There is a town in County Kerry, Ireland, that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the cityscape: Dingle! This charming fishing town has spectacular scenic views that span from the sea to land to sky, as well as prehistoric sites that recount the stories of its ancient inhabitants.
Of course, that is not all Dingle has to offer! It is also the perfect spot for pub crawling since it is home to over 30 unique pubs, earning the nickname “The World’s Greatest Pub Town.”
Let’s head over to some of the best Dingle pubs to drink at and see why people from around the world make this one of their bucket list destinations!
Dingle Ireland Pub Bucket List: Best Bars to Drink At
1. An Bothar Pub
An Bothar Pub is a family-run pub, restaurant, and guesthouse located at the foot of Mount Brandon. They offer a wide range of drinks and cocktails, from their pint of Guinness to a cocktail of Sex on the Beach. You can also get a taste of their meals like the Roast of the Day or some hot chocolate fudge sundae.
There are also some great attractions nearby the pub, like the Cuas Harbor and the beehive huts.
2. An Droichead Beag
Indulge yourself with some of the best live Irish trad sessions with a drink in hand at An Droichead Beag. The pub is already eye-catching from the outside, with its yellow and green color. Once you go inside, its wood and stone walls give a traditional feel that only adds to its charm. And the music? Spectacular!
Though the pub does not serve food, they have different kinds of spirits, from local craft beers to premium spirits and more.
3. Bob Griffin’s
Sitting along the colorful Strand Street, Bob Griffin’s Bar is one of the historic pubs in Dingle. Its traditional Irish interior has a timeless feel to it, with cozy adjoining rooms available for groups inside and a large terraced beer garden outside.
Help yourself with some of the best-tasting local booze like Dick Mack’s Ale, Dingle Gin or Vodka, or West Kerry Brewery beers, and more. What’s more, you can also munch on some delicious pinchos or tapas at Solas Tapas & Wine, which is also in the beer garden and is in collaboration with the pub.
4. Dick Mack’s
Dick Mack’s is probably one of the oldest (if not the oldest) pubs in Dingle. The pub has retained much of its quaint atmosphere since it first opened in 1899.
It has served both locals and new visitors alike with its freshly brewed beers like their own Guinness, whiskeys (which they have a whole wall of!), and more, along with some great live musical performances and delicious food. They also double as a maker of leather goods, a part of their family tradition.
When we went we walked into a dimly lit room full of locals who were drinking their pints, mostly of Guinness, and having a lively conversation about sports. We sat on a stool at the tiny, dusty bar with stained glass windows. The wall was lined with whiskey and the bar with beer taps. We ordered a pint of Franciscan Well from the bartender who happened to be the original owner’s grandson.
5. Foley’s Pub
The family-run Foleys Bar & Restaurant on Ireland’s far west coast is a 10-minute walk from the stunning Inch Beach and offers charming accommodation. They have free parking, Wi-Fi, and live entertainment regularly.
This delightful traditional Irish bar serves excellent food in generous portions like fish and chips, as well as great pints of Guinness and more to go with them.
Foxy John’s
Foxy John’s is probably one of the unique pubs in Dingle, mainly because it is half an Irish pub and half a hardware and bike store. Yup, you’ve read that right—it’s a whole new meaning to nuts with your beer. However, that does not mean that you won’t get the whole Irish pub experience here!
Their delicious pint of Guinness and other drinks to the lovely fire and homely atmosphere are just some of the many reasons why people keep coming back for more.
On our visit, we bellied up to the bar with one other customer, ordered a pint of Tom Crean’s and listened to Enrique Iglesias’ “hero” in the background.
6. Hannie Agnes Pub
Hannie Agnes Pub is a local hangout in Dingle famed for its smooth Guinness and, during the summer, traditional Irish coffee and trad sessions. This famous watering hole is at the center of town on Green Street.
Whether you are having a drink while watching a game of football, chatting with the friendly locals, or listening to some live musical performances, you will definitely have a great time at this cozy little pub!
7. J Curran’s Bar
Just a stone throw away from Foxy John’s, J. Curran’s Bar has been in business since 1871, serving up lovely pints of Guinness and other drinks outside their large beer garden atop Main Street.
Aside from the drinks, you’ll find that the walls inside the pub are lined with different memorabilia, from beer bottles to hats to even horse-racing-related stuff. It also serves as a glimpse of its past, where it is not unusual for pubs back then (until now) to run another business in the same place.
