Ireland; the land of saints & scholars, craic agus ceol and of course, legendary boozers!
We in Ireland are famous for many things but above all else, we’re known for our ability to have a good time together with friends and where else to head than in our Irish bars / pubs!
In this post, we will be exploring some of Ireland’s record breaking pubs from all four corners of the land to the capital itself!
Ireland’s most haunted bar – Grace Neill’s Pub, Co. Down
If you venture up north as far as Donaghadee, Co. Down, make sure to tread gently across the old floorboards made from the wood of ships long gone into Grace Neills pub. While also contending with Sean’s Bar in the South (to be discussed later) for the title of Ireland’s oldest pub, Grace Neills has a more prominent reputation as Ireland’s most haunted pub, having been visited by paranormal lovers from around the world.
Legends say that the drinking spot is visited by the spirits of sailors & fishermen alike and even the ghost of Grace Neill herself who passed away at the age of 98 is said to wander about benignly.
So sit back and relax – as much as you can – with maybe a hot whiskey to keep the chill of the spirits away!
Ireland’s Highest Bar – Top of Coom, Kilgarvan Co. Kerry
At 1,046 feet above sea level – the only pub to break the 1,000ft barrier, Top of Coom, located a short distance from the town of Killarney, has officially taken the title of Ireland’s Highest bar from Johnnie Foxe’s Pub.
The pub has been family-run by the Creedons for over 5 generations and boasts stunning views of the Kerry countryside as well as an Annual Sheep Shearing contest so what’s not to love?
Ireland’s Oldest Bar – Sean’s Bar, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
When it comes to record-breaking, why just stop at Ireland? Why not Europe? Why not the world?
At over 1,100 years old and founded in the year 900AD, that’s exactly what Sean’s bar has done!
This small, cosy bar located in the heart of Ireland is the perfect place to delve back in time to stop for a pint of Guinness or even to sample some of their own Sean’s Whiskey, a fitting collaboration between the World’s Oldest Bar and the location of which the origins of Whiskey can be traced back to.
Ireland’s Most Famous Bar – O’Connors Bar, Salthill, Co. Galway
What do some of the largest stadiums in the world and O’Connors bar in Salthill have in common?
Well, the fact that singer Ed Sheeran has performed live there!
In 2017, Sheeran’s video for Galway Girl, showcased some of the best spots that Galway has to offer, including O’Connors bar.
The Galway Girl video amassed over 375 million views and with that, hordes of Ed Sheeran fans visiting the pub.
O’Connors itself hosts several, unique areas such as a maritime section and and old cottage section. This means that you can return on several different occasions and experience a completely different pub each time!
We love ourselves a bitta versatility!
Ireland’s Smallest Bat – The Dawson Lounge, Dawson St, Dublin 2
Sandwiched between two parts of a jewellers shop with only a very small, inconspicuous sign above a red door to announce what you’re looking for you, you will find the smallest pub in Ireland; The Dawson Lounge.
Not to be confused with 37 Dawson St., this poky watering-hole has a capacity of about 30 people maximum so maybe don’t head with a larger group to avoid disappointment, a blatant lack of seats but nevertheless, pop in and soak in the simplistic, laid back vibe that radiates from this pint-sized pub!
Ireland’s Longest Bar – The Hole In The Wall, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Nestled along the parameter of Phoenix Park is our final record breaking pub; The Hole in the Wall!
The name hails from the old tradition of the British soldiers being served drinks through – you guessed it – a hole in the wall.
With their own craft beer having been launched in late July this year, ‘The Holer’ is becoming a firm favourite with patrons. The pub is brimming with old Irish history and charm and is sure to pique your interest as you stroll through the 100 metre long building!
Great read, love the list! Will have to check some of them out.