Pubs In Ireland

Irish Pub and Fiddle Coast to Coast

Fill up on Irish culture and a few pints of refreshing Guinness on a pub tour of Ireland. A wonderful road trip taking in Ireland's most lively pubs begins, of course, in Dublin. The capital city is renowned for its pubs, many of which have literary associations. Then make a trip to the traditional taverns of Kilkenny and Clonmel, before immersing yourself in the friendly atmosphere of Cork's high quality establishments. Bantry provides some great 'craic' by the seaside, and Portmagee also offers its share of fun and folk traditions. Don't forget the welcoming pubs in the beautiful town of Killarney, while the bars of Limerick and Ennis are well-known for their folk music sessions.

Vibrant Irish pubs

The Irish are always on the look-out for some 'craic'. This is an Irish-Gaelic term which can be loosely translated as a good time. More specifically, it implies a certain atmosphere combining good music, good food and good company. Craic is synonymous with Ireland's pubs. It is an atmosphere endlessly imitated but never truly matched, and a trip to Ireland would be incomplete without several trips to traditional pubs.

Irish pubs are more than just places where you can enjoy a pie and a pint: many feature traditional music and folk dancing. Even if there is no planned entertainment a customer will often entertain the patrons with a rousing impromptu song. You haven't really experienced Irish culture until you've enjoyed the lively atmosphere of a 'singing' Irish pub. Many of Ireland's pubs have been providing their warm hospitality for centuries, and these buildings are a significant part of Irish heritage.

That's not to say that Irish pubs are only about cultural insight: these establishments definitely fulfil the simpler needs of their customers with excellent drinks, and delicious food. The main drinks served in the pubs are stouts and ales such Guinness and Smithwicks, and spirits such as whiskey and Baileys. Soft drinks are also served, and most of the pubs are family-friendly during the day. The food served in pubs ranges from basic pies and sandwiches to superb gourmet meals.

Pub Crawling in Dublin

One of the best places to enjoy traditional Irish pubs is in Dublin, as there are bars and taverns on almost every street corner. There is apparently a pub for every 300 people living in the city, so you'll definitely find a warm and friendly place to enjoy a drink and take in some true Irish culture.

The 'Cultural Quarter' of Dublin is Temple Bar, a cosmopolitan area in the centre of the city. The pubs of Temple Bar are guaranteed to provide a great evening out. Dozens of establishments proliferate around its streets, from traditional pubs to trendy modern bars. The area ranks as the one of the best places to experience traditional Irish music and dancing.

If you've exhausted the pubs of Temple Bar, there are still 5000 or more establishments within the city of Dublin which will quench your thirst for Irish stout and folk traditions. The oldest pub in Dublin is The Brazen Head, which dates back to 1198, and is worth a visit both for its historical value and it's foot-tapping traditional music sessions.

The pubs of Dublin are renowned for their literary associations, as a number of famous Irish writers socialised in the city's drinking establishments and even set scenes from their novels and plays in the capital's taverns. Writers such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde all frequented Dublin's pubs, some of which are immortalised in their classic works. A literary pub crawl is the perfect way to see all these historic places and hear the stories about the writers who drank and philosophised there.

Belfast's best establishments

Belfast doesn't disappoint in terms of its many famous and historic pubs, where you can relax and enjoy true Irish hospitality. The city's oldest pub is McHugh's Bar and Restaurant, which is also the oldest building in Belfast, dating back to 1711. The pub still has the original 18th century gable and massive oak trusses, and provides both traditional pub fare and oriental food in its restaurant.

Don't miss another famous Belfast pub, the Crown Bar, which is located across the way from the magnificent Grand Opera House. The pub has one of the best preserved Victorian pub interiors in the United Kingdom, and is a superb example of 19th century 'gin palace', complete with gas lights, shining brasswork and a huge bar inlaid with sparkling coloured glass.

Slinte to Irish pubs!

It's not only Dublin and Belfast that offer lively and historic Irish pubs. Other major Irish towns including Limerick, Derry and Cork also boast excellent traditional pubs. Often, it is the establishments in the smaller country towns that offer the true Irish pub experience. Historically, the town pub was the location where residents would gather to share information and celebrate events, and this tradition has survived to this day. Wherever you travel in Ireland, be sure to pop into a pub for a tasty meal, some lively folk music, or just a pint of refreshing Guinness, before you continue on your Ireland adventures.