Best Scenic Views Pubs

Perched on the edge of where land meets sea in Waterford's most charming coastal village, The Strand Inn isn't just another seaside pub - it's the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your return ticket and start a new life by the ocean. This beloved Waterford institution has been catching the hearts of visitors and locals alike for generations, much like the fishing boats that bob gracefully in the harbor just beyond its windows. Let's be honest - plenty of Irish pubs claim to have "the best view in town," but The Strand Inn in Waterford actually delivers on that promise. From its prime position overlooking the crystalline waters of Dunmore East's protected cove, you can watch fishing boats glide past while Hook Head Lighthouse winks at you from across the bay. It's the sort of view that makes your Instagram followers think you've somehow stumbled into a movie set. The real magic of The Strand Inn happens when you realize it's not trying to be anything other than what it is - a proper Irish pub and inn that just happens to occupy one of the most enviable spots on Ireland's southeast coast. The building itself feels like it's grown organically from the rocky coastline, its whitewashed walls and blue-trimmed windows as much a part of the landscape as the seabirds wheeling overhead. Step inside, and you'll find yourself in a space that manages to be both cozy and airy at once. The scent of fresh seafood mingles with the salt air that drifts in through open windows, while the warm wood panels and comfortable seating invite you to settle in for the long haul. During summer evenings, the sunset creates an almost magical golden hour that transforms the entire place into something straight out of a painter's dream. The food here deserves its own poetry. The kitchen team at The Strand Inn treats local seafood with the reverence it deserves, turning out plates that are both sophisticated and satisfyingly hearty. Think perfectly seared scallops that were likely swimming in the bay that morning, or fish and chips that would make a seagull weep with jealousy. Even something as simple as their seafood chowder becomes a transcendent experience when enjoyed with a view of the very waters where its ingredients were sourced. What sets The Strand Inn apart from other Waterford establishments is its ability to be all things to all people without losing its soul in the process. In the morning, it's a sunny breakfast spot where both hotel guests and early-rising locals fuel up for the day. By afternoon, it's a bustling lunch venue where families, couples, and solo travelers break bread together. As evening falls, it transforms into an intimate dinner destination where the soft murmur of conversation mingles with the sound of waves against the shore. Dog lovers, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome both inside and out, making The Strand Inn a rare find in the world of upscale dining establishments. There's something wonderfully egalitarian about seeing a well-heeled couple sharing the space with a family and their muddy-pawed retriever who's just had the time of his life on the beach below. The rooms upstairs deserve special mention. While they might not be soundproofed like a modern hotel chain, what they lack in acoustic isolation they more than make up for in character and those million-euro views. Waking up to the sound of gentle waves and seabirds, with nothing between you and the horizon but glass and sky, is the kind of experience that makes memories stick. For those considering The Strand Inn as a wedding venue, you should know that it's become something of a sought-after spot for intimate celebrations. There's something rather poetic about exchanging vows with the wild Irish Sea as your witness, followed by a reception that your guests will be talking about for years to come. Whether you're a Waterford local or a visitor exploring Ireland's Ancient East, The Strand Inn offers something that's becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world - a chance to slow down and remember what matters. So next time you're anywhere near Waterford, take that scenic coastal drive to Dunmore East. Get yourself a window seat, order whatever fish is fresh off the boat, and let the rhythm of the waves remind you why places like this still exist. Just don't blame me if you end up extending your stay - it happens more often than you'd think.

