Find your perfect Irish pub to celebrate International Beer Day
International Beer Day (1 August) is the perfect excuse to head to a cosy Irish pub and enjoy a pint with the locals.
The Crosskeys Inn, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim
Irish pubs are part of the fabric of Irish life. They are places to gather, to laugh, banter, listen to music or simply to relax in a quiet corner. From city bars to island hideaways, wherever you go on the island you will find the ‘local’ where you can experience a slice of authentic Irish life.
If a thatched roof and a roaring fire (yes even in summer) is your idea of the quintessential Irish pub, you’ll find many options up and down the island. One of the oldest is The Crosskeys Inn, County Antrim. The award-winning pub feels like a step back in time with its cosy interior bedecked with photos of bygone days.
For music lovers, it’s not hard to find a pub with a trad music session on the go but top of the list has to be De Barra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty, County Cork. The legendary venue is packed with musical memorabilia and was named one of the top 10 best venues on the world in Lonely Planet’s Following the Music category 2025. And at O’Connors Famous Pub, Salthill, County Galway, you can experience the unique interior and trad music vibe that was captured in the video for Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl.
De Barra Pub, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Sometimes you just want to enjoy your drink with a good book or a quiet chat with friends. The best place to do this is in a pub with a snug. Belfast’s Crown Bar is famous for its ornate Victorian-era décor including its cosy snugs with doors. Similar heritage charm can be enjoyed at The Palace Bar, Dublin and at Tigh Neachtain in Galway, which both date from the same period.
Seeking a pub with a view? You’ll be spoiled for choice. Enjoy a get-away-from-it-all feel at family-run Tigh Ned on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. With ocean views and Irish speaking locals you’ll be immersed in authentic Irish culture. Watch the sun go down on the Wild Atlantic Way from your perch in the Smugglers Creek Inn, County Donegal or drink in views of historic King John’s Castle as you sip a craft beer in the Curragower Bar, County Limerick.
Ireland’s famous writers often had their favourite pubs so lovers of literature may want to follow in their footsteps. James Joyce was fond of Davy Byrne’s, while poet Patrick Kavanagh preferred The Bailey and Jonathan Swift The Brazen Head, all in Dublin. In Belfast, the John Hewitt is named after a local poet and has 16 taps of craft beer making it a top spot for lovers of the arts and great brewing.
Dick Macks Pub, Dingle, Co Kerry
Even on International Beer Day you can be forgiven for seeking out some great Irish whiskey. Dick Mack’s in Dingle, County Kerry, is famous for its atmospheric interior which combines a pub and a leather shop. It boasts an extensive whiskey list but is also a great place for beer lovers as it now has its own brewhouse.
With so many alcohol-free beers on the market, you can also celebrate International Beer Day without drinking alcohol. In Dublin, Board is a completely dry pub that offers an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks together with over 200 board games that you can play while you sip your tipple.
So, whether your perfect pub is a busy city tavern, a peaceful island getaway, a heritage gem or just a local bar filled with good-natured craic, you’ll find the ideal place to celebrate International Beer Day on the island of Ireland. Sláinte!