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TRUE FANS OF The Black Stuff are on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pint.
We’ve done a LOT of asking, searching and sampling, and come up with 27 strong contenders from around Ireland, in no particular order.
1. Mulligan’s, Poolbeg St, Dublin
Unofficially regarded as the best pint in Dublin (or Ireland, or the world, depending on who you talk to), Mulligan’s is the ultimate in old school charm right in the city centre.
Brennan’s comes with the added bonus of the keg sitting just under the bar. It’s run by sisters Nan and Patricia Brennan and will be celebrating its 114th year this St Patrick’s Day.
16. The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s), Glasnevin, Dublin
Okay, so maybe the best city centre pints can be found in the Long Hall, The Stag’s Head or Mulligan’s, but you just try to tell any Dublin Northsider that there’s a better drink to be had anywhere but The Gravediggers.
19. Ollie Hayes Bar, Moneygall, Offaly/Tipp border
If you’re going to be serving pints to the Obamas, you’d want to make sure they’re damn good pints.
Carolyn Kaster
Carolyn Kaster
20. Grogan’s Castle Lounge, South William Street, Dublin
Grogan’s toasted sandwiches are legendary… almost as legendary as their pints.
There’s a game Dubliners play whereby if you walk past Grogan’s and you don’t see anyone you know sitting outside, you must sit down and become the person your friends will know when they walk past.
One of the country’s most charming pubs and host of the Other Voices Banter sessions, Foxy John’s is a prime contender for Dingle’s best pint of the black stuff.
23. Tom Collins’ Pub, Cecil St, Limerick
The creamy pints in Tom Collin’s Pub are so good that this pair celebrated their engagement there:
Saturday 21 December, 2024
Saturday 21 December, 2024
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27 pints you must sample in Ireland before you die
TRUE FANS OF The Black Stuff are on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pint.
We’ve done a LOT of asking, searching and sampling, and come up with 27 strong contenders from around Ireland, in no particular order.
1. Mulligan’s, Poolbeg St, Dublin
Unofficially regarded as the best pint in Dublin (or Ireland, or the world, depending on who you talk to), Mulligan’s is the ultimate in old school charm right in the city centre.
2. Iggy’s Bar, Kincasslagh, Co Donegal
Kincasslagh is not only home to Daniel O’Donnell, it’s home to one of the best pints of the black stuff in the north west.
3. The Long Hall, George’s St, Dublin
Battling with Mullingan’s for the title of Dublin’s best pint, The Long Hall on George’s Street has even served up a sup to Rihanna.
4. Tom King’s Bar, Clifden, Galway
Locals and visitors to Clifden go to Tom King’s for a pint of their finest in the snug.
5. Phil Grimes Pub, Johnstown, Waterford
Phil Grimes is renowned for its craft and local beer selection but is also a favourite in Waterford for its traditional pint.
6. Brennan’s, Bundoran, Co Donegal
Brennan’s comes with the added bonus of the keg sitting just under the bar. It’s run by sisters Nan and Patricia Brennan and will be celebrating its 114th year this St Patrick’s Day.
7. Tigh Neachtain’s, Cross St, Galway
Stout, snugs and an open fire. What more could you ask for? Four pints please barkeep!
10. O’Connell’s, Portobello, Dublin
This is where the Portobello hipsters get their pints, and the hipsters aren’t about to settle for second best now are they?
11. Morrissey’s, Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Morrissey’s has apparently been serving pints since 1775, so it’s no wonder they’re good ones.
Pssst you’ll get a few sweets there too.
12. Finn’s Bar, Austin Friars St, Mullingar
Well, if Bressie (and loads of other locals) says so…
13. The Stag’s Head, Dame Court, Dublin
Step aside Mulligan’s and Long Hall, because there are many who will claim the pint in The Stag’s Head is the best one in Dublin.
14. Matt Molloy’s, Westport, Co Mayo
Owner by the Chieftains flautist of the same name, Matt Molly’s offers some delicious pints to accompany the regular trad music sessions.
15. The Castle Inn, South Main St, Cork
The Castle Inn and it’s famous little snug provide some of Cork’s best pints.
16. The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s), Glasnevin, Dublin
Okay, so maybe the best city centre pints can be found in the Long Hall, The Stag’s Head or Mulligan’s, but you just try to tell any Dublin Northsider that there’s a better drink to be had anywhere but The Gravediggers.
17. Mc Gowan’s, Easkey, Co Sligo
Popular with surfers (who come from all over to try out the Easkey waves) and locals alike, the McGowan’s pint is rumoured to be the best in Sligo.
It’s good for a few sessions too.
18. McCuaig’s Bar, Rathlin Island, Co Antrim
Mc Cuaig’s has it all…
This view:
Wifi:
And those delicious pints (well, half pints):
19. Ollie Hayes Bar, Moneygall, Offaly/Tipp border
If you’re going to be serving pints to the Obamas, you’d want to make sure they’re damn good pints.
20. Grogan’s Castle Lounge, South William Street, Dublin
Grogan’s toasted sandwiches are legendary… almost as legendary as their pints.
There’s a game Dubliners play whereby if you walk past Grogan’s and you don’t see anyone you know sitting outside, you must sit down and become the person your friends will know when they walk past.
21. McGrory’s, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
Mussels, a pint of the black stuff and a session are the specialities at the tip top of the country.
22. Foxy John’s, Dingle, Co Kerry
One of the country’s most charming pubs and host of the Other Voices Banter sessions, Foxy John’s is a prime contender for Dingle’s best pint of the black stuff.
23. Tom Collins’ Pub, Cecil St, Limerick
The creamy pints in Tom Collin’s Pub are so good that this pair celebrated their engagement there:
24. The Crown Pub, Belfast
The Crown Liquor Saloon is Belfast’s oldest pub and the go-to place for the city’s finest pint.
25. The Strawberry Hall, Strawberry Beds, Dublin
Not only in The Straw Hall home to one of the Dublin’s best pints, it’s also home to some of the best Christmas decorations in the land.
26. Annie Kelly’s, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Small but perfectly formed, Annie Kelly’s is renowned for doing a lovely pint.
27. Boland’s Bar, Castlegregory, Co Kerry
Would you really come to the Dingle Peninsula and not stop off in Boland’s for one of their infamous pints?
So how did we do? Was your favourite pint included? Which ones have we left out?
Let us know in the comments section…
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