Just what Kenmare needed - another pub claiming to be Ireland's hidden gem. Krugers Bar has been drawing tourists and locals alike with promises of "authentic atmosphere" and "perfect pints." I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck when my editor assigned me this review, but sometimes (and it pains me to admit this) the hype isn't entirely unfounded. Let's address the elephant in the room - Krugers Bar in Kenmare isn't exactly a secret anymore. With tour buses regularly disgorging their cargo of camera-wielding visitors, you might expect it to have succumbed to the dreaded tourist-trap syndrome that plagues so many Irish pubs. And yet... I found myself lingering longer than professionally necessary, nursing a perfectly poured Guinness while watching the afternoon light paint the room in honey-gold hues. The bastards actually know what they're doing here. The pub has managed that rare feat of remaining genuine despite its popularity - like that one friend who became famous but didn't turn into a complete tool. The interior is what every fake Irish pub in America desperately wishes it could be. Instead of shamrocks plastered on every surface and leprechaun merchandise haunting your peripheral vision, Krugers Bar in Kenmare offers an authentic accumulation of history that money can't buy. The vintage memorabilia adorning the walls hasn't been carefully curated by some interior designer from Dublin - it's been collecting naturally since 1936, like rings in a tree trunk. The prices are what you'd expect for a place that knows its worth without being insufferable about it. You're not being robbed blind, but neither is this a budget-friendly diving spot. The pints cost what pints should cost in 2025, and the satisfaction-to-price ratio is surprisingly favorable. Live music, when it's on, manages to avoid the usual "Danny Boy" tourist trap repertoire. Instead, you might catch anything from traditional sessions to contemporary Irish musicians who haven't sold their souls to the gift shop circuit. The acoustics work with the stone walls rather than against them, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening, even if you'd planned just one quick drink. The staff deserve particular mention, if only because they've mastered the art of being simultaneously efficient and unhurried - a skill set rarer than a quiet day on the Ring of Kerry. They'll serve you promptly but won't make you feel like you're on a conveyor belt, even when coach parties descend like locusts on a wheat field. Speaking of crowds, here's a pro tip: mid-afternoon on weekdays is your sweet spot. The tour buses have usually moved on, the locals are starting to drift in, and you can actually hear yourself think. The outdoor seating area, weather permitting (which in Kerry means "if it's not actively flooding"), offers views that make you understand why people cross oceans to visit this corner of Ireland. The amenities are thoroughly modern without being intrusive - yes, they take cards, and no, you won't have to trek to an outdoor facility that hasn't been updated since the Emergency. The bathrooms are clean enough to make you question if you're still in a pub, and the parking situation is remarkably un-anxiety-inducing for a popular spot in Kenmare. For those interested in more than just liquid sustenance, the food offering is... present. It's pub grub that knows its lane and stays in it. You won't be writing home about the culinary innovation, but neither will you be writing to your lawyer about food poisoning. It's honest fare that does its job of soaking up the Guinness. Look, I wanted to be cynical about Krugers Bar. I really did. It would have made for an easier review - something scathing about tourist traps and the commodification of Irish pub culture. But the truth is, despite the tour buses, despite the TripAdvisor stickers, despite my professional obligation to find fault, this place is actually... good. Really good. So here's my grudging recommendation: Go to Krugers Bar in Kenmare. Go when the sun is low and golden, when the music is starting to warm up, when the locals are mixing with the visitors in that peculiarly Irish way that makes everyone feel like they belong. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.

Perched along Kerry's wild Atlantic coast, Cable O'Leary's in Kenmare is the kind of place where stories begin with "You'll never believe what happened..." and end with lifelong memories. This isn't just another Irish pub - it's where the mountains meet the sea, where traditional music flows as freely as the Guinness, and where even the most jaded traveler finds themselves thinking, "Now this is what I came to Ireland for." The moment you step into Cable O'Leary's, you're struck by that ineffable quality that separates good pubs from great ones. The low-slung ceilings and weathered wooden beams speak of countless nights of craic and conversation, while the gentle murmur of local accents mingles with the clinking of glasses. But it's the back terrace that steals the show - a spectacular viewing platform where the Ring of Kerry unfolds before you like a postcard come to life. On summer evenings, when the sun paints the sky in watercolor hues, you'll swear you've found the best seat in all of Ireland. This Kenmare institution manages that delicate balance between tourist-friendly charm and authentic local haunt. The reasonably priced pints and honest pub fare won't break the bank, but the real value here is in the atmosphere. During traditional music sessions, the pub transforms into a living, breathing celebration of Irish culture. Local musicians, some who've been playing here for decades, create the kind of spontaneous sessions that marketing executives try (and fail) to bottle. You might start the evening as a spectator, but don't be surprised if you end up learning the chorus to an Irish folk song you've never heard before. The interior is a masterclass in Irish pub design - not the manufactured kind you find in airport terminals, but the real deal. Dark wood surfaces are illuminated by warm lighting, creating intimate nooks perfect for quiet conversations or passionate debates about hurling matches. Sports fans will appreciate the strategically placed screens showing important matches, though they never dominate the atmosphere. The pool table in the corner has witnessed countless friendly rivalries, while the bar itself - a gleaming wooden sentinel - has heard more secrets than a parish priest. What