8. John Benny’s Pub
John Benny’s is well-known around the Dingle Peninsula for its music, singing, and dance. Because it’s across the pier, it has easy access to the fresh seafood that’s a staple on the menu.
Hosted by the husband-and-wife duo John Benny Moriarty and Eilís Kennedy (both of which are traditional Irish musicians themselves), you will have a great time enjoying the music, the drinks, the food, and most of all, their warm hospitality.
When we went to the traditional style pub there were a handful of locals and a couple of travelers, like ourselves. We ordered one pint of Carlsberg, a Danish beer served widely in Ireland.
9. Lord Baker’s
Lord Baker’s Pub is a renowned local bar and landmark named after the pub’s original owner, Tom Baker. Aside from being the pub’s owner, he is also a town councilor who had previously worked as an auctioneer and a poet in the Irish language.
Since its opening in 1890, this pub has been a bustle of activity and fun. Lord Baker’s, as well as being the oldest pub in Dingle, is a terrific spot to relax and unwind with your favorite drink!
10. McCarthy’s Bar
The next stop is one of the oldest of Dingle’s numerous pubs, which is quite an accomplishment! McCarthy’s Bar is almost 150 years old and the epitome of tradition.
McCarthy’s closed its doors in 2015, but it returned two years later, to the pleasure of visitors and locals alike, in 2017. The pub is a fantastic, no-fuss establishment that would delight anyone looking for old-school Dingle pubs with a lot of character.
While drinking at Dick Mack’s the bartender told us that McCarthy’s Bar in fact was the best pub restaurant in town, so it was next on our list.
I ordered a large bowl of chili which was recommended by the bartender and a pint of the black stuff, Guinness, which was recommended by every person in Ireland and could have been a meal in itself
11. Murphy’s Pub
Murphy’s is a beachfront pub and bed and breakfast in Dingle and is your archetypal traditional Irish bar, run by husband and wife team John and Eileen Murphy.
This lovely local watering hole is a regular haunt for community residents, with a rustic wooden bar, stool seating, low tables for dining, and an open fire. Make sure to stop in for a Guinness and mingle with the locals while an unplanned trad music session occurs.
12. Neligan’s Bar
This bar has been in the Neligan family for multiple generations and has been one of Dingle’s best traditional bars/pubs. Neligan’s is a great place to chill with a glass of gin or whiskey, especially in the evenings, where you also get to enjoy live music (which, by the way, is one of the best in town.)
The bar’s homey feeling, coupled with great drinks, music, and craic, makes tourists and locals alike come back for more.
13. Nelliefreds
If you’re looking for the best pub in Dingle to visit with a large group, look no further than Nelliefreds. It is the first pub you will come across after descending into Dingle from Conor Pass.
Although it doesn’t appear to be much from the outside, this tavern has a lot going on inside. The interior has a traditional, old-world feel to it, and the service is excellent. This area is also a flurry of activity on weekends, from live music to stand-up comedy.
14. O’Flaherty’s Pub
The next stop is a pretty traditional tavern in every sense of the word. O’Flaherty’s Pub is one of the ideal spots in Dingle where you can always expect live traditional Irish music and stories.
This laid-back establishment is perfect for a pint after a long day of touring. You are in for a treat if you come here on a calm night when music is playing.
15. O’Sullivans Court House Pub
O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub in Dingle, Ireland, offers world-class traditional Irish music as well as one of the region’s best craft beer options on tap.
In 2011, Tommy and Saundra O’Sullivan opened O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub. There are no televisions, jukeboxes, or pool tables here, but there is always a warm fire, a pot of coffee brewing, the finest pint of your choice, pleasant company, and breathtaking music!
Because the bar does not serve food, we recommend eating something first before you arrive.
16. Paudie’s Bar
You won’t have to travel far from the Dingle Bay Hotel to find one of Dingle’s best bars. Paudie’s Bar is a popular hangout near the pier for both locals and visitors to Dingle, and it’s simple to see why once you’ve been there.
The new Paudie’s Bar, formerly known as just “Paudie’s,” maintains the original, unique ambiance in a modern setting, surrounded by elegant elm and walnut fittings and spectacular natural stone, which only adds more to your drinking experience. Being near the pier, they also have fresh seafood for you to taste. I recommend the mussels and fish and chips!
