Search icon

Travel Food

16th Apr 2017

The Definitive County Craic List – Where Does Your County Rank?

conorcoyle

We’ve all been to places in Ireland where we’ve had a blast. But we’ve also been to places where you’ve thought “is that it? Really?”

As subjective as it is, we’ve done our best to conjure a list of Ireland’s thirty-two counties in order of craic levels. 

Much time has been spent pondering over these selections, and we’ll live or die by the choices we have made until the end of our days.

We couldn’t fit everyone in the top ten so if you don’t agree with your county’s ranking, make sure to tell us why in the comments below!

32. Longford

Someone had to come last. Apologies Longfordians, but this video speaks for itself.

31. Louth

The ‘Wee’ County? Not on our list of rowdy road trips unfortunately.

30. Wicklow

You have Hozier as a consolation prize though.

29. Fermanagh

Very scenic but faces some tough competition from the likes of Donegal.

28. Meath

Leinster counties are on the end of a bit of a battering here.

Credit: Family Business/Shutterstock

27. Tipperary

They’re too busy out training for the next All-Ireland to be hosting raging sessions.

26. Armagh

Ever had an epic night out in Armagh? Us neither. Sorry.

25. Monaghan

What can we say? We have a soft spot for the accent.

24. Offaly

Tullamore has some decent pubs and a good buzz about it, but nothing noteworthy.

Credit: Maria Janus/Shutterstock

23. Roscommon

Our research brought back very little about Roscommon so there doesn’t seem to be anything to write home about.

22. Carlow

Carlow has plenty to shout about but we’re not convinced that nightlife is one of them.

21. Kildare

Not bad if you’re heading to the races in Punchestown or a night out in Naas.

Credit: gabriel12/Shutterstock

20. Cavan

The locals are always are up for the laugh.

19. Waterford

Hon the Deise!

18. Leitrim

Home to Carrick-On-Shannon. Need we say more?

17. Tyrone

It might not be the most obvious but we’ve had plenty a good night here.

Credit: Time Bar Venue

16. Down

There are some good areas of the Ulster county for pints, such as Newry and Newcastle.

15. Westmeath

The home of Joe Dolan and Niall Horan probably should be doing better.

14. Sligo

Yeats would be proud.

13. Derry

The walled city’s mix of trendy and old man bars has put it high on the list.

12. Wexford

Plenty of us have fond memories of summers spend in Wexford, not to mention its many barn dances!

11. Laois

Almost reaches the top ten on the strength of Electric Picnic alone.

10. Limerick

A dark horse, Limerick is home to the unimitable Costello’s – not to mention Donkey Ford’s.

9. Mayo

After losing so many All-Ireland finals you could forgive the folk from the wesht for being a sombre bunch, but it’s certainly not the case. Top marks for culchie banter.

8. Kilkenny

Popular spot for stag and hen dos for a reason! Whether it’s the weekend or a random Wednesday, get yourself down there.

Credit: Gimas/Shutterstock

7. Cork

Ah yes, the People’s Republic. 

6. Antrim

Belfast is the big draw, with some really cool spots to go out. There’s a lot to do around the county itself, whether its the Giant’s Causeway or checking the filming location for Game of Thrones.

5. Clare

Lovely part of the country. You know it’s good if there’s a town which boasts the name of a song like this. 

4. Donegal

Pristine beaches and cosy pubs aplenty in this vast sprawl of a county in the north-west, perfect for a weekend getaway with pals regardless if you want the country or town vibe.

Credit: The Beachcomber Bar, www.rathmullan.net

3. Dublin

Sure we couldn’t forget about the Big Smoke? Obviously being the central hub of the country means that there’s always stuff going on in the capital, including loads of live music, cultural offerings and the odd pub or two.

2. Galway

Apart from Galway City itself, which is an epic spot to spend a weekend, there’s plenty of stuff to do in the neighbouring towns too. The annual races provide some of the best craic to be had in the country.

1. Kerry

I have to say, every time I’ve been to Kerry the craic has been ninety. Or a hundred. Or whatever the craic scale goes up to. Plenty of great towns with loads of pubs, and probably the most beautiful of the lot to boot. They don’t call it the Kingdom for nothing.

READ NEXT: Read It And Weep – The Weather Is About To Take A Turn For The Worse

Topics: