The Best Spots For A Catch-Up Drink In Every County In Ireland

Coming into summer time we all try our very best to catch up with friends and enjoy some of the finer things in life, like y’know, G&T’s and Guinness.

But not just any old pub will do for a drink – ohhhh no. We want something cosy, busy but not too busy, and a secretive snug is a deadly bonus.

We all have our own personal favourite spots to go to, and the great thing about Ireland is that there’s SO many amazing places to choose from.

Here are our top pub picks from across the land – county by county – of where to get your relaxing pint.

Think we’ve missed out on an essential? Let us know, we love discovering new whiskey watering holes!

Antrim – The Crosskeys Inn

Grange Rd, Toombridge

This very special little pub is 360 years old.

Thatched roof n’ all, it’s aged like a fine, fine wine.

Armagh – Red Ned’s Bar

Ogle St, Armagh City

They have their very own ‘Red Ned’s Bushmills’ whiskey and regular live folk and bluegrass music.

What more could you ask for really?

Carlow – O’Shea’s Pub

Main St, Borris

This über traditional pub also has the added bonus of a little grocery shop.

Ideal for last minute veggie shopping.

Cavan – Kelly’s

Main St, Killeshandra

This small-town favourite has, according to its many five star reviews, “a warm welcome and ice cold drinks!”

Sounds perfect so. 

Clare – Kennys Bar

Main St, Lahinch

This super cosy spot right by the beach is home to the famous Whitehorse Sessions, which has seen fab Irish musicians such as Lisa Hannigan perform.

Grab a hot whiskey after that brisk seaside stroll.

Cork – The Oval

South Main St, Cork

Probably one of the best pubs on the West coast, you’re guaranteed to find a nice little area to perch and sip your beer from. 

Lucky is he who manages to grab a seat near the fire.

Derry – Badgers Bar

Orchard St, Derry

Truly loved by locals, this is an excellent place to get a chilled pint.

Local reviews say that the “staff are epic”, which is always a plus.

Donegal – Nancy’s Bar

Front St, Ardara

This fabulous pub right on the Wild Atlantic Way route has been owned by the same family over seven generations, which basically makes it the cutest place ever.

Pull up a stool on the flagstone floor on sip from one of the zesty craft beers on offer. P.s their oysters are pretty famous if you feel like being extra fancaaay.

Down – Grace Neils

High St, Donaghdee

Reportedly the oldest pub in Ireland, this has been a go-to spot since 1611.

Snuggle up by their roaring stove and catch up over the sound of live music.

Dublin – The Library Bar

Exchequer St, Dublin 2

There was SO many contenders in town for this spot, but The Library Bar at the Central Hotel ultimately nabbed it thanks to its Grandad armchairs and extra-toasty fireplace. 

Perfectly located for post Grafton St shopping too.

Fermanagh – Blake’s Of The Hollow

Church St, Enniskillen

This ‘ferm’ favourite (I’ll show myself out), has lots of little snugs to cosy up with a pint of the black stuff.

It also has a special Game Of Thrones door – which means it’s the coolest pub ever.

Galway – Tigh Neachtain’s 

Cross St, Galway

One of Galway’s most beloved pubs, this extremely cosy spot is always buzzing, making it a must go for a catch up drink.

Cute nooks and crannies, a HUGE whiskey selection and open fireplaces, on a Summer’s day the outside area is insane. We <3 Neachtains.

Kerry – Kennedy’s

Main St, Dingle

Dingle has its fair share of comfy pubs, but Kennedy’s is our favourite without a doubt. There’s an old Aga burning in one room and candles all over the pub add extra warmth. 

If you manage to sit at the snug underneath the stairs, then you’ve struck pure gold.

Kildare – Brady’s Clock House Pub

Main St, Maynooth

Brady’s may be the go-to spot for students in the town, but for good reason. This place is friendly, has live trad music once a week and if you’re really feeling it, a nightclub upstairs.

Because nothing says Summer like a hangover.

Kilkenny – O’Riada’s

Parliament St, Kilkenny

This teenchy tiny spot in the centre of the town is the perfect place to relax with a pint of Guinness.

Snug corners to hide away in, and very good beers on draft. 

