Whether you’re thirsty for a creamy pint of the Black Stuff, looking for somewhere to enjoy live music, or craving some delicious homemade pub grub, Offaly is filled with a variety of fantastic bars.
Here are just some in and around the county that offer a traditional, welcoming feel:
Hamiltons Geashill
Set in a beautiful, stone building adorned with colourful flowers and bright red windows, Hamiltons is located right in the village of Geashill and has everything you need to settle in for a relaxing drink in good company: the crackle of the fire (on colder days!), the laughter, and the chat of locals and visitors alike!
On the third Friday night of the month, they host traditional music sessions, but if you fancy a quieter drink, then Thursdays are a good night to visit. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-2pm, their Geashill Tea Rooms opens, where you can enjoy fresh ground coffee supplied by Coffee House Lane and baked goods by Denise’s Delicious Gluten Free Bakery. The perfect spot to meet with friends for a catch-up.
Visit hamiltons.ie for more information
O’Dea’s Bar
You know O’Dea’s is going to offer outstanding hospitality, having won a range of awards in 2023 including ‘Outstanding Customer Service Award Leinster’, ‘Midlands Best Value Restaurant’ and ‘Midland’s Best Traditional Bar’, amongst many others over the years.
Based in Portarlington, just a 30-minute drive from Tullamore, O Dea’s is a pub with plenty of character, offering tradition, super-friendly staff, and high-quality, locally-sourced cuisine. It’s an ideal place for a family Sunday lunch, with everything from Deep Fried Fresh Battered Cod to Barbequed Spare Ribs to Roast Stuffed Turkey and Ham on the menu. Aside from their delicious menus, O’Dea’s also offers a great buzz and hosts music sessions from some of Ireland’s legendary and up-and-coming musicians.
Check out the website for more details: odeas.ie
Byrnes Edenderry
This local pub in Edenderry is a great place for live music if you’re looking for a vibrant night out. But it’s equally a great spot to wind down and chill or watch some sport.
Byrnes has a long-standing history of providing quality service from the moment you walk in through its doors. While the bar has a modern feel with its large lounge, it also maintains some traditional elements, providing a mix of the old and new. Plus, it has a spacious outdoor area providing good vibes all-round on a summer’s day.
Facebook: facebook.com/BYRNES.PUB
McIntyre’s Pub
This family-run pub in the picturesque village of Shannon Harbour has an idyllic location by the River Shannon. So, after a little stroll along the Greenway or a cruise along the river, pop into McIntyre’s Pub for a refreshing drink!
There’s outdoor seating available for those sunny days, so you can take in the surroundings while enjoying a pint. McIntyre’s also serves hot and cold food from Fridays to Sundays, as well as home-baked scones and pancakes with tea/coffee on weekends. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for events including live music and Bingo nights on Wednesdays!
Click here for McIntyre’s Facebook page
Corrigan’s Corner House
Run by the Corrigan family in Banagher for over two generations, Corrigan’s Corner House is a popular pub for the locals – and visitors alike. It’s the place to go if you want a good laugh, live music and to catch any big sporting games, from the GAA to soccer – with seven screens, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
And with Beat on the Street 2024 – a charity music festival happening on the streets of Banagher – taking place on Saturday, 3rd August, it’s the perfect excuse to head to Banagher and pop into Corrigan’s while there!
For updates on live music and events happening in Corrigan’s Corner House, visit the Facebook page, by clicking here
Spollens Bar Tullamore
Tullamore is known for its many authentic Irish pubs, so you’ll have a variety to choose from. But Spollens Bar, situated on High Street in the heart of Tullamore, is worth a mention for its old-school charm. It’s an excellent gathering place, whether you’re celebrating a special event or having a quiet night out with a friend.
Everyone is in good spirits, the staff are very friendly and, importantly, know how to pull a decent pint!
Click here for the link to the website
Dan and Molly’s Pub
As the only pub with a thatched straw roof in Offaly, Dan and Molly’s pub near Kilcormac is the epitome of a traditional Irish pub! Inside, you’ll experience a cosy, warm ambience, with lovely staff serving up your drink of choice.
As its Facebook page describes, Dan and Molly’s pub is “where easy conversation flows and time passes slowly or even seems to stand still”. This family-run, old-style pub is also the place to go if you want to be stuck in the middle of a traditional Irish music session! A real hidden gem.
Check out their Facebook page here: facebook.com/danandmollys
Lukers
Mighty craic is always guaranteed on a visit to Lukers,a bar and restaurant along the banks of the beautiful River Shannon in Shannonbridge. Lukers is perhaps most well-known for its live music and entertainment venue, The Boatyard, which has been a host to popular acts, including The Tumbling Paddies, Aslan, Chasing Abbey, Ruaile Buaile and more.
But as well as offering great gigs along with a delicious food menu, Lukers’ pub itself boasts a unique atmosphere. It even has an Old Bar, which dates back to the 1800’s and has real Irish antiques throughout. It’s one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
And, of course, Lukers has magnificent river views. It has everything you could possibly want in a bar!
Check out lukersbar.com