Ireland attracts huge visitor numbers every year who come to enjoy the country’s stunning scenic beauty, fascinating history, and top-notch hospitality. There’s so much to do in Ireland, but there are few more enjoyable activities than visiting an authentic Irish pub for a pint.
With so many pubs in Ireland, how can you possibly choose the best one to visit? To save the trouble of doing extensive research, we’ve listed five quintessentially Irish pubs that you simply have to visit when you make the trip over. Read on to check them out.
Minihans Bar
Minihans Bar is located in Lisheen, not far from the town of Skibbereen. If you’re staying in a holiday home in West Cork like any of those on gortadrohid.ie for example, this should be at the top of your list of Irish pubs to visit.
The pub looks out over the beautiful Roaringwater Bay, and you can even see Kilcoe Castle, which is where famous holiday actor Jeremy Irons lives. If you’re looking for a rural, slightly isolated pub in the heart of Ireland’s countryside, look no further than Minahan’s Bar.
Bank House
If you don’t mind a boat trip, a visit to Bank House can be a fantastic experience. Found on Whiddy Island, this stunning pub is flanked by mountains and a peninsula and offers truly jaw-dropping views that will look even better with a pint in your hand.
While it might feel remote, it’s only a short ferry trip from the mainland, a journey that can be made in a matter of minutes.
O’Sullivan’s
Drink a pint in O’Sullivan’s and you’ll be drinking in the country’s most southern bar. Not content with just that accolade, this Crookhaven-based pub is renowned for its history and décor. Owned by the same family for four generations, the pub even has its own grocery shop and now-defunct post office, a clear indication of how important Irish pubs are to their local communities.
J O’Connell’s
You can find J O’Connell’s in the Tara region, an area once associated with the ancient kings of Ireland. The pub has been owned by the same family for over 180 years, and the current landlord still bears the O’Connell name.
When you step inside this wonderful pub, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back 180 years. It is packed full of Victorian furniture and antique trinkets, giving you plenty to look at as you sit back and enjoy your pint.
Tom Collins
While the other entries on this list are rural pubs, Tom Collins is in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Limerick city. You certainly won’t miss it, the pub is decked out in red and white, standing out even on the colorful Limerick streets.
The building itself dates back all the way to the 18th century, and the owners have foregone modern trappings and conveniences in favor of a truly traditional Irish pub experience. There’s no TV or WiFi here, you have to make conversation the old-fashioned way.
Conclusion
Heading to the Emerald Isle? If so, check out this list and visit some (better still all) of these iconic Irish pubs.