Laois – Sheeran’s Pub

Anatrim, Coolrain, Laois

Sheeran’s is a rural drinker’s dream. It has a thatched roof and is filled with armchairs just made for lounging with a hot whiskey in your hand.

Stake out your spot by the fire and put the feet up.

Leitrim – The Oarsman

Bridge St, Carrick-On-Shannon

Feel like a bite to eat alongside your pint? Well then, The Oarsman is for you. 

Fantastic selection of craft beers and lovely leather seats to settle into, this pub is always jammed – making it great for some casual craic.

Limerick – Nancy Blake’s

Upper Denmark St, Limerick

You just can’t beat a traditional Irish pub and Nancy Blake’s, with its sawdust covered floor and peat fire, ticks all the boxes.

They also have a V cosy outdoor area lit up with fairylights if you can brave the cold.

Longford – Edward J Valentines

Deanscurragh, Longford

Stone walls and a cracking open fire make this pub one of the cosiest in the whole of Longford.

There’s always a great atmosphere – go to the back for the full homely-cottage feel.

Louth – Clarke’s Bar

Peter St, Drogheda

Whether packed of people for its live music nights or almost empty on a weekday afternoon, Clarke’s is still full of old-school charm. 

Dark wooden panels and private snugs are ideal for festive sipping, and the candles at nighttime make it extra welcoming.

Mayo – Matt Molloy’s

Bridge St, Westport

This traditional pub has amazing music sessions every single night – which makes sense as it’s owned by the flutist of The Chieftans. 

Nicely intimate and guaranteed craic.

Meath – The Sadler’s Well

Main St, Athboy

The pub is especially known for great music nights (it isn’t a night on the town without some foot-stomping) and crisp Guinness.

Solid choice.

Monaghan – The Coachhouse and Olde Bar

New Line, Glashough, Monaghan

A gorgeous village pub with plenty of space for the whole gang to relax.

There’s some great local beers on tap, such as Brehon Blonde, that you can enjoy after a stroll around the nearby Castle Leslie estate. 

Offaly – Kelly’s Pub

Green St, Birr, Offaly

This family-run pub is known for its excellent Guinness, everyone’s fave tipple.

The bar staff are extra friendly and it’s always nice n’ warm here – a friendly drinking spot essential.

Roscommon – Regan’s Gastro Pub

Market Square, Roscommon Town

Lovely old-fashioned bar area with antique-y touches all add to the welcoming feel at Regan’s.

Sligo – The Strand Bar

Shore Road, Strandhill

The turf fire is alwaaaays roaring in this seafront spot beloved by surfers.

They do a fab Beef and Guinness Pie, and you’ll find lots of welcoming snugs big enough to squish your whole family into.

Tipperary – Jim Of The Mills

Upperchurch, Thurles

This famously cosy pub only opens one night of the week (Thursday, so perfect to start off the weekend) and is located in a family home that gets filled with local musicians.

It’s a truly unique place that will instantly put you in a feel-good mood.

Tyrone – Duffs Bar

Ardboe, Tyrone

This hidden gem along the shores of Lough Neagh is loved by locals for its craic agus ceol .

They’ve super ales, darts and a pool table – but get there early as there’s only room for about 20 people.

Waterford – Katty Barry’s

Mall Lane, Waterford

One of a handful of pubs in Co. Waterford with an open fire, Katty Barry’s is another family owned local where you will see Mammy pulling a pint.

Westmeath – Sean’s Bar

Main St, Athlone

Sean’s claims to be the ‘oldest pub in ireland’ at over 1,000 years old, and the proud history shows in its wattle and daub walls peeping through the plaster.

Settle down for the night with a local beer, just be careful you don’t slip on the old sloping floor.

Wexford – Thomas Moore Tavern

Cornmarket, Ferrybank South

Thomas Moore’s is a little haven in the middle of Wexford Town, serving tasty food and cold beers – the best combination. 

Curl up in one of their comfy chairs by the fire and de-stress with a hot toddy.

Wicklow – The Harbour Bar

Strand Rd, Ravenswell, Bray

Need somewhere to heat your bones after your Bray seafront walk? The Harbour Bar is the best place to do so.

Sometimes you just can’t beat a pint and a toastie as you warm up by the fire.

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