makes Cable O'Leary's special is its ability to shape-shift throughout the day. Afternoons see families enjoying the outdoor space, where kids can play while parents soak in the view. The evening crowd brings a mix of locals and visitors, creating that perfect pub alchemy where everyone's a regular after their second drink. The staff, despite the occasional bout of Kerry stubbornness (it's part of the charm, really), know how to read the room - whether you're there for quiet contemplation or lively conversation. The drinks menu is exactly what you want in a proper Irish pub. The Guinness is poured with reverence (and yes, they know to let it settle), the whiskey selection is impressive without being pretentious, and there's a solid range of local craft beers for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects. While the food menu might not be extensive, what they do serve is done right - the fish and chips have developed something of a cult following among locals and tourists alike. Live music nights are when Cable O'Leary's truly comes alive. The acoustics in the main room seem custom-built for traditional sessions, though they work just as well for the occasional contemporary band. There's something magical about watching the sun set over the Atlantic while fiddles and flutes weave ancient melodies through the evening air. It's the kind of experience that makes you forget to check your phone - and in 2024, that's saying something. Here's the thing about Cable O'Leary's in Kenmare - it's not trying to be the fanciest pub in Kerry, or the most innovative, or the most Instagram-worthy (though those sunset views are pretty hard to beat). Instead, it excels at being exactly what a good Irish pub should be: a welcoming space where memories are made, stories are shared, and everyone feels a little bit more at home than when they walked in. So next time you're winding your way along the Ring of Kerry, do yourself a favor and make time for Cable O'Leary's. Whether you're stopping in for a quick pint or settling in for an evening of music and merriment, you'll find yourself in good company. Just remember - the best nights here are the ones that happen naturally, so leave your itinerary at the door and let Kenmare's favorite pub work its magic.

Just what the world needs - another quaint Irish pub claiming to be the most authentic spot in County Cork. Casey's of Glandore in Clonakilty had me rolling my eyes before I even crossed the threshold. After all, how many "charming local haunts" can one corner of Ireland possibly sustain? But like a reluctant convert at a revival meeting, I found myself inexplicably won over by this stubbornly endearing establishment. Let's address the elephant in the room - the view. Casey's of Glandore sits perched above Glandore Harbour like some smug sentinel, commanding what might be the most irritatingly perfect vista in all of West Cork. The sun setting over the water while you nurse a pint? It's almost too on-the-nose Irish, like something from a tourism board's fever dream. And yet, there I was, watching twilight paint the harbor in watercolor hues, completely forgetting to maintain my carefully cultivated cynicism. The interior should be nothing special - just another traditional pub with the requisite dark wood and decades of stories soaked into its walls. But there's something about those wood-burning stoves in winter that makes resistance futile. The heat radiates not just warmth but an almost conspiratorial coziness, as if the pub itself is letting you in on a secret that only locals usually get to share. Speaking of locals - they're not the caricatures you'd expect. No one's trying to sell you on leprechaun stories or force-feed you tales of their great-grandmother's secret poitín recipe. Instead, you'll find yourself drawn into genuine conversations that flow as smoothly as the perfectly poured pints behind the bar. And those pints - let's talk about those for a moment. I've spent years cultivating a sophisticated palate and a healthy skepticism of any establishment claiming to pour "the perfect pint." But the Guinness at Casey's of Glandore (and yes, they do Murphy's too, this being proper Cork territory) is frustratingly excellent. The kind of pint that makes you question whether you've ever actually had a proper one before. At prices that make you wonder if they've somehow missed the last decade of inflation. The outdoor seating area should be a tourist trap, given that view. Instead, it feels like you've stumbled into someone's particularly well-positioned back garden. There's none of that desperate "look how authentic we are" atmosphere that plagues so many Irish pubs. Casey's doesn't need to try - it simply is. What's perhaps most infuriating is how the place manages to be both a legitimate local's pub and somewhere that welcomes visitors without either group feeling short-changed. The owners have mastered that delicate art of making everyone feel like they belong, whether you're a fifth-generation Clonakilty resident or just passing through in your rental car. The payment system has been dragged into the 21st century (they take cards, praise be), but everything else maintains an old-world charm that doesn't feel forced. The free street parking is a nice touch, though after a few pints you'd be wise to leave the car and enjoy a walk along the harbor instead. Don't come expecting gastro-pub pretensions or craft cocktail innovations. Casey's of Glandore knows exactly what it is - a proper Irish pub that serves proper drinks in an atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening. The fact that it does this without charging the earth feels almost like a personal affront to everything I know about modern hospitality pricing. For those wondering about timing their visit to Casey's of Glandore, sunset is the obvious choice, but I'd argue for late afternoon when the light hits the harbor just so, and the after-work crowd starts filtering in. That's when you'll catch this place at its most genuine, before it has any reason to put on a show. Look, I wanted to find fault with Casey's of Glandore. I really did. But sometimes you have to admit defeat and acknowledge when a place gets it right. So here I am, recommending you make the trip to Clonakilty and find this infuriatingly perfect pub for yourself. Just don't blame me when you end up staying longer than planned, making friends you weren't expecting, and planning your next visit before you've even left.