17. Paul Geaney’s Bar
If you are following Gaelic football, you might recognize the bar and restaurant’s name as that of Kerry star Paul Geaney, who also works there. This family-owned bar and restaurant at the heart of Main Street have a great selection of drinks, from Irish whiskey to mojito to Guinness and more.
They also serve delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals that you can enjoy with your beverage in their booths, dining room, or outside in the covered beer garden!
18. South Pole Inn Pub
All of the pubs in the Dingle Peninsula have a story or two to tell. One of them is the South Pole Inn, located in the village of Annascaul, just west of Dingle. Tom Crean opened this historic pub when he retired from his adventures, most notably the Antarctic expeditions in the early 20th century.
Serving hot meals, cold beers, and warm company, South Pole Inn is definitely a worthwhile stop on your journey around Dingle!
19. The Blue Zone
The Blue Zone prides itself on three things: delicious (and I mean delicious) pizza, fantastic wine, and lovely jazz music. You’ll find this cozy blue place on Green Street.
They have pizza for everyone, whether it’s the Irish Dream, Vegetarian Paradise, Under The Sea, and more! Their extensive selection of wines is something to look forward to as well. You can also opt for some beer instead (though not as many as their wine selection).
20. The Dingle Pub
For a night of great entertainment (and drinking) experience, you can never go wrong with The Dingle Pub. This family-owned place has been in business since 1976, serving home-cooked meals, drinks, and live music from different performers, one of the most notable is David Geaney (from Britain’s Got Talent 2017).
After a night of partying and singing along, you can also book and lie down in one of their cozy rooms, two floors above the bar.
21. The Marina Inn Pub
The Marina Inn is a family-run pub/restaurant located at the pier’s head. They are known for their fresh seafood meals, made with locally obtained fish and shellfish, and a variety of classic meat dishes. Of course, nothing beats washing it down with a glass of Tiki cocktail or a pint of Guinness!
You can also level up your drinking/dining experience in their upstairs area, which gives a fantastic view of the Dingle Harbour. On some days, you can also enjoy some live music sessions as you sit back and relax.
22. Tigh T.P.
Enjoying a drink or two beside a beautiful sandy beach is one of the best experiences you will find at Tigh T.P. Engaging in a friendly conversation or craic with the locals or visitors is also very much welcome here.
Aside from the great drinks, friendly people, and stunning views of the beach and sea, don’t miss out on having a taste of their dishes, especially the seafood like fish chowder or fish and chips!
And there we have it, over 20 of the best Dingle pubs and bars for us to partake in some great drinks and more! Past the alcohol and music, you’ll find that what makes drinking at these pubs enjoyable are the friendly people that are up for a great craic.
Whether it be the locals who frequent these pubs, the owners and staff who serve with a smile, or the spur-of-the-moment singing of musicians, you’ll feel a sense of warm, homely feeling that you only get to experience here at the pubs in Dingle Ireland.
Essential Tips for Visiting Dingle, Ireland
Getting There: Cork Airport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner, which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. From the airport to the city center, you can take a shuttle bus or connected bus routes, train, town car or by taxi.
Where to Stay in Dingle: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. Dingle Garden Townhouse is a great choice in Dingle, 250 m from center. For something on the less expensive side, try Nellie Fred’s located in Dingle, 200 m from center. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the Fab View. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to VRBO that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Getting Around: Driving in a new destination can be a bit of a challenge, but if you choose to rent a car, RentalCars.com has great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of other options. Taxis and mini buses are available all over the city. With its narrow, winding, and hilly streets, walking is the best way to navigate around Dingle Town.
Best Tours in Dingle: You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator, and here are some of the top ones. tours:
- From Killarney: Day Trip to Dingle
- Dingle Peninsula Full-Day Tour from Cork
- Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour
Insurance: It’s always a good idea to travel fully insured so you are protected in case of trip cancellations or medical emergencies. You can check out pricing at Travelex Insurance.
Universal Adapter: Your American plugged equipment will need an adapter. I use the Celtic Universal Adapter, which has brought me around the world with no problems.
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Going to a Pub in Dingle is definitely a must and there’s definitely a good number of options there! You are right that Dingle is very charming and we loved our visit there. It’s a shame that Fungi (the famous dolphin) went missing as he had a very special place in this town. Thank you for your guide! Now we know we need to go back and try out some more pubs haha