A pint of plain, a glass of “Uisce Beatha” or just a place to rest your weary bones and soak up the atmosphere -- there's nothing quite like an old-fashioned Irish pub, and the older the better.
Ireland is full of old, authentic pubs but we found a list of the official oldest pubs in the Emerald Isle.
Here are the oldest public-houses in the land:
The Brazen Head, Dublin
This pub is located just off the Liffey quays in Dublin, outside the city walls and near the original bridge of Dublin. It's believed to have been a tavern since 1178.
Just some of the historical and literary figures who have enjoyed a pint at the Brazen Head include James Joyce, Brendan Behan, Jonathan Swift , Robert Emmet, Wolfe Tone, Daniel O'Connell and Michael Collins.
The Cock, Gormanstown, Co. Meath
It's believed that the Cock stands on the site of an old medieval inn. Therefore it has traded without interruption since the 1390s. The Cock has also proudly been run by 21 generations of the McCabe family.
T&H Doolans, Co. Waterford
The oldest tavern in Waterford, this establishment is said to date to 1400. The walls in the lounge were built over 800 years ago by the Normans. The pub is officially under preservation as a historical site.
McHugh's, Belfast
This is the oldest pub in the oldest building in Belfast. It dates from 1711. It's now a busy urban venue with a 100-seater restaurant, but the building itself dates back over 300 years.
Morahans, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon
The Morahans have been running this pub since 1641. This is the longest that an establishment has been run by the same family in Ireland.
Old Thatch, Killeagh, Co. Cork
The Old Thatch is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and has been in the same family since 1667. The ownership of this establishment can be dated back to the 1700s. However, in 1867 the owner John Conway was refused a license on the grounds that he was housing Fenians.
Grace O'Neill's, Donaghadee, Co. Down
This pub has the oldest title deeds, dating to 1611. To put that in perspective, Grace O’Neill’s had been open for nearly nine years when the English settlers landed in America.
Sean's Bar, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
On the site of a wattle alehouse, it is thought that Sean’s Bar dates back to 900. This is officially the oldest pub in Ireland and in fact the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Although most of the evidence found during excavations is now housed at the National Museum of Ireland, some of the self-minted coins from the original establishment can be seen in cases on the walls of the pub.
* See "Top 10 of Ireland: 250 lists about the Emerald Isle" by Eoghan Corry for more lists about Ireland.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.mallory56 | Mar 14, 2011, 01:26 AM EDT
crazy!!!!
Irishjule | Mar 13, 2011, 05:19 PM EDT
I don't know its age, but I like Bofey Quinn's in Corofin, Co. Clare on Kilnaboy Rd.
Irishjule | Mar 13, 2011, 05:05 PM EDT
I like Bofey Quin's in Corofin, Co. Clare. What I want to comment on, though, is the way some people "talk" to each other on other posts here. Calling each other names and saying their opinions are crap or s&%# is crude and juvenile. Do we have a bunch of teenagers on here?
debandpete | Mar 13, 2011, 03:46 PM EDT
Guess we missed a few last summer...a good reason to go back! I would add ( even though they are not the oldest)...Cruises in Ennis, Quays in Galway.....Leo's in Crolly
centerville85 | Mar 07, 2011, 09:46 PM EST
I like it - lots of information.
Mayosligo | Mar 07, 2011, 05:52 PM EST
Well I missed them all. I'll have to come back won't I. Oh Joy!
Bernadett | Mar 04, 2011, 02:08 PM EST
HI,from ireland try gibneys in malahide the best pub ever
golfingfan | Mar 03, 2011, 08:55 AM EST
How old is Durty Nellies in Bunratty?
JBRAFTREE | Mar 03, 2011, 06:37 AM EST
Last time I was in Ireland in '02, every Pub I was in, and that's quite a few, looked rustic and fetchingly old. I'll be back in early May this year.
JimmieM | Mar 02, 2011, 10:24 PM EST
What About Durty Nelly's est. 1620...a jolly pub deserves at least an honorable mention.
Ajreaper | Mar 02, 2011, 09:35 PM EST
macausheen there were pictures for me, maybe its you?
larrydalamb | Mar 02, 2011, 06:23 PM EST
Must put these on my "Bucket List".
carrickcourt | Mar 02, 2011, 04:16 PM EST
Gosh darn it Gartlan's Pub in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan did not make the list. It is must too "new", if it is still in business. I think Gartlan's has been in business for at least 80 years or so.
countycork | Mar 02, 2011, 03:15 PM EST
...and since my Grandfather was raised in Co. Cork, The Old Thatch will be my first stop!
countycork | Mar 02, 2011, 03:14 PM EST
I only wish I could actually visit these! The closest I've come so far is The Brazen Head in Dublin....OHIO.
BKayDrake | Mar 02, 2011, 02:51 PM EST
I visited the Brazen Head on my first visit to Dublin. Would love to lift a pint there again.
IrishLass127 | Mar 02, 2011, 02:42 PM EST
Loved every bit of information in this article and since my great grandparents came from Cork, loved seeing the photo of the "Old Thatch." Good job.
Mickaline | Mar 02, 2011, 12:23 PM EST
With respect, the best authentic Irish pub in Boston is Mr. Dooley's (37 Broad Street)...hands down!! They've got a great pint of Guinness, good staff and great live music (Patsy Whelan, etc...)
Whitepark | Mar 02, 2011, 12:12 PM EST
I visited the Brazen Head a short time ago and had lunch there, it was a memorable experience for me.
cillowen | Mar 02, 2011, 10:50 AM EST
don't forget the spitting into fireplaces by those with their dudeens.
Murph46 | Mar 02, 2011, 10:34 AM EST
I actually met a local at Durty Nelly's who said he would join me at golf the next day if he didn't "Grab a Granny" Which was become a "guide" to rich American women-Guess what? He never showed for golf.
Murph46 | Mar 02, 2011, 10:27 AM EST
So where is Durty Nelly's that promises to be the oldest continually operating Pub in Europe?
macausheen | Mar 02, 2011, 09:22 AM EST
I would like to know where the photos are, they surely aren't here. This is not the first time photos were promised and did not happen. What's up? Would loved to have known each of these pubs while in Ireland, though I may have been in a one or two of them.