4 Compass Pubs in Ireland: A Great Guide To The Most Northerly, Easterly, Westerly, and Southerly Pubs in Ireland

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

Compass Pubs in Ireland are well worth a visit. When you visit Ireland there is no lack of great places to grab a pint of local beer, listen to some live trad music, and have some great craic with locals. There are pubs scattered all over from North to South and from East to West so where is the most Northerly pub in Ireland? What food is served at the most southerly pub in Ireland? How do you get to the most westerly pub in Ireland and what attractions are near the most easterly pub in Ireland? This article will tell you all that and more about these compass point pubs which stand on the edges of the country.

Want more pubs to visit in Ireland on your road trip? Check out our list ranking the Best bars in Ireland for more than 50 great pubs you can see on your travels from North to South and East to West.

The Most Northerly Pub in Ireland

You may be surprised to find out that the most northerly pub in Ireland isn’t actually contained within ‘Northern Ireland’ but nor is the most northerly point found on Malin Head, which is part of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

Where is the most northerly pub in Ireland?

The most northerly pub in Ireland is Farren’s Bar near Malin Head. The Address is Slievebawn, Malin Head, Co. Donegal, F93 FX56, Ireland and it lies just 3.4km from the most Northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head. It has been run by the Farren family for 6 generations.

Food and Drink at the most northerly pub in Ireland

Farren’s offer pub grub classics such as sandwiches and vegetable soup served with wheaten bread. Perfect to go with a pint of Guinness or a glass of whiskey to warm you after a walk around Malin Head.

Things to do around the most northerly pub in Ireland

The area surrounding the most northerly pub in Ireland has stunning natural beauty from Malin Head cliffs, to Kitters Beach. It’s a great location to enjoy the beautiful nature of Ireland before heading to the pub for a warm up and some great drinks and entertainment.

Star Wars fans may recognise Malin Head from The Last Jedi as the location was used as Luke’s new home and many Star Wars fans make the trek to visit the filming locations nearby.

How to get to the most northerly pub in Ireland

The best way to get to the most northerly pub in Ireland is to drive there as its accessible by road and you can take the Wild Atlantic Way, a beautiful scenic route to get there. If flying into Ireland Farren’s is a hour long drive from City of Derry Airport and around 2 hours from Belfast International Airport.

The Most Easterly Pub in Ireland

Where is the most easterly pub in Ireland?

The most easterly pub in Ireland is The New Quays (pronounced keys) in Portavogie, County Down. The address is 81 New Harbour Rd, Portavogie, Newtownards BT22 1EB and it lies 4.18km from the most easterly point in Ireland. This pub is actually a restaurant which is licensed as a pub as well. They serve up great pints and provide beautiful sea views.

Food and Drink at the most easterly pub in Ireland

Being so close to the ocean means it is no wonder The New Quays serve up some amazing seafood. They are well known for the food they serve up and it is a great treat after a coastal walk. Being in Portavogie is a great opportunity to try Portavogie prawns which are known throughout Northern Ireland.

Things to do around the most easterly pub in Ireland

The area around The New Quays has lots of beach space and natural beauty to enjoy. Nearby is the Ards Peninsula and Cloughey Bay Beach, both perfect to relax, have a picnic, and enjoy fresh air and hopefully some half decent weather. If you want a relaxed Irish coastal vacation this little stretch of coast is a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

How to get to the most easterly pub in Ireland

The easiest way to travel to the most easterly pub in Ireland is by car and if you are flying into Ireland the nearest airport is Belfast City Airport, which is 49 minutes’ drive away or Belfast International which is an hour and twenty minutes away.

The Most Southerly Pub in Ireland

Where is the most southerly pub in Ireland?

The most southerly pub in Ireland is O’Sulivan’s Bar in County Cork, the address is Crookhaven, Co. Cork, Ireland and it is 10km from the most southerly point in Ireland, Mizen Head. This pub has been family run since 1933 and open every day of the year except Christmas.  

Food and Drink at the most southerly pub in Ireland

O’Sullivan’s Cork is a gastro pub serving up delicious seafood and pub classics such as toasties, soups, and a nice pint of Murphy’s.

Things to do around the most southerly pub in Ireland

Explore the cliffs of Mizen Head, the most southerly point in Ireland, take part in watersports such as SUP and wild swimming. Or take a relaxing dander up the beach at Barley Cove. Crookhaven in Cork is a great location for a relaxing coastal break filled with picnics, walks, and of course a pint at the pub.

How to get to the most southerly pub in Ireland

O’Sullivan’s Cork is best travelled by Car and it is a 2 hour drive from Cork International Airport giving lots of time to enjoy the scenery of Ireland on the way if you fly in.

The Most Westerly Pub in Ireland

Where is the most westerly pub in Ireland?

The most westerly pub in Ireland is Gielty’s on Achill Island. The address is Main Street, Dooagh, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland and it is over 300km away from the most westerly point in Ireland at Tearaght Island. It is not only the most westerly pub in Ireland but it is also the most westerly pub in Europe! Three generations of the family have run this little pub which serves up fantastic food and traditional irish music. They even have their own taxi service so you can get to and from the pub when staying on Achill.

Achill Island can also be seen in the newest film from Irish director Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin.

Food and Drink at the most westerly pub in Ireland

Enjoy beautifully roasted Lamb which comes from Achill itself or experience some amazing Irish seafood in their chowder. I’ve been reliably informed by family who ate here that the seafood chowder was enjoyed everyday of their trip. Its a must try for sea food lovers visiting the most westerly pub in Ireland.

They even offer cocktails and have an in-house coffee shop for a winter warmer during the day.

Things to do around the most westerly pub in Ireland

Beyond visiting the most westerly pub in Ireland there is plenty to do on Achill Island. Taking the Atlantic Drive around Achill is a great way to see the coastal scenery, castles, village ruins, and more amazing history of the land there. You can also enjoy the beaches for a walk, picnic, or a hike in the surrounding cliffs. Achill even have an aquarium and heritage center where you can learn more about the beautiful island of Achill.

How to get to the most westerly pub in Ireland

The most westerly pub in Ireland is located on an island. Achill is an island but conveniently it has been connected to the mainland via a land bridge enabling you to drive out there. If you are flying into Ireland the nearest airport to Achill is Ireland West Airport which is a 2 hour drive from Achill Island.

Conclusion

From the most northerly pub in Ireland at Malin Head to the most southerly pub in Ireland in Cork. From the most westerly pub in Ireland at Achill Island to the most easterly pub in Ireland in Portavogie, Ireland have loads of pubs at each point of the compass and all the points in between. These four pubs are great markers for an all-Ireland road trip connected by the stunning Wild Atlantic Way for most of the way. Why not plan a trip around pubs? Ireland is the perfect place to search out a great pint, some amazing live traditional music, and great craic with those who love the land most.