The Irish Pub Bucket List

The best spots for trad sessions, food and deals

This list brings together some of the most iconic spots across Cork, Dublin and Swords – from historic pubs with centuries of stories to lively neighbourhood favourites built for great nights out. Whether it’s live trad sessions, match-day energy, or a perfectly poured pint in a buzzing crowd, these are the venues that define a proper Irish pub experience.

Guests enjoy vibrant Irish dance in cosy pub setting, surrounded by warm lighting and lively atmosphere.

Best Place for Live Irish Dancing

The Norseman | Temple Bar

One of the oldest pubs in Temple Bar, The Norseman is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Irish charm. From cosy lunch catch-ups to thrilling live Irish dancing nights, it’s the perfect spot to experience the very best of Dublin.
Looking to stay in the city-centre? Settle in to one of their convenient rooms.

Guests enjoying drinks and snacks on a sunny hotel terrace with vibrant street views, perfect for socialising and relaxation.

Best Spot to Go for €6 Pints

Disndat | Dame Court

This is your not-so-hidden gem in the heart of the city. Disndat is famous for their drinks deals (where else would ye get €8 Spirit & Dash Sunday - Thursday?), delicious toasties, creative cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere that makes you want to party all night long. Trust us, the FOMO isn’t worth it ;)

Guests enjoying drinks and laughter in a cosy hotel bar with warm lighting and festive decor, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Best Pub For Match-Day Pints

T.P. Smith’s | Jervis Street

Heading into Dublin City for a match, concert, or night out? T.P. Smith’s is the perfect meeting point. Right outside Jervis Luas stop, it’s ideal for pre-event pints, hearty food, and catching the action of their big screens.

Guests enjoy live music and cosy atmosphere at the hotel pub, featuring traditional decor and warm lighting.

Best Place to Find a Sunday Trad Session

The Brazen Head | Usher's Quay

Step into centuries of history at The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub. This legendary spot dates back to 1198 and serves traditional Irish food, live trad music, and plenty of stories. It’s a bucket-list experience for anyone visiting Ireland for the first time.

Guests enjoying drinks and conversations at a cosy hotel bar with warm lighting and classic décor, creating a welcoming ambiance.

Best Place to Feel Like a Local

The Forty Four Main Street | Swords

With all major sporting events shown live on big screens, a popular food menu, and a team known for their friendly, personal service, Forty Four Main Street has built a strong community feel at its core. Add in its buzzing weekend energy and consistent crowd of locals, visitors, and hotel guests, and it’s easy to see why it’s become one of Swords’ most loved meeting spots.

Vibrant hotel nightclub with lively crowd, neon lights, and DJ setting an exciting party atmosphere.

Best Place For a Late-Night Boogie

Rearden's | Washington St.

With four unique venues under one roof, Rearden’s is one of Cork’s most iconic late-night spots. Grab cocktails with friends, catch all the live sporting action, or celebrate something special while enjoying live music, DJs, and an electric atmosphere right in the heart of Cork City.

Energetic live band performance at hotel bar, vibrant lights, lively crowd, enjoying music and cocktails.

Best Pub for a Traditional Irish Experience

Oliver Plunkett | Oliver Plunkett St.

A true taste of Irish hospitality, The Oliver Plunkett is known for packed trad sessions, live music seven days a week, cocktails flowing late into the night, and food worth coming back for. Come for the craic and stay for everything else.

Time to Start Planning!

Great pints, live music, big games, and even bigger nights out are waiting across these pubs. The only question is: where will you go first?