you are looking for an exciting atmosphere and great pints, this is the place to be on your weekend in Belfast.

8. Muriel’s Café Bar

Calling all gin lovers, Muriels Cafe Bar, formerly Muriels Gin Tavern, is a gin lovers paradise. For the perfect serve and a range of unique cocktails, Muriels is a fantastic bar to visit. It also has quirky decor, including plush sofas, botanical wallpaper, and lingerie strung on washing lines from the ceiling. It’s one of the best bars in Ireland for gin.

9. The Spaniard

The Spaniard is a hidden gem in Belfast’s cocktail bar scene; it has not only the cosy vibe and well-poured Guinness of a traditional pub but also an exciting and ever-changing cocktail menu. They also specialise in interesting tequila cocktails, if that’s your tipple of choice.

10. Bittles

One of Belfast’s most iconic-looking bars is Bittles; this Victorian pub is known for its great Guinness and its attractive decor featuring paintings of Irish history and historical figures.

11. Lavery’s & Woodworkers

Lavery’s is a massive bar with several different sections. They have great beer gardens on offer, an entire floor of pool tables, and live sports on giant projector screens. The Woodworkers bar within Lavery’s is an industrial-style bar that offers fantastic craft beer options, such as beef,r flights, and board games. It is one of the best bars in Ireland for craft beer and playing pool.

Best Bars in Belfast, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• Bootleggers
• Mc Hugh’s
• The Crown Liquor Saloon
• The Deer’s Head
• The Dirty Onion
• The Perch Rooftop Bar & Rita’s
• White’s Tavern

If you want more advice on the best bars in Belfast, check out our other articles on the bars in the city. We have guides on the best places for traditional Irish music, the perfect gin serves, and craft beer in Belfast. So have a read and find your new favourite Belfast bar.

Best Bars in Cork, Ireland

1. Coughlan’s Bar

Home to two centuries of history, a friendly staff, a heated beer garden, and one of the best gin selections in the country. Coughlan’s is a great place to relax, enjoy a drink, and maybe listen to live music; they also have comedy nights and more events. I voted IMRO Irish Venue of the Year in 2013 and 2019, and I look no further for one of the best bars in Ireland for entertainment.

2. Impala

This modern and moody bar is an excellent place for beer lovers. They have a vast range of craft beer, from Wheat Beer to Berry Sours. Enjoy something a bit different in their fun atmosphere. You can even take some beers home, as they operate an off-licence at the bar. If beers aren’t your thing, fear not; they also have a selection of cocktails on the menu and an impressive range of gins and whiskeys.

3. Sin E

Opening its doors in 1889, Sin E is one of Cork’s oldest and remains a traditional Irish pub. Its name is a joke based on the funeral parlour next to it when it opens with Sin E translating to “That’s It”. A must-see spot on Cork’s Heritage Pub Trail. Sin E is also one of the best places in Cork to catch a traditional Irish music session.

4. Costigan’s Pub

Predating even Sin E, Costigans opened its doors in 1849 but as a fishmonger. They have changed a bit since then and are now focused on delivering the best pints they can. They are still a traditional bar with a snug parlour area to sit in and now have a lovely heated beer garden, too. Check out their YouTube channel for a laugh and more information on Costigans.

It’s one of the best bars in Ireland for a great pint of Murphy’s.

5. Nana’s

Known for its super friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere and entertainment, this cosy pub is a real gem in Cork. Nana’s is a great stop for locals and tourists alike, as staff are happy to give advice and recommendations for your stay in Cork. An excellent recommendation is to try Nana’s out for yourself!

6. Barbarella

Based in the oldest bar in Cork is Barbarella. This lively and vibrant cocktail bar is a fantastic place for a night out in Cork; many exciting drinks are available here. They even have a fancy shot menu if you want to raise a toast. It is one of the best bars in Ireland for a night out with cocktails.

