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Top Irish pubs and bars around the world

The traditional Irish pub is known for its cosy surroundings, live music and warm hospitality, so it’s no surprise that its style is emulated all over the world. We present our pick of top Irish drinking dens across the globe.

Homeboy in London’s Islington features on our pick of top Irish bars

As St Patrick’s Day (17 February) approaches, what better place to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland than in a traditional Irish pub?

Irish drinking establishments are everywhere, from far flung locations such as Peru to the cobbled streets of Rome.

Whether you’re craving a perfectly poured Guinness, some lively folk music or an Irish Coffee, look no further than our shortlist of Irish venues.

Click through the following pages to see our pick of top Irish pubs and bars across the globe.

Have we missed your favourite? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The Dead Rabbit, New York

One of the world’s most famous Irish bars is the acclaimed Dead Rabbit in New York. The venue, once named the world’s best bar, was founded by two Irish men – Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry.

Most recently, the Irish-American bar opened its extended, second-floor Parlor bar and unveiled the first instalment in its latest series of cocktail menus, called Darkland.

Muldoon and McGarry have also collaborated with The Dublin Liberties Distillery to launch The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, a five-year-old blend of Irish single malt and grain whiskeys.

Morrisons, Cannes

A popular venue for live bands, Morrisons is a lively Irish pub in central Cannes and claims to be on the only establishment in the city with regular live music. The unpretentious pub, which opened in 1997, embraces dancing and serves copious amounts of Guinness. Expect a friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices, particularly during happy hour (5pm-8pm).

Homeboy, London

December saw the launch of London’s latest Irish-themed venue – Homeboy. The cosy Islington bar brings a “healthy dose of Irish flavour and hospitality to north London” with top notch tipples and laid back vibes.

The brainchild of Irish duo Aaron Wall and Ciarán, Homeboy serves delicious drinks and sinful snacks to the beat of nostalgic hip hop and RnB.

The Druid’s Den, Rome

One of Rome’s oldest Irish drinking establishments, The Druid’s Den, has been welcoming imbibers since 1982. The traditional Irish pub offers cask beer, live Irish music, live sports and a happy hour from 6pm to 8pm.

You can also try its sister venue, The Fiddler’s Elbow, just around the corner, which claims to be the oldest Irish pub in the city.

Paddy’s Irish Pub, Peru

Claiming to be the highest Irish pub in the world, Paddy’s in Peru is Irish-owned and located in the Inca capital of Cusco, surrounded by cobbled streets, ancient architecture and llama dung (so we’re told).

But don’t let that phase you. Established in 1996 and nestled on the corner of the Plaza de Armas, the pub offers Irish staples such as Guinness, Jameson Irish whiskey and Irish Coffee, as well as a number of ales on tap – all to be enjoyed in its cosy surroundings.

MacLaren’s Pub, Berlin

The McClaren’s Pub opened its doors in Berlin in 2011, taking inspiration from the Irish-themed pub of the same name from American sitcom How I Met Your Mother. The venue features inside jokes from the show including the intervention banner and a nude painting of character Marshall.

Dropkick Murphy’s, Durban, South Africa

Established in 2013, Dropkick Murphy’s on Durban’s famous Florida Road is a lively, modern take on the classic Irish bar. The venue is dedicated to providing an authentic Irish experience with a warming atmosphere, craft beers and cocktails, Guinness and beef pie.

Bubbles O’Learys, Kampala, Uganda

Few pubs have a back story as unique as Bubbles O’Learys. The bar is made up of fittings from Mulligans – The Linen Hall, a former pub in Ireland’s County Louth, which was knocked down to make way for a building development. Nigel Sutton, owner of Bubbles O’Learys, bought all the furniture – including cold rooms, stools and even the front door – which was packed and shipped to Uganda, and rebuilt by the same builders who dismantled it.

Waxy O’Connors, London

One of London’s biggest Irish bars, Waxy O’Connors features four bars over six floors. Named after the famous candle maker from Dublin, Waxy’s is known for its warm hospitality, friendly staff, traditional homemade dishes and an extensive range of beers, spirits and whiskeys. The establishment features live music four nights a week, including traditional Irish music sessions every Sunday night.

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