Top 5 traditional pubs in Ireland

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Undeniably, Ireland is one of the most fascinating vacation spots in Europe. When it comes to natural wonders, there’s nothing more attractive than the melancholy green hills, the windswept shores of the Atlantic and the sleepy little towns. But after visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren or Blarney Castle, or walking along the lakes of Connemara, all you will want to do is sit down in front of a hearty Irish stew and a pint of draught.

When it comes to Ireland, pubs are just as iconic as any of the mainstream or unusual tourist attractions in any guidebook. Even the smallest town in the Irish countryside will have its pub, and if you want a genuine taste of Irish life that’s where you will find it. Simply put, the pub is the heat (or hearts) of any town, where you can meet people, eat local specialties and more often than not, listen live to traditional music. Here are five of the most famous pubs in Ireland.

The Brazen Head

Dublin suffers no lack of pubs of any shapes and sizes, and the Head in Bridge Street is one of a kind, in Ireland at least. It might not be the oldest pub in existence, but it certainly trumps all other pubs in Ireland in terms of age. No one knows the exact year when the establishment was built, but legends say that it was built on the site of a tavern over 8 centuries old.

There are many stories about the Old Brazen Head, many of them deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Ireland. Most of the patrons will be able to tell you a tale or two about pub and the parts it played during various historical events, so don’t be shy to ask. The Brazen Head is nowadays one of the best restaurant-pubs in Dublin, so don’t miss out on its trademark carvery lunch and live music.

Johnny Fox’s

This pub can compete with the Brazen Head when it comes to age, but its trump card is actually altitude, not age. Johnny Fox’s is the highest pub in Ireland, and it is not ashamed to admit it. Located on the mountaintops of Glencullen, not far from Dublin, Johnny Fox’s is your typical seasoned Irish pub, with hearty food, good drinks and live music.

In addition to this, the pub host various yearly events that usually draw quite a crowd, for example the famous Hooley Night, replete with four-course meals, Irish dancers and traditional music.

The Spaniard

Kinsale, in County Cork, used to be a prosperous port city in the past. Nowadays, the townsfolk are more preoccupied with tourists than fish, but seafood still plays an important part in the life of the town.

The Spaniard purportedly serves some of the best seafood dishes in the country, but even if this claim were a bit far-fetched, the truth is that this pub is truly one of the most quaint establishments of its kind.

Garvey’s Bar

The fair city of Galway is the prettiest medieval town you can wish for, and its pubs are much more than watering holes – they are real works of art. Garvey’s Bar is the epitome of Irish wood-carved pub-interiors, with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

The pub is well liked by locals and tourists alike, and the clientele is more diverse than in other similar pubs. The pub’s reputation rests on the shoulders of its delicious local cuisine that never disappoints Garvey’s guests.

The Fishery Pub

Killorglin, nestled on the River Laune in County Kerry, is one of the most scenic towns in the area. The Fishery Pub is located near the town’s emblematic Puck Goat statue, is a quiet pub on weekdays, but it miraculously comes to life on weekends, especially during the summer months. The pub’s beer garden is an excellent spot to sip a delicious pint of Guinness or savour the pub’s selection of bar food.

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