7. Mutton Lane Inn

Mutton Lane Inn is a traditional Irish pub that is great for local ales and has friendly staff. Some staff say it may be haunted, but you’ll be in good company either way. If you want a cosy and fun atmosphere, this is a great spot to check out in Cork.

8. The Oval Bar

This Mackintosh-style building was built by an Edinburgh group of architects in the 20th century, and it is one of the historically critical 20th-century buildings within Cork. Now, it stands as one of the best bars in Cork and is an interesting indie night-out spot. They even have a nice outdoor seating area for the summer season.

9. The Raven Bar

Do you fancy some gastronomy with your craft beers and cocktails? The Raven Bar is the place to be; they have a fantastic food menu filled with local produce. Their great atmosphere and art deco interior make this a great place to enjoy some great food and drink in Cork.

10. The Shelbourne Bar

It is the perfect place for whiskey lovers who are in Cork. The Shelbourne has over 400 bottles of Whiskey to try, so make sure there is a whiskey to suit every mood. They also have a menu with whiskey cocktails if you fancy something different. You can also pick up a whiskey gift set from them to take home if you visit Cork. It is one of the best whiskey bars in Ireland.

The Shelbourne also offers online whiskey-tasting courses for those who want to learn more about the great Whiskey at their bar. Visit their website to book.

Best Bars in Cork, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• Canty’s Bar
• Cask
• Charlie’s Bar
• Gallagher’s Gastro Pub
• Preachers
• The Hi-B Bar
• The Idle Hour
• The Long Valley Bar

Best Bars in Donegal, Ireland

1. The Forge

If reviews are to be believed, it is a hidden gem of Donegal town and the best place to get a pint of Guinness. Check out The Forge to experience the local atmosphere, bar staff, and great craic! Take in the cosy atmosphere and some pub grub, or show up on Thursdays for a weekly pub quiz.

2. The Reel Inn

This beloved and award-winning pub is a fantastic stop if you are looking for a true traditional Irish pub experience. The Reel Inn offers fantastic drinks and entertainment, and with music and dancing seven nights a week, it is one of the best bars in Ireland for traditional Irish music.

3. Marina’s Café & Wine Bar

You should go to Marina’s if you want a fantastic glass of wine and a great meal. Their friendly staff will lead you to a table and serve you fantastic pub food with a smile. They even have daily specials ranging from pasta to curry. If you find yourself inspired by the sea views of the Wild Atlantic Way, they are also known for their fantastic chowder.

4. The Bank Bar

Looking for a relaxing bar atmosphere and the best selection of live sports in Donegal? Look no further than Bank Bar for some light food and great drinks, including craft beers, cocktails, and dedicated serving staff. They show Sky Sports and Eir Sport, meaning you never have to miss your sporting events to enjoy some time with friends at the bar.

5. The Harbour Bar

This fantastic family-run bar is proud to serve fantastic drinks and food from Donegal, from vegetables grown in Donegal’s peat-rich soil to Donegal-caught seafood. This is a great place to grab something to eat or drink in Donegal town.

6. McCafferty’s Bar

A home of revelry and great times in this family-run Donegal pub. Home to live music seven nights a week, live sport, and traditional Irish Music Monday to Thursday.

7. The Olde Castle Bar

Architectural charm and fantastic seafood are just two of the great things you will find at the Olde Castle Bar. Winners of the McKenna’s Guide’ Best in Ireland’ award six years in a row, this is one of the best bars in Ireland for gastropub food.

8. The Reveller Bar

A lively venue hosting live music, live sport, and promotional nightouts, including fun events like UV discos.

9. Abbey Hotel Bar

This contemporary venue is located within the Abbey Hotel, perfect for casual dining with friends and family and some excellent drinks.

Best Bars in Donegal Ireland – An Honourable Mention:

Although this is a list dedicated to Donegal Town, the County of Donegal’s best pub is the Singing Pub, Downings. This isn’t a fact or backed up by stats like the rest of the lists. It’s just a very genuine opinion from the writer of this article, who wanted to give them a shout-out.

Best Bars in Dublin, Ireland

1. Bar 1661

Winner of Irish Craft Cocktail’s award for ‘Best Cocktail Bar in Ireland’, this modern bar in Dublin 7 is a must-visit for cocktail drinkers visiting Dublin. Indeed, this is one of the best bars in Ireland for cocktails.

An unusual offering from Bar 1661 is their extensive range of Poitín, a traditional Irish drink often overlooked in favour of Whiskey. Their name, containing 1661, is significant because Poitín was made illegal in Ireland in 1661. They want to celebrate Poitín and its place in the Irish, distilling past and future. They even offer a Poitín masterclass once a week.

2. The Hacienda Bar

A genuinely unusual experience awaits you at this Dublin speakeasy. Press a buzzer-marked bar outside and await the proprietor, a man called ‘Shay,’ who will let you in if the bar is open. Once inside, enjoy the jovial atmosphere, eclectic decor, jukebox tunes, and pool tables in this truly unique experience.

3. Bowe’s Lounge Bar

A cosy lounge was established in 1880 in the heart of Dublin.

4. Brannigan’s

Brannigan’s is a family-run gastropub with a history dating back to 1854. Named after famous Dublin Garda James’ Lugs’ Brannigan.

5. Confession Box

The Confession Box is a traditional Irish pub with a fascinating Irish history behind its name. This small bar supposedly hosted Irish Revolutionaries from the Irish War of Independence near Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Some involved in the conflict, including Michael Collins, were excommunicated from the Catholic church. It is suggested that priests who had compassion for their position would offer penance to revolutionaries who received communion at the bar. Hence, its name is the Confession Box.

You may not receive communion wafers or penance there today, but you may get one of the best Guinnesses in the city.

6. Mulligan’s

Mulligan’s started as a Shebeen but has been a licensed venue for over 300 years now. It is an old-fashioned pub with buckets of Irish charm and tradition. They also pride themselves on fantastic Irish hospitality.

7. Peruke & Periwig

Filled with baroque charm and a fantastic atmosphere is Peruke and Periwig. In their ground-floor bar, you can sit on a plush sofa or armchair and enjoy pints, craft beer, and cocktails. Or book into their upstairs restaurant and enjoy their decadent food menus; they also have a snack menu with charcuterie boards if you get peckish.

8. The Brazen Head

One of the oldest buildings in Dublin, dating back to the 11th century, houses The Brazen Head Pub. Today, it is still an excellent place for music, food, and drinks.

9. The Cobblestone

Self-described as a drinking pub with a music problem, The Cobblestone is perfect for people seeking traditional Irish music in Dublin. This cosy and traditional pub is built on family history and respect for great music.

10. The Long Hall

Keeping its Victorian charm after 250 years in business is The Long Hall. The seating runs as deep as its history in this iconic-looking Dublin pub. Enjoy the traditional charm and a great atmosphere here.

11. The Palace Bar

12. The Temple Bar

Want to learn more about bars in Dublin? Check out our article on The Temple Bar District.

Best Bars in Dublin, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• Vintage Cocktail Club
• The Celt
• Kehoes Pub
• The Old Storehouse Bar
• The Dame Tavern
• The Stag’s Head
• Merchant’s Arch
• 9 Below
• O’Donoghue’s Bar

Best Bars in Galway, Ireland

1. O’Connor’s Famous Pub

The beloved O’Connor’s Pub is a real traditional pub experience in Galway. This pub does not serve food or TV, just a great atmosphere and pints. They also serve cocktails that get rave reviews. For Ed Sheeran fans, this bar was used for the music video to ‘Galway Girl’.

2. Caribou

It is a modern bar with fantastic food, cocktails, and local craft beers.

3. O’Connell’s Bar

One of the best bars in Ireland for beer gardens is O’Connell’s Bar. Their attractive beer garden looks like a mock street with cobbled paths, storefronts, and plenty of places to take a load off and have a pint.

4. Ol’ 55 Bar

Known for its range of great beers and Whiskey, the Ol 55 is loved by locals. They don’t just offer fantastic local beer, they also have great live music and live sport.

