Ireland’s pub culture is legendary, but a truly great pint of Guinness is something special. I always get asked what makes a pint good or bad and there’s a bit of an artform to it. A good pint needs to be extremely creamy, like a dollop of cream has been placed on the top. It wants to have a smooth texture and leave a rich taste in your mouth. You do not want a metallic taste in your mouth, that’s a bad pint. I’m also very biased when it comes to temperature. A good pint of Guinness should not be ice cold, but rather like you took it out of the fridge and left it out for a few minutes, cold but not freezing makes for a more flavourful pint.
Anyway, enough of that!
Here’s a list of some of the best tasting pints I’ve had in Ireland:
Killarney Kerry: J.M Reidys
J.M Reidys is my go to spot whenever I’m in Killarney. It’s a fantastic pub which looks tiny on the outside but is really a series of around 8 different rooms and a massive smoking area. The location of the pint here is very specific. You need to go in the entrance on the right and order the pint from the nearest taps. It’s phenomenal!
Enniskillen, Fermanagh: Charlie’s Bar
Charlie’s Bar is officially rated the “Best Guinness in Enniskillen” by the Guinness Guru and is also the Ulster Pub of the Year. I had heard about this pint before, and popped in while passing through the area last year. It’s a lovely, dark, atmospheric pub and the pint was absolutely fantastic. I’m still thinking about it.
Clifden, Galway: Lowry’s Bar
Lowry’s Bar is an award winning, iconic pub in the heart of Clifden, famous for its live Irish music and friendly welcome. It’s a must for anyone seeking a proper pint of Guinness after a day exploring Connemara, and a great spot to enjoy some live music which you can listen to most evenings in Summer.
Donadea, Co. Kildare: The Sinking Pub
A true rural gem, Roaches, aka The Pub in the Bog is packed with history and character. They have a great pint, which attracts loyal regulars and curious visitors alike. It’s a pub that is slowly sinking into the bog it is built upon, so there is a bit of a tilt to the pub, but that’s exactly what gives it character.
Dunboyne, Meath: Brady’s Pub
Brady’s in Dunboyne is a classic, no-frills Irish pub where the Guinness is poured with pride. Locals rave about the creamy head and the friendly, welcoming staff, especially Sean and Jimmy. I should know, I’m from Dunboyne, and have yet to find a better pint.
Dublin: Kehoe’s
Kehoe’s on South Anne Street is a Dublin institution. The pints here are thick, creamy, and always expertly poured-perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere. This is a great pub for tourists and locals to mingle, as it attracts both. Try to get a seat in the snug on the left when you go in for the real authentic Irish Experience.
Westport, Mayo: Matt Molloys
Matt Molloys in Westport is renowned for its nightly live music and a pint of Guinness that’s as lively as the crowd. It’s a top spot for both locals and visitors looking for the perfect blend of music and stout.
Dingle Peninsula, Kerry: Páidí Ó Sé’s, Ventry
Páidí Ó Sé’s is a legendary stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. With its sporting memorabilia and friendly crowd, the Guinness here is always fresh and satisfying. Páidí senior is a sporting legend in this part of the country and though he is no longer with us, the pub is still in the family and his son is there pulling pints.
Galway: Tigh Neachtain’s (Neachtain’s House)
Tigh Neachtain’s in Galway city is a favourite for its artsy, bohemian vibe and consistently excellent Guinness. It’s a hub for locals, students, and visitors alike. It’s the best spot in the city to sit outside and people watch, and inside, it can be very warm and cosy on a cold winter evening
More Top Guinness Pubs Across Ireland
- Hartigan’s, Dublin: No-frills, local favourite with a creamy, robust pint.
- Bowes Lounge, Dublin: Timeless, cozy, and famous for its silky-smooth Guinness.
- Mulligan’s, Poolbeg Street, Dublin: Regularly cited as one of Dublin’s best.
- Walsh’s, Stoneybatter, Dublin: A must-visit for Guinness lovers.
- The Long Hall, Dublin: Victorian décor and flawless pints.
- The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s), Dublin: Northside classic, famous for its unchanged quality.
- The Boar’s Head, Capel Street, Dublin: No-nonsense charm and outstanding Guinness.
- The Hairy Lemon, Dublin: Quirky, character-filled, and serves an excellent pint.
- Kate Kearney’s Cottage, near Killarney: Iconic rural pub with great Guinness and views of the Gap of Dunloe.
- The Crane Bar, Galway: Renowned for trad music and a great pint.
- Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan: Enjoy a Guinness with fresh oysters by the water.
- JJ Hough’s Singing Pub, Banagher: Unique for its musical atmosphere and creamy pints.
- The Crosskeys Inn, Antrim: One of the oldest thatched pubs in Ireland, with a legendary reputation for Guinness.
- The Sky and the Ground, Wexford: A local favourite with a quirky interior and a great pint.