If you’re looking for a taste of the island of Ireland’s culture and to experience some craic (fun), then the first place you should go to is one of our pubs. Hop on a bar stool, order a pint of the black stuff and soak in an atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else.
The
Crosskeys Inn in
County Antrim is one of the most famous traditional music pubs on the island. This was a popular watering hole for travellers on the road from
Belfast to the
Walled City, and has served as a pub, post office and local shop in its long 365-year history. Now, this little thatched pub is popular with musicians from all over the island, all vying to play their soulful melodies.
When you step into
Grace Neill’s in
County Down, you’ll be stepping into a room where smugglers, pirates, soldiers and all kinds of interesting individuals frequented during its 400-year history. In keeping with the area’s maritime history, the flooring is made from the timber of old ships. It’s widely considered by the regulars to be haunted by the original owner, Grace Neill herself, and the pub has been visited by countless paranormal experts and TV crews hoping to catch a glimpse of her ghostly apparition.
Tom Crean was an Irish seaman and Antarctic explorer involved in three expeditions, and was awarded a medal for his brave deeds. On his return, he opened The South Pole Inn in 1927 in Dingle,
County Kerry. Now, the walls are adorned with souvenirs and photographs of Tom Crean and his expeditions, and the owners (and locals!) will happily talk about their local man over a pint or two.
And, if you’re ever in Dublin, you can try
Johnnie Fox's, situated in the Dublin mountains and reportedly the highest pub on the island of Ireland! Or, if you're in the city, a number of pubs were frequented by some of the island of Ireland’s
finest writers! So, next time you sit down, you could be sitting in the same spot as Bram Stoker or even James Joyce!
Can our Community members recommend any other pubs for people to visit?
