Pubs in and near Ballina

Get drawn in by Gaughan’s, a pub in Ballina which gentle old-fashioned ways lure Ballina’s visiting pub crawlers time and again. The Garden Inn pub is home to Ballina’s traditional folk music set; while Crocketts on the Quay, Ballina’s award winning pub, is the perfect place to watch all sporting events.

Crockets an the Quay

Chosen from a field of over 600 pubs nationwide as the Black & White Pub of the year in 2002, this establishment just added a new beer garden facility, ideal for watching matches or relaxing with friends over a pint or two. ... more

“Where's the craic?” Pronounced “crack”, craic is an Irish-Gaelic term loosely translated as “a good time.” More specifically, it implies a certain atmosphere combining good music, good food and good company. Craic is synonymous with Ireland's pubs. It is an atmosphere endlessly imitated but never truly matched, and a trip to Ireland would be incomplete without several trips to traditional pubs.

Irish pubs are not just drinking establishments: many feature traditional music and folk dancing, and even if there is no planned entertainment a customer will often entertain the patrons with a rousing impromptu song. You haven't really experienced Irish culture until you've enjoyed the lively atmosphere of a 'singing' Irish pub.

Of course, Irish pubs are not only about cultural insight, and they fulfil the simpler needs of their customers with excellent drinks, and delicious food. The main drinks served in the pubs are stouts and ales such Guinness and Smithwicks, and spirits such as whiskey and Baileys. Soft drinks are also available, and most of the pubs are family-friendly during the day. The meals served in pubs range from basic pies and sandwiches to superb gourmet cuisine.

Looking to visit some pubs in Dublin? You won't need to look far. Bars and taverns dot nearly every street corner throughout the city and locals and visitors alike are welcome to join in the revelry. There is apparently a pub for every 300 people living in the city, so you'll definitely find a warm and friendly place to enjoy a drink and take in some true Irish culture.

Pubs in Dublin's Temple Bar district count among the most famous and historic in the whole of Ireland and here you can truly experience some truly Irish 'craic'. Its oldest pub is McHugh's Bar and Restaurant, which is also the oldest building in Belfast, dating back to 1711. The pub still has the original 18th century gable and massive oak trusses, and provides both traditional pub fare and oriental food in its restaurant.

One of the most famous pubs in Belfast, the Crown Bar is situated opposite the magnificent Grand Opera House. The pub has one of the best preserved Victorian pub interiors in the United Kingdom, and is a superb example of 19th century 'gin palace', complete with gas lights, shining brasswork and a huge bar inlaid with sparkling coloured glass.

Ireland's other major cities also offer quite a variety of pubs, ranging from the thorougly modern to the strictly traditional. Pubs in Limerick are quite focussed on the arts and establishments like Locke Bar and Dolan's Pub promotes the city's musicians by hosting open acoustic sessions. When visiting pubs in Derry, swing by Peadar O'Donnells for some life folk music; and when perusing pubs in Cork, do not forget to include a visit to Dan Lowrey's Tavern in your itinerary - you'll miss out on some truly authentic Irish charm.

Often, however, it is the establishments in the smaller country towns that offer the true Irish pub experience. Historically, the town pub was the location where residents would gather to share information and celebrate events, and this tradition has survived to this day. Wherever you travel in Ireland, be sure to pop into a pub for a tasty meal, some lively folk music, or just a pint of refreshing Guinness, before you continue on your Ireland adventures. Sláinte to Irish pubs!