Ireland Beer Guide

Ireland is a paradox; it is both a great place to drink beer and also a place of limited opportunities for visiting brewpubs or breweries.

Dominated by major breweries (don’t get me wrong, I love Guinness), you tend to find only major label beers in the thousands of pubs in Ireland. So, to taste Ireland’s micro-brewed beers, you need to visit the breweries.

Despite the limited beer selection, the pubs are great! From the Irish sessions to the great craic, the pub scene in Ireland is everything you hear about. The Irish are friendly and always up for a few pints and some conversation.

For Dublin, please check out my Dublin Beer Guide.

Biddy Early - In Inagh, County Clare, Biddy Early was Ireland's first brewpub. We first visited in October, 1999 and thought the beer was terrible. After a conversation in Dublin with some Irish guys who loved the beer, we decided to visit again in September, 2007. It was great! The Black Biddy might be the best Irish stout. Located on the road to the Cliffs of Moher, Biddy early is a must stop.

Our visit in 1999 might have been the most expensive pints ever. We were staying about 10 miles away in Ennis and this was before we were driving in Ireland. We took a cab and stayed only for one pint because we didn't like the beer. Final bill... 50 Irish pounds!

Carlow Brewing - Located in a town and county by the same name, Carlow Brewing makes an exceptional stout called O'hara's . If you don't have a car, the brewery is located right next to the train station in Carlow (literally) and is open for tours and tastings.

I believe O'hara's is available in the Eastern United States but I am not sure it is brewed in Carlow.

Kinsale Brewing Company - Located in historic Kinsale, County Cork, Kinsale Brewing is a modern brewpub that brews one of the few lagers in Ireland. Kinsale is a must stop on any tour of Ireland and the brewpub is a great place to relax after a long day of doing the tourist thing.

I believe their lager is available in the Eastern United States

The Franciscan Well Brewery - Located in the city of Cork. This was only our second trip to Europe and we were just overawed by everything... so I will admit that I don't remember too much about this place except the owner was very friendly. We are planning to return to Cork on our next trip to take the Beamish tour so we will be sure to visit Franciscan Well again.

Here are some pubs we like...

Gus O’Connors - Located in Doolin, County Clare. Yes, there are a lot of tourists (but you can say that about most pubs in Ireland) but Gus O'Connors is well worth a visit for the Irish music. We also had an amazing time there in September 2002 watching the All Ireland Hurling Final. The picture above is from Gus O'Connors.

Matt Malloy's - Located in Westport County Mayo. Owned by the traditional Irish musician by the same name, Matt Malloy's is another great pub for traditional Irish music.

EJ Kings - Located in Clifden, County Galway. We were at EJ Kings in 1999 and had a great time watching a Rugby World Cup match between Ireland and Australia. Plus, the view from the outside tables is second to none.

But in the end, you really can't go wrong with most pubs in Ireland....
[look at this view in Glandore, County Cork >>>>]

Pick out the pub that looks right to you and have a great time!









Last revised - February 2007