Where to drink Guinness in Ireland

It’s true what they say – Guinness does taste better in Ireland. It’s the nation’s most popular drink and there’s much to be said for the way it’s poured and the spirited atmosphere it’s served in. For creamy pints and more, these are the hidden away places that prove Guinness is more than just your everyday stout.

Mulligans, Dublin

Dubbed ‘the home of the pint’, Mulligans is renowned for the quality of its Guinness. Established by the Mulligan family in 1854, this pub has seen the likes of Judy Garland, JFK and James Joyce all stop here to savour its brews. The Irish Press famously used Mulligans as the setting to hold interviews, and the pub’s history is so deeply ingrained in Dublin’s that it makes sense that ordering a Guinness here is an unrivalled experience. Hidden away on Poolbeg Street, it’s a dark wood-panelled drinking den that’s intimate and unpretentious, so sit at the bar or in one of the cosy alcoves and sip on a gloriously dark pint complete with a white, foamy head. If you have one too many, The Hidden Gem Apartments are mercifully close.

Sean’s Bar, Athlone

Irish pubs have become a global phenomenon emulated across the world, but Sean’s Bar can claim to be the oldest of its kind. Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar dates back to 900 AD, which makes a good case for it having served Guinness longer than the rest. And the time spent pouring beers for locals throughout the ages hasn’t gone amiss as Sean’s Bar is well-regarded for its excellent Guinness craft. Served at a cooler temperature than your average Guinness, it’s a smooth pint with a strong aftertaste. A local haunt, it’s a pub held in high regard both for its atmosphere and pints, so while away the afternoon with a generously-sized stout and end the day at the central Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

John McHale’s, Castlebar

Formerly an old shop, John McHale’s is a colourful pub in the quiet town of Castlebar. Conspicuous only in its colourful facade, this is a simple watering hole done well. Known for its distinct serving sizes, order a Guinness here and you’ll be given a medium – not quite a pint but more than a half. It’s a rather fortuitous serving considering the texture of this particular Guinness; slightly thicker and aimed at those who like their Guinness more solid, it’s allegedly referred to fondly as a pint of soup by locals. While not quite the same as a meal, spend an evening sipping out of the square Nonic pint glasses as animated regulars come and go. Kennys Guest House is a central family-run guest house to sleep it all off at.

Hartigan’s Pub, Dublin

Hartigan’s Pub is loved by locals as much for its pint as it is for its origin story. The then owner, Alfie Mulligan, was carted off to hospital one day and upon his release stumbled into the first public house he could find, looking for a payphone to call his wife Evelyn and let her know where he was. As it turns out, the pub was Hartigan’s and within a year the couple took up ownership of it. Since then, it has become an institution in the area, known for its family atmosphere, a dedicated fellowship of pub alumni and pouring one of Dublin’s best pints of Guinness. Find yourself a comfortable spot and savour the smoky, savoury pint in hand. The Conrad Dublin hotel is a world away in style from Hartigan’s, but conveniently right next door.

O’Connell’s Bar, Galway

Energetic, warm and wonderfully traditional, O’Connell’s Bar is a necessary stop when in Galway. A former grocery shop, it’s been a pub since the 1970’s and a fixture on any local Guinness enthusiast’s list. All warm antique furnishings, patterned tiled floors and stained glass, it’s a lovely environment for a drink. As for the pint itself, the Guinness here is notably creamy and one worth taking your time with. The pub serves wood-fired pizza too, especially enjoyable when sat out in the beer garden adjoining the popular Victorian street known as ‘Gin Lane’. Grab yourself a pint and a slice, and catch one of the regular live performances hosted by the bar. Spend the night at the boutique Forster Court Hotel.