When you compile a list like this, you will always be slammed for the pubs you leave out, but just remember it’s not an exclusive ranking. These are just some of Ireland’s many great pubs.
Mill Lounge And Cornloft Restaurant
Tuam Road, Athlone, Westmeath
Every effort has been made to preserve the period charm of this corn mill - now tastefully restored as a country tavern. Today’s heritage seekers can enjoy old world charm with a drink in the bar or a meal in the Cornloft Restaurant, just 1.5 km off the N6 on the R 362 main Tuam Road. Check out GoIreland’s list of Athlone hotels if you wish to stay in the area.
Paddy Blues
North Parade, Gorey, Wexford
Signposted from the main street, miss this traditional old style pub and you miss one of Ireland’s benchmark taverns. The entire pub is cast in the old style traditional idiom, the bar, the bike shed and the courtyard beer garden paying homage to the social habitats of former times. Stone, brick and seasoned timbers are moulded into a landscape of nostalgia. Open fires and blackened chimney breasts add authenticity. Reserve from some quality
44 High Street, Bangor, Down
Coyles Bar is a genuine Irish pub that offers real Irish culture with Irish music, a perfect pint of Guinness, and great craic.
Jacks Railway Bar
Kells, Meath
This family-owned pub on the outskirts of the ancient town of Kells, offers the best in old-style atmosphere and serves the best pint in town. The welcome here is as warm as the lovely log fire which welcomes the traveller during the winter. In summer the conservatory opening out into the large landscaped walled garden is ideal for barbecues or just to sit back and relax.
Murphy’s
Arklow, Wicklow
Situated in the busy town of Arklow this exceptional pub offers the finest in food and drink, with bar food served all day and excellent cuisine served in the restaurant overlooking the beer garden and Avoca River. From the old traditional public bar to the luxurious surrounding of the lounge this is an ideal venue, and large pre-booked groups are welcome. If you are seeking accommodation in the town or surrounding area, check out GoIreland’s list of Arklow hotels.
Andys Bar And Restaurant
Market Square, Monaghan, Monaghan
Andy’s, prominently located in the busy border town of Monaghan, is probably the most consistently awarded food and drinks emporium in Ireland. The eye-catching facade is a welcome change from the average pub and is an indication of the calibre of this superb bar and restaurant.
The interior is a mature blend of traditional elegance and modern luxury, and the effect of character, individual styling, and comfort is immediately welcoming.
The Lobster Pot
Burtonport, Donegal
Located in the village of Burtonport adjacent to the pier, The Lobster Pot greets you with a turf fire - which adds to the comfort and pleasure this pub offers.
Varied seafood dishes feature only the finest, fresh local produce. Music, chat, and fun are all emblems of this attractive Donegal institution.
PJ Lonergan
The Square, Fethard, Tipperary
Ideally situated on Main Street in Fethard, this is the perfect place for a pint and a chat.
A beer garden hosts barbeques in the summer, and a parlour is available for parties and functions.
The Coach House
Roundwood, Wicklow
The Coach House is located in the village of Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. Built in the 1820′s, it is a lively traditional Irish pub with music and ballads most nights of the week. Relax over a meal in the comfort of the pub, where you can choose from an extensive and varied a la carte menu. Roundwood is the ideal base from which to explore Wicklow and the east coast.
Mad Ass
Belturbet, Cavan
Nestling in the town of Belturbet, adjacent to the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal that connects the Erne and Shannon waterways, this pub is a haven of relaxation.
It has a unique character and reflects a quality of life elusive in the modern world. A source of local information and history, the Mad Ass is the kind of place that adds greatly to the enjoyment of your holiday.
If you wish to avail of accommodation in these and other locations, GoIreland.com can provide instant availability for quality Ireland hotels, catering for all tastes and budgets.
