Killarney has about 50 pubs, so it’s no wonder that this little town in the south west of Ireland is one of the top nightlife destinations in the country! This is quite a number considering that Killarney is a small town, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. From traditional Irish pubs to lively disco bars, Killarney is sure to not disappoint. Here’s a list of our top 10, where to find them and what to expect…
· The Danny Mann - Craic agus ceol!
The Danny Mann is located on New Street and is renowned for some of the best Irish music sessions in town. In fact, this well established bar has been entertaining people for over 70 years with its live traditional Irish music! During the summer, this spacious bar is brimming with locals and visitors alike and it’s also one of the few places in the town where you can also eat while listening to the music. It’s also a great venue for sporting events with many large screens around the bar.
· Mustang Sally’s - Disco Bar!
Not only is it the name of a famous song, it’s also the name of a famous disco bar in Killarney! Known locally as ‘Mustang’s, it’s located on the Main Street in the town and is definitely a place to go to hear the DJ belt out some of the latest tunes as well as some classic rock songs. It’s pretty spacious with two bar areas and loads of room for dancing. When the bar closes here, you can just head to the nightclub at the back to continue your night! The bar has an American style theme and it also offers scrumptious bar food from its diner type menu.
· The Granary - Live Music Venue!
This is one of the best live music venues in the South West and for a bar of its size; it manages to attract some of the top Irish acts like the Republic of Loose and The Blizzards to name a few. Live traditional/rock/indie bands take to the stage each weekend, so there’s something to cater for all tastes. The DJ takes to the decks once the band finishes so you can dance till the early hours! If you’re heading to Killarney be sure you check out what gigs are on here.
· Buckley’s - Real Traditional Irish Music!
Buckley’s Bar is part of the Arbutus Hotel on College Street and has been in the Buckley family since 1926, so it’s well established on the pub scene in Killarney! Buckley’s is one of best places to find an impromptu music session. This charming hotel bar is where you might stumble upon one of the best traditional Irish music sessions in town and this really is Irish music at its best! Here you’ll see top musicians sit around the turf fire and play tin whistles, melodeons, fiddles and bodhráns to create truly authentic Irish music.
· Scott’s Bar - Great beer garden!
Scott’s Bar is part of Scott’s Hotel on College Street and is renowned for its popular beer garden, which is always busy during the summer months, as it’s the largest beer garden in the town. The bar attracts people of all ages and is always busy especially on Saturday nights. It usually has a band followed by a DJ in the main bar and if you prefer something a bit quieter you can pop into the cosy snug at the front. Scott’s is also a great spot for a bite to eat.
· The Fáilte - Drink, Food & Entertainment!
This Fáilte is part of the Fáilte Hotel and is located on College Street. This family run bar is traditional in style and has won many awards for its décor. If you’re looking for good pub grub, you won’t be disappointed here and there’s also a restaurant upstairs. You’ll find a good mix of locals and tourists here so it’s a good place to mingle and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere. There is music in the bar each Friday and Saturday night.
· The Tatler Jack - Favourite Sports Bar!
This family owned traditional style pub is one of the most popular drinking haunts in Killarney. It’s situated in the heart of the town on Plunkett Street so if you’re passing, make sure you pop in and enjoy your favourite tipple, or indeed some delicious bar food. You’ll be amazed by the amount of GAA memorabilia you’ll see here - every inch of wall space is adorned with pictures and photographs from the world of Gaelic football. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a quiet drink during the week, but it really comes to life at the weekends with lively traditional bands playing here on Friday and Saturday nights till 2am.
· Scruffy’s - Great music & craic!
Scuffys is located alongside the Towers Hotel on College Street and is one of the top disco bars in Killarney. It’s a popular haunt for the locals on a Saturday night but it’s also a nice place to relax with a drink during the week. The long wooden bar stretches far back to a wider open space so there’s plenty of room to dance to your favourite tunes! The bar also has lots of cosy enclaves if you prefer a more intimate setting for a pre dinner drink.
· The Plaza - Great for cocktails!
Also known as the ‘Café du Parc’, the glamorous Plaza is probably one of the hippest and trendiest bars in Killarney. Located at The Plaza Hotel, Kenmare Place, this cool hangout attracts the young and not so young. Its stylish, modern interior has five bars over four levels and is decked out in marble and comfy animal print seating arrangements. Cocktails are always the order of the night here and while you’re sipping on a cosmo or a mojito you could be mistaken for sitting in a sophisticated New York bar!
· Charlie Foleys - A local’s favourite!
This is one of the local’s favourite watering holes and is a popular spot for the young and young at heart especially at the weekends! Located on New Street, this friendly family run pub is a great place for a quiet drink during the week and at the weekend see it transform into one of the busiest nightlife spots in the town!
Hope you find your favourite bar in Killarney. If you want to add a Killarney bar to this list, why not drop us a comment in the box below and let us know about it!
Killarney is a picturesque town in the southwest of Ireland, famed the world over for it’s natural beauty. Make sure you stop-off and experience this lively town for yourself. We’ve got lots of Killarney hotels for you to stay in.