The best Irish whiskey pubs...as voted for by you
We might not have been able to spend as much time in them as we’d have liked to recently, but we’re all too aware of how many wonderful Irish whiskey pubs there are across the country, and how deserving they are of a little recognition - especially in these tough times.
But, rather than just compile a list ourselves, we wanted some true objectivity - which is why we took to our social media accounts to ask you, the Irish whiskey drinkers, where your favourite places to enjoy a dram or two are.
And, it turns out there’s a lot of places you’re passionate about visiting to get your whiskey fix across all four provinces of Ireland. From Sligo to Belfast and Dingle to Dublin, these are the go-to places you return to time and time again to drink the finest Irish whiskeys.
Without further ado (because we’re sure you’ve got some important whiskey drinking to do), here are the winners of the best Irish whiskey pubs...as voted for by you!
Connacht
Thomas Connolly, Sligo
As Sligo’s oldest Irish pub and winner of Pub of the Year 2017, it’s easy to see why Thomas Connolly in Sligo topped your recommendations for the Connacht province. Boasting a selection of more than 160 whiskeys from around the world, it’s a haven for whiskey lovers looking to please their palates and broaden their spirited horizons.
The pub has been in existence since 1780, and is named after former Sligo mayor Thomas Connolly, who acquired the premises in 1890. Back then, inside you’d find a grocery store and a section where whiskey was bottled. Nowadays, it’s a cosy spot to enjoy a dram with friends.
Garavan’s, Galway
In the heart of Galway’s city centre, you’ll find Garavan’s - a multi-award winning pub who are especially famed for their Irish coffees.
Having won Connacht Whiskey Bar of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 and also claiming the coveted Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year 2017, this well-decorated establishment is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
On offer is an extensive collection of whiskeys, and there’s also the option to try one of their ‘whiskey platters’ - a selection of Irish whiskeys accompanied with tasting notes.
Lowry's Bar, Clifden
Lowry’s Bar, located in the centre of the bustling town of Clifden in Connemara has a buzzing traditional Irish music scene as well as a buzzing whiskey scene - they’ve got the largest selection of whiskeys in Connemara with over 150 to choose from. A traditional whiskey bar, they’ve been decorated with gold medals on no less than five occasions, including winning Best Traditional Bar in Ireland in 2015 & 2018.
Back in the day, Lowry’s not only had a grocery shop, but also a dentist inside! The story goes that patrons in Lowry's Bar would be sent out to have a large whiskey after a visit to the dentist to numb any pain and to settle the nerves. Now you won’t be able to get a filling or a crown when you visit, but you will be able to enjoy some traditional Irish music and a huge selection of whiskeys.
Munster
Dick Macks Pub, Dingle
Serving up liquid refreshments since 1899, Dick Macks can be found in Dingle, Co Kerry. The family-run business not only serves up delicious drinks, it also has a leather shop occupying half of the building - you can’t get much more traditional than that.
As well as the bar which houses an extensive selection of whiskeys, for beer lovers there’s also an onsite brewhouse and taproom.
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, Killarney
If it’s an extensive whiskey selection you’re seeking, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder in Killarney. No, they’re not as old as some of the other pubs on this list (they opened in 2016), but what they lack in years, they more than make up for in bottles. In fact, they boast an amazing selection of over 1,200 whiskeys - officially Ireland’s largest whiskey collection.
They seriously know their stuff, too. They have their own in-house whiskey specialists to guide you through your choices, offering tastings and whiskey masterclasses too.
It probably comes as no surprise then, that in 2017 they were awarded Icons of Whiskey’s visitor attraction of the year award, and in 2018 their whiskey specialist Alan O'Donovan won Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year.
Shelbourne Bar, Cork
Another award-winning establishment (gold medal for best whiskey bar in Munster for 2016, 2017 & 2019, and the best whiskey bar in Ireland in 2018 and 2019, Cork’s Shelbourne Bar has been serving up drinks since 1895.
If it’s Irish whiskey you’re after then you’re in luck - Shelbourne’s boasts a collection of more than 400 bottles, so whatever your taste, there’ll be a fine Irish malt for you to try. The bar now offers virtual tastings and whiskey gift boxes, so even if you’re too far to visit, you can still get the full Shelbourne experience from home.
And, if you are lucky enough to make the trip, don’t forget to try one of their Irish coffees - they actually hold the Guinness World Record for the most Irish coffees made in three minutes (49, in case you were wondering.)
Leinster
The Palace Bar, Dublin
Established in 1823, The Palace Bar was once described by Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh as the “most wonderful temple of art”, and it seems many of you feel the same way, which is why you voted it as one of your favourite Irish whiskey pubs in the Leinster province. This year it won the Icons of Whiskey ‘bar of the year’ award which is no mean feat - and inside you’ll find over 100 different Irish whiskeys on offer.
Step inside The Palace Bar and you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. With plenty of quaint charm, this Victorian pub has been serving up your favourite whiskeys for almost 200 years.)
The Sky & The Ground, Wexford
Sadly this family-run establishment in Wexford was badly damaged by a fire earlier in 2021, and has had to undergo some significant restoration work before re-opening (which is due to happen later this summer, all being well.) Owned by the Barron family, The Sky & The Ground opened in 1996, taking its name from the song of the same name by local singer-songwriter Pierce Turner.
The pub specialises in quirky whiskeys, unusual bourbons and craft beers, too.
Bowe’s, Dublin
Situated in the heart of Dublin, Bowe’s has been thriving in Fleet Street since 1880, and now stocks over 250 whiskeys from all around the world.
In 2019 they were awarded Irish Whiskey bar of the Year in the Irish Whiskey Awards, and they consistently receive rave reviews from locals and tourists alike who find themselves in this charming bolthole, surrounded by some of the finest whiskeys around.
Ulster
The Duke of York, Belfast
Nestled down the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, The Duke of York in Belfast is home to Northern Ireland’s largest whiskey selection.
The pub was blown up by a bomb in 1972 and had to be rebuilt, and has been owned by well-known publican Willie Jack since the early 80s. Now, it’s a haven for whiskey connoisseurs looking to sample old, rare and unusual drams.
Blakes of The Hollow, Enniskillen
A traditional Victorian bar, Blakes of ‘The Hollow’ was established in 1887, before being bought by the Blake family in 1929 - and the family still owns it to this day.
They’re passionate about whiskey, with a large selection on offer and regular ‘whiskey of the moment’ features, offering visitors the chance to try something new and continue their whiskey discovery journey.
Bittles Bar, Belfast
Known for their award-winning whiskey selection, Bittles can be found close to the city’s busy Victoria Square, and it’s a building you can’t miss with its red brick and flatiron shape.
Here there’s no food or live music - the focus is all on the drinks being served and the atmosphere. This is definitely one not to be missed for a fine array of whiskeys and plenty of charm.