Best Pubs in Ireland to Visit During a Road Trip

One of our main Destinations is Ireland and our dear adventurers can rent a campervan from Dublin. This country is known for music, friendliness, history, and especially beer. That is why, we decided to guide you through the best pubs to go to during a road trip in Ireland. 

Best Pubs in Dublin

The capital of Ireland is usually the first stop of all sorts of travelers coming to the country. This city has a vibrant nightlife that is unique to its genre. There are plenty of pubs you can choose from, However, here are our favorites:

Palace Bar

There are many pubs in Temple Bar that are considered as tourist traps where the price of a pint stealthily climbs during the night (really) and Ed Sheeran is played nonstop. One exception, though. The Palace Bar, a charming little place that has been there since 1823, is located right at the top of Fleet Street. There are beautiful stained-glass windows and a cozy atmosphere, and they even offer their own whiskey.

The Swan

Even at its fullest, The Swan maintains a relaxed atmosphere. But on a quiet weeknight, when you can snag one of the seats by the fireplace and keep warm with a pint, it’s at its finest. What’s  more, drop by Dublin Pizza Company a few doors down and pick up a pizza to take home. If the weather is nice, the benches outdoors provide for a great small sunshade.

The Norseman

The Norseman is a drinking tavern in Temple Bar that goes back to the 1500s when it was known as the Wooden Man Tavern due to a wooden Viking statue at the end of the street. The Norseman was initially registered in 1696, and the tavern was owned by James Monks, who worked as a whiskey mixer for Jameson’s. Teelings, Dublin’s own whiskey distillery, and other regional craft brewers are partners at the bar.

The Workmans

The Workmans is a pub, a tavern, and a nightclub all in one. On weekends, live bands and a DJ perform upstairs, and the place is jammed. The original Workingmen’s Club was housed in this location from 1888 to 2003. Its character has been kept and enhanced, with original aspects serving as the focal point on each floor. You can access the upper part for free, but if there is a show going on below, you may have to pay at the entrance.

McNeill’s

You may easily miss the entry of McNeill’s if you’re walking along Capel Street, one of the city’s busiest streets. This little tavern is way larger than it appears, with a few portable heaters and plenty of snug corners perfect for dating. Bring your newspaper and retreat for a few hours on a rainy day. It could be a good option.

Best Pubs in Galway

Galway is the second biggest city in Ireland. It is approximately 200 Km away from Dublin, on the west coast of the country. This city offers picturesque landscapes and comes with its original traditions and fun perks. In fact, it is considered the festival capital of Ireland with close to 122 events held every year. What’s more, Galway is home to nearly 500 pubs, considering a population of around 250 000 people ! Here are some bar suggestions: 

The Front Door

This pub is excellent for a few beers during the day while watching a game, and it’s just as fantastic later on if you want to party for the rest of the night. 

This is one of Galway’s most active bars on weekends, and should satisfy anyone searching for loud music and lots of people. You can try one of their Irish beers if you are visiting Ireland for the first time and do not know what to drink.

Tigh Neachtain

If you’re looking for a pub in Galway that is indeed popular with both locals and visitors, Neachtain is the place to go.  It is considered by some to be one of the things to do in Galway if they just want to spend a quiet evening there.

On a nice day, nothing beats sitting outdoors at one of the outdoor seats and feeling the vibes of summer with all the arrays of people walking through the Latin Quarter,  A highlight for many visitors to Galway City

Tigh Neachtain should be at the top of your list of things to visit whether you’re looking for a seat by the fireplace on a cold winter’s evening or a nice bar to soak up some of the city’s ambiance.

There are numerous amazing pubs in Ireland and restaurants worth mentioning. However, as much as we hope you get the most out of your road trip, never forget to drink responsibly and not drink and drive. There are many campsites to leave your campervan throughout the night in Ireland or spend a few days so that you can take your time when visiting this wonderful country and fully enjoy it.  

Rent a Campervan in Ireland

About the Author

Soufiane Ouhmad