ARE YOU DREAMING of a wine Christmas and a hoppy New Year? Even with the chaotic scenes of Christmas work parties and apostles of twelve pubs trials, there’s something magical about festive drinks with friends.
Ireland is home to some of the greatest pubs on the planet. Up and down the country, you’re likely to stumble across as many humble alehouses as you’ll find newsagents or churches. Each one brimming with character in both their interiors and personalities dotted around the room.
The pub is the staple of many communities. It’s a place to gather with friends and neighbours and even make a few new acquaintances at the weekly bingo or karaoke nights. However, there’s truly no better time to engage in friendly conversation over a deliciously cold and refreshing pint across the month of December.
Beer taps, cash registers and picture frames adorned with tinsel, plastic Santa Clauses strategically placed in steamed-up windows and friends gathered together in one place; these are all the components for a perfect night that will live on for years to follow.
There are several different scenarios and categories of Christmas drinks that call for different types of pubs to suit the specific occasion. The overall atmosphere and setting can make or break your experience so be sure to choose your festive pub wisely:
1. There’s the pub situated on the edge of town where the locals have their allocated seats and perches at the bar. Televisions are eschewed to facilitate a quiet space for a relaxing solo pint after a stressful afternoon of present shopping or proper catch-up with that friend who’s back for a few weeks leading up to Christmas. If it’s a particularly good pub, there’ll be a fire roaring in a cosy corner and a hidden snug for added seclusion from the hectic shopping streets.
2. For large gatherings looking to celebrate the festive period with all the trimmings – tinsel, Christmas music and maybe a special seasonal cocktail – there are countless spots (with plenty of space!) to help indulge in the novelty of Christmas partying with work colleagues or friends from your estate.
3. Visiting the many wonderful Christmas markets around the country, especially in Galway, Cork and Belfast, are a great excuse for a day trip or weekend away. What’s better than finishing a day of shopping and doing Christmas-based activities with friends or family than having a bowl of soup and maybe even a hot whiskey in a country pub that has a dog roaming around the bar and musicians playing trad music.
4. Finally, there’s the traditional Christmas Eve pint before heading home to wrap those last-minute purchases to place under the tree. Everyone has a special spot where they have to pop by for a final celebratory mulled wine or a creamy pint to mark the occasion. This is always the time when you’re most likely to bump into people you haven’t seen in years; old classmates and teachers, friends-of-friends, distant relatives, and you never know, maybe even see someone off the telly!
Whatever the occasion, we’ve rounded up some of Ireland’s finest festive pubs for the perfect Christmas night out.
What: Down the road from Phoenix Park, The Old Royal Oak is a perfect spot to pop in for a hot whiskey to warm up after a weekend stroll in the area. Be sure to get there early to secure a spot in their cosy snug to soak up the festive spirit.
Where: 11 Kilmainham Ln, Saint James’, Dublin 8
What: Overlooking the beautiful coastal views from Ballyvaughan, the quaint village close to The Burren, O’Loclainn’s Irish Whiskey Bar has been a staple of the community since 1830, spanning 6 generations. Its intimate setting is ideal for an evening tipple before heading home or catching up with friends.
Where: Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
What: The Rusty Mackerel is like stepping back into the past. Decorated with eye-catching pub-related trinkets and vessels, its beautiful and rustic surrounds instantly bring joy and spark curiosity. Situated by the incredible Sliabh Liag mountain and cliff walk you could easily spend an afternoon in the comfortable and friendly atmosphere of The Rusty Mackerel.
Where: Teelin Rd, Lergadaghtan, Carrick, Co. Donegal
4. Thomas Connolly Bar, Co Sligo
What: Whether you’re looking for a refreshing craft beer or a refined gin is your preferred tonic, Thomas Connolly‘s bar in Co Sligo – the oldest traditional pub in the county – has an impressive selection of tipples to cater to your Christmas party. They also have a brilliant music schedule from acoustic to swing jazz and, of course, trad.
Where: 1 Markievicz Rd, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo
What: Every year, people from all over Ireland travel to Galway to explore the wonderful Christmas markets to kick off the festive season. Taaffe’s Bar has been an integral watering hole for locals and visitors for over 150 years and is the perfect spot to complete a day filled with seasonal activities.
Where: 19 Shop St, Galway
What: Not only is The Hole In The Wall Ireland’s most decorated pub every Christmas but it’s also the longest in Europe, measuring exactly 100 meters in length. Located by Phoenix Park and decked out with hundreds of baubles, lights and garlands, it’s impossible to not feel festive in this spectacular pub.
Where: Blackhorse Ave, Phoenix park, Castleknock (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 7
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