Looking for that perfect London pub where the vibes are immaculate and the memories are guaranteed? The Coy Carp Harefield is that hidden gem you've been dreaming of, tucked away in a picturesque corner of London that feels like stepping into your own personal fairy tale. Trust me, this isn't just another pub – it's your next favorite story waiting to happen. Picture this: you're sitting riverside, cold drink in hand, watching the world float by while the sun plays hide and seek through the trees. The Coy Carp Harefield has mastered that magical sweet spot between cozy local pub and destination-worthy hangout. And let me tell you, once you discover this place, you'll be making up excuses to return faster than you can say "just one more round!" Y'all. The OUTDOOR SEATING SITUATION HERE!!! Seriously, the riverside patio is giving main character energy in the best possible way. Whether you're planning an epic catch-up with your squad or trying to impress that special someone, this is where those "started as drinks, ended up staying for hours" kind of nights happen. The umbrella-covered tables are perfect for those moody London days when a little rain won't stop your good time (spoiler alert: it never does). Inside, the pub strikes that perfect balance between traditional charm and modern comfort. The decor is what I like to call "Instagram-worthy without trying too hard" – think warm wood, cozy corners, and just enough quirky touches to keep things interesting. And the best part? There's always this buzz in the air, like everyone's in on the secret that they're exactly where they should be. Let's talk about the food and drinks because OMG. Their menu is that perfect mix of pub classics done right and surprising dishes that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The starter deal (3 for £12) is basically the best thing that's ever happened to shared plates – and trust me, you'll want to share because FOMO is real when the food starts arriving at your table. The drink selection? *chef's kiss* We're talking perfectly poured pints, a wine list that'll make you feel fancy without breaking the bank, and cocktails that'll have you texting your friends "YOU NEED TO TRY THIS" before you've even finished your first sip. Dog parents, bring your fur babies! The Coy Carp Harefield is super pet-friendly, and let's be honest – dogs make everything better. Plus, there's something absolutely magical about watching your pup make new friends while you're living your best life on the patio. Here's some insider intel that'll make your visit even better: They take reservations (praise!), and you absolutely should make one for peak times because word is definitely out about this place. There's free parking (I KNOW, IN LONDON!), but just make sure you register your car at the bar to avoid any surprise love letters from the parking company later. The staff here? They're the kind of people who make you feel like you're at your best friend's house – if your best friend happened to run the coolest pub in London. Whether you need recommendations, want to switch tables to catch the last bit of sun, or are trying to figure out which dessert to order (spoiler: get both), they've got your back. Pro tip: If you're coming with a group, give them a heads up. They're amazing with larger parties, and trust me – you want that perfect table situation sorted before you arrive. Nothing kills the vibe quite like playing musical chairs with your squad. Listen, London is full of pubs claiming to be "the one," but The Coy Carp Harefield actually delivers on that promise. It's that rare spot where everything just works – the food hits right, the drinks flow freely, and the atmosphere makes you want to cancel all your other plans and just... stay. Don't be the person who has to hear about this place secondhand. Get yourself to Harefield and experience the magic of The Coy Carp for yourself. Your future self will thank you for making the trip, and your Instagram feed will never look better. Just remember who told you about it when you're living your best life by the river, drink in hand, making memories that'll last way longer than your last social media post. See you there! 🍻✨