3 popular NI pubs make Lonely Planet’s Top 20 pubs in Ireland list
What other local pubs would you recommend? 🍺
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
Popular travel blog Lonely Planet has produced a long-awaited list featuring their favourite pubs and watering holes across Ireland, with three bars in Northern Ireland included.
With more than 7000 pubs across the island, the team have narrowed it down to just 20 must-try spots.
The site reads: “The Irish pub is an essential part of Ireland’s culture, and it is within these walls that you can enjoy creamy pints, find the cosiest snugs, and experience the friendliest of welcomes.”
Take a look at the 20 best pubs in Ireland:
You don’t have to travel too far to visit number 13, 17 or 20 ;)
The Gravediggers, Dublin
Seven generations of Kavanaghs have run the pub that used to be filled each evening with nearby gravediggers at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Teach Hiúdaí Beag, County Donegal
Complete with a guesthouse upstairs, their weekly traditional music sessions are legendary, which fans travelling from near and far to join in.
De Barra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, County Cork
Otherwise known as 'the Carnegie Hall' of Cork, Lonely Planet describe this picturesque venue "like walking into a musical history museum."
The Moorings, Dungarvan, County Waterford
Now if you're after a pint with a view, you can't beat Waterford. Sitting nicely at the harbour, you can easily sip away an afternoon here.
O'Connell's, Skryne, County Meath
You might recognise this beauty from a popular Guinness Christmas advert. O'Connell's proudly has no TV or internet, but plenty of the black stuff.
Dick Mack’s, Dingle, County Kerry
First opening in 1899, this traditional pub offers more than meets the eye. As well as whiskey and beer on tap, there's also a leather shop attached.
Morrissey's, Abbeyleix, County Laois
Walking through the doors of Morissey's you feel like you've stepped back in time. Lonely Planet's described it as a 'treasure of a pub that's withstood the onslaught of modernisation...a hotchpotch of oddities lines the shelves above the pew seats and pot-belly stove.'
Thomas Connolly, Sligo town
With over 200 premium Irish whiskeys and scotch to choose from, you'll be completely spoiled for choice at Thomas Connolly's.
Mickey Finns Pub, County Wicklow
With a brewery next door, there's no chance this pub could ever run dry! Filled with rustic charm, open fires and pot bellied stoves what's not to love at Mickey Finns.
JJ Houghs Singing Pub, Banagher, County Offaly
Surely adding a 250-year-old bar to your bucket list is a must! JJ Houghs is known across the country for their friendly staff, welcoming owner and great craic!
The Rusty Mackerel, County Donegal
Nestled at the foot of Sliabh Liag, you can't miss out a chance to wine and dine at The Rusty Mackerel.
Street 66, Dublin
Tucked beside a Temple Bar side street you'll find Street 66, a fantastic LGBTQ+ bar that offers a variety of inviting qualities. From a simple coffee to a wild Saturday night filled with dance hits, Street 66 has it all.
Sunflower Public House, Belfast
Belfast's very own Sunflower is a hugely popular venue for all ages! In their guide, Lonely Planet described the spot as "a simple pub" that's "instantly recognisable from its relic of 1980s Belfast, a security cage and though no longer in use, it has persevered as part of its social history. This is a no-nonsense, no gimmick pub — it bills itself as a simple corner pub."
Tigh Neachtain, Galway city
Serving pints since 1894, it's hard to imagine Galway without this corner pub! It's a hive of activity throughout the summer months, with plenty of live music and events to enjoy.
O'Loclainn's Irish Whiskey Bar, Ballyvaughan, County Clare
One of the highlights at O'Loclainn's is the incredible knowledge the owner Margaret and her daughter have about the whiskey on offer behind the bar, offering the best advise on what might suit your palette.
Clarkes Bar, Drogheda, County Louth
"Clarkes is small but so charming and not pretentious grabbing for the old vibes," credits Lonely Planet. "The atmosphere here is enhanced by the pub's aged dark wood and patrons can lose themselves amidst the music and candlelight."
Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow Is one of the most famous and well recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. Live traditional music is played every Friday creating a genuine Irish pub atmosphere that is not one to be missed.
The Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin
The Cobblestone is best known calling itself a 'drinking pub with a music problem' 🤣
Mother Macs, Limerick City
Located in the heart of Limerick City sits Mother Macs, an iconic building dating from the 1700s, with 150 Irish whiskeys and a "large range of refreshing craft beers" on offer.
The Duke of York, Belfast
You can't miss the cobbled streets of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, filled with plenty of laughs, bright lights and of course the rainbow umbrellas. Lonely Planet suggests the popular spot is best "known for its colourful flowers outside and original mirrors and memorabilia inside. This is a locals' haunt, so you need to step off the beaten track. The perfect spot for a cold beer when paying a trip to Belfast."
We couldn't agree more!
Read more:
Northern Ireland’s ‘most instagrammed’ tourist attractions
9 chic NI restaurants perfect for cosy date nights
Belfast's best beer gardens for the ultimate summer experience