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    Ireland's Cosiest Pubs this Winter

    Long winter nights mean more time to curl up in a cosy Irish pub after an exciting day of adventure.

    By Eimear Quinn
    More by Eimear

    Discovering Ireland’s Cosiest Pubs

    During the fall and winter, the shortened days and colder climate may not be a draw for everyone. But winter is the perfect time, in my opinion, to take advantage of some of Ireland’s cosiest pubs.

    There is no better feeling than sitting by a roaring turf fire, pint in hand with a thick pair of woollen socks enclosed in well worn boots as you rest by the fire’s edge after an exhilarating day of adventuring. Why not soak up the atmosphere in one of these fall and winter-ready establishments below?

    Not visiting Ireland in fall or winter? Don’t worry – pubs are an all-year-round experience.

    The Thatch Bar, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal

    Situated in South Donegal and only a stone’s throw from Bundoran and Slieve League Cliffs, this delightful home-away-from-home boasts a gorgeous open fire and traditional Irish furnishings. A family-run pub, its endearing name is credited to its beautifully thatched roof – a sight in itself! On the first Wednesday of every month, you’ll find the locals gathered by the hearth for a few songs and a bit of storytelling. Feel free to join in!

    Pedal for Pints in Donegal

    Lowry’s Irish Music & Whiskey Bar, Clifden, Co Galway

    As the capital of Connemara, Clifden is bound to have a few pubs worth shouting about. By far, the most inviting is Lowry’s for both its history and its atmosphere. If you’re itching to catch some traditional (trad) Irish music on your travels you’re sure to find some here, with live music on offer seven nights a week. Believe it or not, a dental practice once operated in a back room of the public house – perfectly located for patrons to settle nerves and numb their pain before being seen to!

    Discover the Magic of Connemara

    Lynnot’s Pub, Achill Island, Co Mayo

    An incredibly quaint stone cottage in off the road, blink and you’d miss it! It may be small but it sure is full of character – with another blazing open fire for warming the soul. One of oldest premises on Achill Island in Co. Mayo, it’s rich with local characters with plenty of tales to tell.

    Foxy Johns, Dingle, Co Kerry

    Over the past generation, Ireland has changed a lot thanks to globalisation and opening up to the wider world. But not so long ago, villages like Dingle were small and had to be somewhat self-sustaining, meaning that many people had duel businesses. In the case of Foxy John’s, this meant pub + hardware store. Many traditional businesses have since gone one way or another, but not Foxy John’s – they still operate as both! Even better, catch a pre-dinner session of live trad music – the musicians line up behind the counter of this wee pub!

    Hike The Dingle Way

    The Strand, Strandhill, Co Sligo

    Not only is it cosy, The Strand’s location in the surfing village of Strandhill is a pretty spectacular location. During winter storms, the waves on the coasts of northwest Ireland are perfect for big-wave surfers. While the village is less bustling than in spring, The Strand is a cosy spot to listen to trad music in front of a turf fire, catch a bit of the local match or game on the telly, chat with the locals and try some local Irish craft beers such as Sligo’s own White Hag beers.

    Discover Sligo & The Surf Coast

    Bernard Harringtons, Glengarriff, Co Cork

    A great spot for music, Bernard Harringtons – or The Maple Leaf as it’s also called – attracts both locals and travellers alike. The bar is split between a small nooky Irish traditional pub set up on the left and a larger lounge through a door to the right. There’s a bit of everything and the owner has the memory of an elephant – in fact, he remembered a friend of mine who re-visited two years after her initial visit! You’ll be glad to know the musicians set up right by the fire and you can help keep it stoked through the night as there’s an ample supply of logs and turf on hand. Situated right on main street, it’s just down the street from the ferry to Garnish Island and a short drive to both Kenmare and Bantry. What more could you want!?

    Island Hopping in Cork & Kerry

    Visit Ireland this Fall & Winter

    If curling up in a typical Irish pub in front of a roaring peat fire with a pint in hand, tapping your feet to sound of live traditional Irish music after a day of adventuring sounds like your sort of fun, then check out a few options on how to make this dream a reality, even in the off season.

    Discover Irish Seasons

    Spring

    Spring weather is mild, but the days are lengthening and consistently drier. The landscape is buzzing with life and colour, with flowers blooming and bustling wildlife.

    Find out more

    Summer

    Summer promises long days, pleasant temperatures, and festivals galore. The countryside transitions from vibrant green to breath-taking purple as the heather blooms.

    Find out more

    Autumn

    Autumn is a time of colourful landscapes and glowing skies. Witness some of Ireland’s most beautiful autumn sunsets and taste flavours unique to our autumn months.

    Find out more

    Winter

    If the conditions are right, marvel at the snow-dusted landscapes during Ireland’s winters. Crunchy snow underfoot, roaring fires in the cosy pubs, and beautiful starry skies.

    Find out more

    Related Trips

    Meet the Author: Eimear Quinn

    “Originally from Northern Ireland, Eimear is particularly interested in gardening from a Permaculture perspective, exploring the Irish landscape, understanding the rich and wonderful world of Irish mythology, legend and folklore, and preserving Irish language, tradition and music.”

    View profileMore by Eimear

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