5. The Bunch of Grapes

This family-run pub is a great place to relax, enjoy a great pint of Guinness, and enjoy its attractive decor filled with nicknacks.

6. The Crane Bar

It is one of Galway’s best-known traditional Irish pubs and one of the best bars in Ireland for live traditional music.

7. The Salt House

8. Tigh Choili

9. Tigh Nora Galway

The place to be for gin lovers is in Galway, home to Nora’s Irish Gin. This is the perfect place for the ideal service.

10. Carroll’s on Dominic Street

It is a cosy traditional pub with a vibrant outdoor seating area. Their award-winning beer garden is a great place to grab a cocktail or food.

11. Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden

Want to hear more about the best places to grab a drink in Galway? Check out our article for even more in-depth information and further suggestions.

Best Bars in Galway, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• Hyde Bar
• Bierhaus
• Tigh Neachtain
• Garavan’s Bar
•  John Keogh’s Gastro Pub
• Murty Rabbitts
• Taafes Bar
• The Front Door Pub
• The Dail Bar

Best Bars in Kilkenny, Ireland

1. O Riadas

It is the best of traditional Irish pub culture and a great place to enjoy a pint and a chat. The super friendly staff will make you feel at home.

2. The Nore Bar

3. The Front Room

4. Bridies Bar & General Store

5. Cleere’s Bar & Theatre

6. Ryan’s Bar

7. Delaney’s

8. Brewery Corner

9. Hole in the Wall

10. Lenehan’s Public House

11. Tynan’s Bridge House Bar

Best Bars in Kilkenny, Ireland – Honorable Mentions:

• J. B. Burkes Pub
• The Bottling Store
• Hackett’s Bar Kilkenny
• The Dylan Whiskey Bar
• Matt the Miller’s Bar

Best Bars in Killarney, Ireland

1. Jack C’s Bar

2. The Lane Café Bar

3. Jimmy Brien’s

4. Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder

5. Curious Cat Wine Bar

6. Hussey’s Bar

7. John M Reidy

8. The Ross

9. Courtney’s Bar

10. Killarney Brewing Company

Best Bars in Killarney, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• Buckley’s Traditional Bar  
• Hannigan’s Bar
• Murphy’s Bar
• O’Connor’s Traditional Pub

Best Bars in Limerick, Ireland

1. Dolan’s Pub & Restaurant

2. JJ Bowles

3. Fennessy’s Vintners

4. Mother Macs

5. Mickey Martin’s Pub

6. The Black Swan

7. Tom Colin’s Bar

8. Jerry Flannery’s Bar

9. Katie Daly’s

10. Ma Hogan’s Bar

11. Myles Breen’s Bar

12. The Glen Tavern

Best Bars in Limerick, Ireland – Honourable Mentions:

• The Locke Bar
• WJ South’s Pub
• Portley’s Bar

Best Bars in Waterford, Ireland

1. Shush

2. Jarrz

It is a lively bar with an interesting self-serve system and a calendar packed with fun entertainment.

3. A Visce Beatha

4. Grattan Bar

5. Phil Grimes

6. Henry Downes

7. Lawlor’s on the Quay

8. Tully’s Bar

9. The Fat Angels

10. Geoff’s Café Bar

Best Bars in Waterford, Ireland – Honourable Mentions

• Davy Mac’s Bar
• Itty Bitty’s
• Jordan’s American Bar
• The Gingerman

Map of the Best Bars in Ireland

Click here to access our map of the best bars in Ireland.

Conclusion

Ireland is chock full of fantastic bars; this list shows some unique offerings. I’m sure we missed a few, so why not tell us what you think are the best bars in Ireland in the comments below? Or check out some of the bars in this list for a nice pint and great craic. Are you planning a bar-hopping road trip? Want to know where the best traditional pubs in Ireland are? Or where are the oldest pubs in Ireland? We have loads more articles on the great pubs in Ireland for you to enjoy!