Next to Irish beer, whiskey, food and wool, Irish Pubs are one of the most prominent exports of the country. You can find them all over the world: Even in the Himalayas in Nepal at a height of 3,440 meters or in Ushuaia, Argentina, as the world’s southernmost Irish pub. However, the oldest and most authentic pubs are of course in Ireland. But where to find the most famous ones and what makes them special? In this post, we’ll let you know about the most famous Irish pubs in Ireland.
Source: Jared Burris on Unsplash
O’Connors in Galway
Already established in 1942, O’Connors in Galway is one of the most famous Irish pubs in Ireland. Here, you can get a real idea of an authentic, traditional pub – which opens only in the evening, does not serve food and has no TVs. It does however offer traditional live music seven nights a week and fresh pints of beer on tap. You might even know the pub, even if you have never been to Galway, as it is featured in Ed Sheeran’s music video for the song “Galway Girl.”
Johnnie Fox’s in Glencullen
Renowned to be Ireland’s highest pub, Johnnie Fox’s pub is also one of the oldest: It was established in 1798 and has evolved from a small holding farm to a safe haven during the Irish rebellion against the British and then, to a beautiful traditional pub in the Dublin mountains. On the pub’s menu, you can find traditional Irish food, seafood specialties and a great variety of Irish beers and whiskeys. There’s live music every day of the week and even a Hooley show with Irish dancing.
Source: Matheus Câmara da Silva on Unsplash
The Temple Bar, Dublin
Of course, you’ve heard of it, whether you’ve been to Ireland or you haven’t: The Temple Bar. Bearing the same name as the quarter of the city it stands in, the Temple Bar is known far outside of the country’s borders. Its iconic red exterior is a subject on many postcards from Dublin and on many photos by tourists visiting the pub. As it is one of the main sights for tourists, you might pay a few Euros more for a pint in Temple Bar, but you’ll get great atmosphere and live music nonetheless.
The Brazen Head, Dublin
As the oldest pub in Dublin, the Brazen Head, or at least its predecessor, a hostelry, was established in 1198. But that’s not all that makes it one of the most famous Irish pubs in Ireland: It has been host to famous Irish writers like James Joyce and Brendan Behan or revolutionaries like Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins. A visit here not only promises a great night with live music, drinks and traditional food, but also a deep dive right into Dublin history.
Source: K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
This pub in Belfast, Northern Ireland is famous for its tradition and its beautiful Victorian style. Its history dates back to 1826 and the pub still has some of its original or refurbished features, from gas lighting to the colourful tiles on its façade. Today, The Crown Liquor Saloon is part of Nicholson’s Ale & Gin Establishments.
Sean’s Bar, Athlone
Officially the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Westmeath has a reputed history of more than 1.000 years. While the oldest parts of the building have been dated back to the 17th century, there were much more ancient materials found during renovations in the 1970s. No matter how old the pub really is – with live music, fresh pints and a great atmosphere it is certainly worth a visit.
While the pubs we listed might be some of the most famous Irish pubs in Ireland, and certainly worth a visit, there are so many more to discover – about 7.000 in fact. Wherever you are in the country, Irish pubs offer you refreshment, great craic and a glimpse of the hospitality and character of the Irish people. Slainte!
Source header photo: Dovlet Hojayev on Unsplash
