The oldest
Sean’s Bar, Athlone, County Westmeath, is officially the oldest pub in Ireland, having been serving alcohol since AD 900. A pint here is a connection to a millennium of history and, in fact, you can still see a section of the building’s original clay and wattle wall. Live music every night adds to the cheerful atmosphere.
The smallest
If cosy is what you’re looking for, head to Dawson Lounge in Dublin city, a contender for Ireland’s smallest bar. With a capacity of just 30 people, you’ll soon make new friends over your favorite beer. Dumigan’s in Portaferry, County Down, offers Dawson’s stiff competition for the all-island smallest title and is another place to literally rub shoulders with the locals.
The highest
Want to raise a glass in the island’s highest pub? At 288m above sea level, The Ponderosa in the Sperrin Mountains, County Derry, is the place to be. A watering hole for travelers on the Glenshane Pass since 1858, the pub now also has an excellent restaurant. Another mountain-high option is Johnnie Fox’s in the Dublin mountains, which is also one of the island’s oldest pubs and is crammed with old-world charm.
The longest
Ireland’s longest pub, and indeed the longest pub in Europe, is the Hole in the Wall, Dublin, which dates back to 1651. The 140m-long building was originally a coaching house and tavern and is built up against the wall of The Phoenix Park, now a protected structure. Over the years, some 15 adjoining cottages were added on to the original building and each now has a separate theme within the pub.
The most haunted
There are a few pubs to choose from for those who like a bit of paranormal activity with their pint. Grace Neill’s in Donaghadee, County Down, claims to be the island’s most haunted bar, with frequent claims of sightings of the unsettled spirit of Grace herself. In Kilkenny, 700-year-old Kyteler’s Inn is linked to tales of witchcraft and betrayal, while Ballygally Castle Hotel in County Antrim also has a resident ghost.
The quirkiest
In bygone days, Irish pubs were often the front rooms of private houses or part of a grocery store and some of these odd combinations remain. In County Tipperary, McCarthy’s Pub & Undertakers offers to ‘wine, dine and bury you’ – no reflection on the quality of food and drink served. And in County Kerry, Dick Mack’s has beer and a fine selection of whiskeys in one half of the bar, and a leather shop in the other.
The most famous
There are many contenders for this title, but Temple Bar in Dublin city must be up there among the island’s most famous pubs. Taking its name from Dublin’s lively Temple Bar area, the pub boasts the largest collection of whiskeys in Ireland, the largest selection of pub sandwiches in the world and 12–15 hours of live music every day.
The most northerly, southerly, easterly and westerly
Challenge yourself to having a pint in each of the four compass points on the island. For the most northerly pub head to Farren’s Bar, Malin, County Donegal. The 200-year-old, family-run bar has a 23-hour license, so; in theory, you can enjoy a beer there any time of the day or night.
The most easterly spot for a beer is The New Quays in Portavogie, County Down. A restaurant rather than a bar, it’s famous for its seafood, freshly caught in the local waters.
O’Sullivan’s in County Cork claims to be the most southerly pub on the island. Located in the picturesque village of Crookhaven, it overlooks the pier ensuring great views with your pint.
Go west to find your final stop on this grand tour and drop into Gielty’s on stunning Achill Island. This is not only the most westerly pub in Ireland but also the most westerly in Europe.
The most remote
Beautiful Tory Island, County Donegal, is a tiny island in the Atlantic that is home to just 140 people but still has a pub – An Club. The island is famous for retaining traditional Irish music, storytelling, language, and customs, and all can be enjoyed in An Club, which is the hub of the community.
The best view
With so many pubs overlooking beaches, bays, mountains, rivers, seascapes, cityscapes and heritage gems, it’s impossible to pick the one with the best view. Among the many with great sea views are The Beach Bar, County Sligo, O’Connell’s, Howth, County Dublin and Vaughan’s on the Prom in County Clare.
For breathtaking city views, the Observatory Bar on the 23rd floor of Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel is hard to beat, while the top floor of the Guinness Storehouse combines great views over Dublin with a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff.
The best non-alcohol bar
Even if you don’t drink alcohol, you can still enjoy International Beer Day with a great alcohol-free pint. While most bars serve alcohol-free beers, the Board in Dublin city is completely dry and offers a great range of premium 0% beers. It also has over 200 board games that patrons can play for free, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
