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Ciaran Connolly
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 live trad music, and have great conversations 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 that stand on the country’s edges.
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.
Table of Contents
The Most Northerly Pub in Ireland
You may be surprised that the most northerly pub in Ireland isn’t contained within ‘Northern Ireland’ but is not 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 is just 3.4km from the most Northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head. The Farren family has run it for 6 generations.
Food and Drink at the most northern pub in Ireland
Farren’s offers pub grub classics such as sandwiches and vegetable soup with wheat 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. The location was used as Luke’s new home, and many fans make the trek to visit the filming locations nearby.
How to get to the most northern pub in Ireland
The best way to get to the most northerly pub in Ireland is to drive there, as it’s accessible by road. You can take the Wild Atlantic Way, a beautiful scenic route. If flying into Ireland, Farren’s is an 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 that is licensed as a pub as well. It serves great pints and provides 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 some fantastic seafood. They are well known for the food they serve, and it is a great treat after a coastal walk. Being in Portavogie is an excellent opportunity to try Portavogie prawns 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 for relaxing, having a picnic, and enjoying 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. 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. Its 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 is 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 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, and participate 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 a pint at the pub.
How to get to the most southerly pub in Ireland
O’Sullivan’s Cork is best travelled by Car. It is a two-hour drive from Cork International Airport, giving you 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 from the most westerly point in Ireland at Tearaght Island. It is not only the most westerly pub in Ireland but also the most westerly pub in Europe! Three generations of the family have run this little pub, serving fantastic food and traditional Irish music. They even have their taxi service so you can get to and from the pub when staying on Achill.
Achill Island can also be seen in Irish director Martin McDonagh’s newest film, The Banshees of Inisherin.
Food and Drink at the most westerly pub in Ireland
Enjoy beautifully roasted Lamb from Achill or experience some fantastic Irish seafood in their chowder. I’ve been reliably informed by a family who ate here that the seafood chowder was enjoyed every day of their trip. It’s a must-try for seafood 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 fantastic history of the land there. You can also enjoy the beaches for a walk, picnic, or a hike in the surrounding cliffs. Achill even has an aquarium and heritage centre 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 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, Cork, From the most westerly pub in Ireland, at Achill Island, to the most easterly pub in Ireland in Portavogie, Ireland has loads of pubs at each point of the compass and all the points in between. These four pubs are excellent 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 for a great pint, fantastic live traditional music, and a great culture with those who love the land most.
